Doug Johnson was recently quoted in an article in the Whittier Daily News about the Congressional bailout bill, and the voting patterns of local representatives. Doug comments on the important idea in political economy that small concentrated economic groups have it easier when influencing the political process. In this case it is the lack of… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Rose Institute
Opinion Piece in Los Angeles Times Supports Proposition 11
In a recent opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, an attorney in Washington whose specialty is election law, comes out in support of proposition 11. Stephanopoulos talks about the quirkiness of having citizens drawing the lines versus professional independent line drawers, but says that citizens would do a much better job than… Continue Reading
Opinion Piece at California Progress Report Supports Proposition 11
In an opinion piece on the website California Progress Report, Peter Stahl whole-heartedly endorses Proposition 11. He does an excellent job of explaining the ramifications and consequences of the current system of redistricting, particularly the influence on the level partisanship it has. The intense partisanship that the Governor complains about stems directly from non-competitive legislative… Continue Reading
Santa Cruz Sentinel Says Santa Cruz County Could Benefit From Proposition 11
A recent article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel talks about whether Santa Cruz County might benefit from the passage of Proposition 11. The article claims that Santa Cruz County lost out after the last round of redistricting in 2001. The last time the state’s legislative districts were redrawn, the county’s voice in Sacramento, at least… Continue Reading
LA City Leaders and Law Enforcement Endorse Proposition 11
According to PolitikerCa.com, a group of Los Angeles City and County political leaders, including the County Sheriff and District Attorny, as well as the City Controller, recently endorsed proposition 11. They claim the initiative will help to bring law enforcement priorities to Sacramento.  “As a County Sheriff, I know firsthand how state budget stalemates and… Continue Reading
Proposition 11 Campaign Critizes State Senate President Don Perata
According to PolitikerCa, members of the campaign for Proposition 11 recently criticized California State Senate President Don Perata in a press release and suggested that they have a debate about who has a “hidden agenda.” The press release was written by Jeanine English, president of the California AARP and one of the original backers of… Continue Reading
Pitney on McCain's Suspension of Campaign
In a recent article by Trend News Agency of Azerbaijan, Professor Pitney is quoted on the subject of McCain’s suspension of his campaign in order to be in Congress for any bills that attempted to remedy the current financial crisis. Pitney thinks the moves could pay potential dividends. According to the American political scientist John… Continue Reading
California GOP Chooses Not to Take a Position on Proposition 11
A recent San Luis Obispo Tribune article says that the California Republican Party recently decided at their fall convention to neither endorse nor denounce Proposition 11 this November. The party points out that their endorsement would probably be more likely to hurt the measure than help it since a Democratic charge levied against the initiative… Continue Reading
Opinion piece in Ventura County Star Supports Proposition 11
In a recent opinion piece appearing in the Venture County Star Stephen Lefevre, a political scientist at CSU Channel Islands strongly supports Proposition 11 for this election. He decries the undemocratic influence that has built up around the current process. Today, redistricting is a sophisticated science with expensive consultants using technology to gerrymander districts. Allowing… Continue Reading
Pitney on the Presidential Debate
Professor Pitney insight made it into an article that appeared in Newsday in New York recently. Pitney comments on the debate styles and how they may be reflective of each candidates Presidential behavior should they win in November. But political analysts and professors say that McCain’s and Obama’s actions and reactions have given voters a… Continue Reading