The San Jose Mercury News had an article recently from the Associated Press characterizing the battle over Proposition 11. The article mentions that Schwarzenegger has tried to capitalize on any potential negative opinion in voters after the budget battle. Politically, the timing couldn’t be better. Schwarzenegger is hoping this summer’s record-long budget stalemate will persuade… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Rose Report
Research at PPIC Says Redistricting Not to Blame for Partisanship in Sacramento Bee
A recent opinion piece at the Sacramento Bee by Eric McGhee at the Public Policy Institute of California says that there is no evidence that the 2001 redistricting of California caused increased partisanship in Sacramento. Referencing a report that came out earlier this year, Mr. McGhee says that if you measure partisanship by certain legislative… Continue Reading
San Francisco Chronicle Article Redistricting and Legislative Control
A recent San Francisco Chronicle article claims that Democratic party members are concerned about the possibility that Proposition 11 may impede their ability to take greater control of the California state legislature. More quietly, Democratic leaders argue that a change in the redistricting rules would be bad news for the party, which controls the current… Continue Reading
Professor Pitney on Joe Biden
Professor Pitney recently weighed in on the subject of Joe Biden as a Vice Presidential candidate choice in the Austin American-Statesman. Pitney comments as to Obama’s goals by selecting Biden: “He was hoping for somebody who would appeal to working-class voters and add foreign policy expertise to the ticket,” said John Pitney, professor of government… Continue Reading
Contra Costa Times Supports Proposition 11 in Redistricting Editorial
In an editorial entitled “Proposition 11 Would End Conflict of Interest in Redistricting,” the Contra Costa Times endorsed Proposition 11. The Times looks hard at the number of seats that change party hands in elections: New faces appear from time to time because of term limits, but the political parties do not change. In 2004,… Continue Reading
Doug Johnson on Congressional Voting and Bailout Bill
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
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