After 10 years, the top-two California primary system is under fire again, but the problems may have more to do with political gamesmanship. A strategy in a state Senate district appears to have backfired.
Ben Christopher / CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Money wars: Special interests spend big in California primary
Independent expenditure committees funded by special interest groups are spending millions of dollars to make their picks in the California primary. In some races, they are clearly supporting or opposing candidates. In others, the strategy is more complicated.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What would Nathan Hochman do as California attorney general?
In a 70-minute interview, Nathan Hochman, a Republican former federal prosecutor, vows to end a “spiral of lawlessness” in California as he runs for attorney general. Hochman is seeking to finish in the top two in the June 7 primary against Democratic incumbent Rob Bonta.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What would Anne Marie Schubert do as California attorney general?
Anne Marie Schubert is running without a party affiliation for California attorney general, but has strong words for Democratic lawmakers and district attorneys. In a 75-minute interview with CalMatters, she vowed to take over for Los Angeles and San Francisco prosecutors if necessary.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Can a conservative break through for California attorney general?
Conservatives running for California attorney general make their case to break the Democratic stranglehold on statewide offices since 2006. Eric Early, Nathan Hochman and Anne Marie Schubert say that voters’ concern over crime and public safety will help them unseat incumbent Rob Bonta.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Between the lines: Hidden partisans try to influence California’s independent redistricting
California congressional districts are drawn by an independent citizens commission, but it’s hearing from candidates and party officials who don’t disclose their partisan affiliations.
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And the winner in the California recall is? ‘None of the above’
While Larry Elder clearly led all replacement candidates in the California recall election, he finished far behind none of the above — by nearly 20% with votes still to be tallied. Millions left that question blank — exactly what Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats wanted.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Democrats already moving to overhaul California recall process
The day after Gov. Gavin Newsom easily defeated a recall attempt, Democrats started a push to make the process more difficult. A variety of options are under consideration, including changing or increasing the requirements.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Polling error: How one survey changed the Newsom recall campaign
The early August survey suggested Gov. Gavin Newsom would get ousted — and scared Democrats and progressives into ramping up their efforts. Republican Larry Elder’s rise only fueled those fears.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Kamala Harris comes to Newsom’s rescue, whether he needs it or not
The vice president appears with Gavin Newsom to ramp up Democratic enthusiasm in the Sept. 14 recall election, as their political paths cross again at a moment of peril for Newsom.