The recent debate over further economic stimulus in the US Senate has produced a predictable round of new infighting over budgetary philosophy from both the Democrats and Republicans, albeit one with special relevance for California’s people. 

Given the US public's deep dissatisfaction with the Democratic and Republican parties, numerous political commentators and prognosticators have suggested that the current political climate favors outsiders and the Independent. 

For California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, opposition to the Arizona immigration law has been strident.  Their reaction is quite typical, considering that their citizens and governments lean heavily Democratic. 

What if California could fix its enormous budget deficit with a single policy change that would potentially cut billions out of the state budget without sacrificing the quality of services that Californians receive?

Excerpts from an open letter by John Napier, CEO of British insurance company RSA, to President Obama: 

The 2010 race for California’s next governor may simply come down to the type of leadership that voters believe can get the state out of its current fiscal mess -- an experienced politician or a successful corporate executive.