For decades, it’s been an article of political faith – as well as law – that local government taxes designated for particular purposes require two-thirds approval by voters. The supermajority vote provision was created by Proposition 13, California’s famous – or infamous – property tax limit measure, passed by voters...
Landslide, Supermajorities, and Fat Budget Surplus: It’s Good to Be Gavin
The good news just keeps coming for California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. Not only did he win a resounding 60 percent-plus landslide, but he will be greeted by a two-thirds supermajority of fellow Democrats in both houses — more than sufficient to approve a tax increase. Not that he'll need it...
Democrats’ Total Control of State Legislature Hinges on Key Race
SACRAMENTO — Democrats' total dominance of the state Legislature likely comes down to a single state Senate seat in Tuesday's election. Republicans have held Senate District 12 for years, but incumbent Anthony Cannella can't run again due to term limits. Democrats were pinning their hopes on Assemblywoman Anna Caballero while...
Where Caballero, Poythress Stand on Issues in Pivotal Senate Race
All eyes in Sacramento are focused on the sprawling state Senate race that involves voters in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties, as well those on the central Coast. It pits two candidates ideologically apart on many issues: Democrat Anna Caballero, an assemblywoman from Salinas; and Republican Rob Poythress, a Madera...
This Is the State Senate Race All of California Is Watching
The state GOP has a lot riding on Madera County Supervisor Rob Poythress' run for state Senate. Keeping the 12th District seat in Republican hands is crucial to the party's effort to prevent a Democratic supermajority in California's upper chamber. Democrats are just as motivated to flip the seat blue,...