Many thoughtful assessments of the Top Two Open Primary proposal raise many of the issues considered by the California Independent Voter Project when researching election reform options over the past three years.

However, critics who rely upon a statistical analysis of Washington’s first year under their system (which is similar to the California proposal) reveal an honestly held bias that we believe results in missing the point.

Governor Schwarzenegger applauded the passage of a statewide cap and trade tax Tuesday, lauding the state’s Air Resources Board for drafting “the nation’s first cap and trade program,” according to a statement from the Governor’s Office. This is nothing that the governor should be proud of.

California has never been afraid to recall its political leaders.  The latest effort to recall GOP assemblyman, Anthony Adams, failed, but disgruntled citizens are targeting state senator, Bob Huff, next.  In an editorial, the LA Times scolds California Republicans for pursuing a counterproductive strategy that will hurt both the party and the state in upcoming budget talks.

In the ring of partisan politics, the California Democratic Party received a blow from one of its most faithful financial supporters.

The LA Times reports that Bill Lloyd, president of the Service Employees Union (SEIU) of California, warned that his union will cease funding the party for its support of a group no longer associated with the union.

Since word came down from high during the last school year that the University of California and California State University systems would be especially hard-hit with the ailing state budget, leaders in the state and within the CSU and UC systems have been scrambling for answers. Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico proposed AB 656, which will significantly tax oil company profits, to raise money for institutions of higher education in California.

Earlier this month, California lawmakers and Governor Schwarzenegger agreed to a five-pronged “solution” to the statewide water crisis.

As California suffers under 12.5% unemployment and is projected to run an astounding $83 billion worth of deficits over the next four years, billionaire GOP candidates, Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner, are playing the same old political games.  Now, this is not meant to be a partisan hit piece.  Both offer thought-provoking economic models, with Whitman focusing on job creation and spending cuts, and Poizner advocating his 10-10-10 plan of tax cuts, spending cuts, and a rainy day fund.

In a state facing yearly budget deficits, other victims have fallen prey to the California government's financial mismanagement.

In a move angering many students enrolled in the University of California education system, the UC Board of Regents overwhelmingly voted for a 32% tuition fee increase (or $2,500) effective summer 2010.

An LA Times article outlines the centrist make-up of the GOP candidate field for the 2010 gubernatorial race.  Much like Arnold, Poizner, Whitman, and Campbell are campaigning on a strong, fiscally conservative bent and a moderate stance on controversial social issues. Many pundits believe Jerry Brown, if he runs uncontested on the Democratic side, will attempt to launch a more centrist campaign as well.