From Steven Harmon’s article in the Mercury News: “It’s a struggle over who frames the debate,” said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College. “Is it the allegations of Jeff Denham’s conduct, or is it the outsider trying to muscle local people?” Continue Reading
Author Archives: Rose Institute
Douglas Johnson on Portantino's Return
From Fred Ortega’s article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune: But the assemblyman’s abrupt change of fortune surprised Douglas Johnson, a fellow at the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College. “Normally you don’t do something like that temporarily,” said Johnson of Portantino’s brief exile. “Maybe you would be put back… Continue Reading
Douglas Johnson on City Officials Supporting Ballot Measures
From Dan Abendschein’s article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune: Doug Johnson, a political fellow at Claremont McKenna College’s Rose Institute, said that staff and council members are free to support ballot measures, both financially and by volunteering, during their free time. “Supporting any issue when not on city time is perfectly legal for a… Continue Reading
Dr. Pitney discusses Gov. Schwarzenegger's Tax Plan
From Mike Zapler’s piece in the Daily Democrat: “It’s a very specific example of how the governorship has thrust reality into his face,” said John Pitney, a politics professor at Claremont McKenna College. “He is now faced with a choice between two very painful alternatives, and he may reckon that agreeing to a tax increase… Continue Reading
A Defense of those Defending Reform
John A. Smith has a posting at the California Progress Report defending Keeley and Panetta in their support of redistricting reform. Recently, a political consultant attacked Fred Keeley and Leon Panetta for their position in favor of the Independent Redistricting initiative. Whether you like the initiative or not, Keeley and Panetta are outstanding former lawmakers… Continue Reading
Voting Rights Act Criteria
Questions have come up on exactly what is the criteria under the Voting Rights Act that deals with redistricting. The Department of Justice summarizes Section 5 of the VRA here. This is an AP article regarding North Carolina is currently challenging certain provisions and the case is now at the Supreme Court. Also here is… Continue Reading
Dr. Frates on Local Government Car Allowances
From Matthew T. Hall’s article in the San Diego Union-Tribune: “I’ve heard people wax very eloquently on both sides,†said Steve Frates, a senior fellow at the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College. Continue Reading
Voters First Redistricting Reform Update
Dan Weintraub on Governor Schwarzenegger and Proposition 77: …Schwarzenegger’s goal was noble: To end a system controlled by political insiders that has helped polarize the Legislature into warring camps of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans. With district lines drawn to create safe seats for members of both parties, candidates for the Legislature merely have to… Continue Reading
Algorithmic Redistricting
Thanks to Shane Goldmacher of Capitol Alert for the link: Redistricting is an inherently political process, as the adage goes. So Brian Olson, a computer programmer whose Web site says he works for Google, designed a computer program to automatically draw district boundaries based on the principle that allows people to “have the lowest average… Continue Reading
Dr. Pitney on McCain's Fundraising in California
From Mary Anne Ostrom’s article in the Mercury News: While raising money, “he has to make it appear that he’s going to compete in California come the fall,” said Jack Pitney, a Claremont McKenna College government professor and former Republican political operative. Although given the competitive outlook in other easier states for Republicans, “at this… Continue Reading