The state legislature nicknamed California "The Golden State" back in 1968.  Although politically and socially the "land of milk and honey" was experiencing turmoil due to riots, assassinations, and walk-outs, both economy and industry developed a burgeoning middle class and housing market.  Although anti-communist Ronald Reagan presided over the state in 1968, this historic year shows the dramatic social and political changes that would lead California onto the path of destruction.

Representing 20% of the state's electorate, Independents are the only growing bloc of voters in California.  According to the latest poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), Independents could serve as a key indicator for next year's mid-term elections.  Here are some of the pertinent highlights on several, critical statewide and national issues:

Top issues for 2010-

For centuries now Americans have made several truly unique, earth-shattering, game-changing contributions to the world, often in the form of ideas. One of those ideas is Federalism: government doesn't all have to be in one place or consist of a single monolithic body. There can be multiple levels of government with distinct jurisdictions, roles, and responsibilities.

Individuals and businesses continue to flee the golden state.  Last year, California lost another 98,000 residents, continuing a trend long in the making over the last decade.  Even despite a housing crash and 10% nationwide unemployment, Californians are still leaving in droves.

As California's economy continues to languish, China is becoming an economic powerhouse.  According to official government estimates, China has likely overtaken Japan as the world's second largest economy.  Just four years ago, China's economy passed Great Britain to become the world's fifth largest economy.

As I campaign up and down the 36th congressional district, I hear the same question over and over- What are you going to do to create jobs?  I tell people that I will continue to work for a "Green New Deal", modeled after the New Deal of the Great Depression.  With approximately $200 billion left over from the $700 billion Wall St. bailout, known as TARP, we have an opportunity to use the bailout money for the common good, namely to invest in a sustainable economy.

Although Governor Schwarzenegger is one of the very few Republicans supporting Democratic-led healthcare reform, he has issued a letter outlining a number of fiscal concerns to House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and the California congressional delegation.  With the golden state mired in yet another crushing budget deficit, here are his most pressing concerns:

1.  The bill would cost California $3-$4 billion a year in Medicaid expansion.

According to a California-based think tank, politicians continue to skirt campaign finance laws to raise millions of dollars.  According to LA's Center for Governmental Studies, legal defense funds, inaugural and leadership committees, donations to favored charities, political party contributions and reimbursed travel expenses are among the "tricks of the trade" used to subvert campaign finance regulations.  

Governor Schwarzenegger is demanding $8 billion in federal aid, or else he promises to enact massive cuts to a $21 billion budget deficit. Both Schwarzenegger and Senate President Pro Tem, Darrell Steinberg, are lobbying the Federal Government for billions to plug yet another monolithic state budget gap.

Not your typical Republican, John Dennis is adopting an unorthodox strategy in his bid to unseat Speaker Nancy Pelosi in next year's congressional mid-terms.  Many political pundits would consider his campaign a long shot, especially in the more liberal domain of San Francisco, but rising voter discontent and a 27% congressional approval rating may set the stage for some potentially spectacular upsets.