An amazing move: The controller, on his own dime, blocks lawmakers’ pay. A great decision and a boon for Brown or the first move in a constitutional crisis?

The only decision. Legislators: Shut up and deal.

Neither, the controller was in a proverbial box.  No clear deal in sight, but certain litigation follows.

Given

The new redistricting maps will be released Friday. Assuming – a big assumption – that more districts will be competitive, what does this mean for 2012? Will Democrats get a two-thirds control of the Legislature?

The maps do not guarantee the Dems two-thirds; they could get to two-thirds but they would have to do it

A “paycheck protection” initiative is brewing for next year’s ballot. If it qualifies, what impact do you think it will have on the election?

Unleash the hounds.

Ironically, “paycheck protection” will motivate the Democratic base to turn out more than the Republican base.

The same impact it always has: to rev up and turn

 “Whither Arnold Schwarzenegger? Does he do Terminator 4 and have success in the public arena or does he slink off into the sunset?”

Arnold Schwarzenegger “slink off into the sunset?” That’s like asking if a peacock will stop preening because he got dust on his tail feathers. Like a peacock, Arnold’s DNA is wired

“Is 2012 the year that Democrats win two-thirds majorities in the Assembly or Senate – or both?”

It all depends on two things: redistricting and the Top Two election format. If the Gaines race is any indication, all-cut budget types in the GOP will have a tough time selling their extremism, especially with Obama and

“Does anyone, anywhere see the possibility of a compromise agreement on the state budget? If so, what would it be?”

The possibility of compromise exists. Republicans aren’t so hidebound and moronic that every single one of them would hold out for the kind of draconian cuts necessary to balance the budget without some revenue enhancements.

The compensation commission, which zapped lawmakers’ state-paid cars, is considering eliminating per diem. Is this prudent fiscal policy or just more Legislature bashing?

Geez, honestly, I am ALMOST starting to feel sorry for them – and also for lobbyists – who will be asked for more contributions from clients to legislators’ campaign accounts to help

“The CTA (and some others, too) is urging Brown to forget the ballot and push for legislative approval of his tax plan. Brown says he still wants a budget election. What’s the best outcome here?”

The unions are afraid that should Brown go the initiative route that anti-tax advocates will put pension reform on the

“A ‘Hail Mary’ at the 11th hour? Gov. Brown goes on the road to sell his budget to the public. Why? Is he launching a campaign for his own ballot initiative?”

Road trips didn’t work for Arnold and they won’t work for Jerry.

This is the official launch of a signature-based ballot initiative.  The Gov

“The budget, what else? The negotiations have blown up with a bang. So what happens now?”

Severe and painful cuts.

Brown now has to do what he should have done in the first place – start collecting signatures for a ballot measure. He essentially wasted three months negotiating with and sucking up to Republicans, who