“Wall Street’s verdict on California’s political leadership is in: The state’s credit rating is now the lowest of the 50 states. So what happens now?”

Nothing.

Our credit rating deserves to be the lowest of the

“Regarding the state budget, should lawmakers and the governor wait on a bailout from Congress, or should they do the deed right now?”

Rome is burning…..Waiting on Congress shows a lack of fortitude to make the tough

“Given Barack Obama’s call to sacrifice, will California lawmakers and the governor accept deep cuts and tax increases to balance the budget?”

Yes.

The President’s call will have no impact on what California lawmakers do. Which

“Should we return to a part-time Legislature? The buzz is that Schwarzenegger is pushing the idea anew. What do you think?”

Here’s a novel idea: Let’s think of ways to make the current Legislature more effective rather

“Gov. Schwarzenegger, back from vacation, has postponed his State of the State Address until Jan. 15. He’s already unveiled his 2009-10 budget. What’s with the changes in timing — smart politics or a communications blunder?”

Instead of

“Given all that’s happened in this state in 2008, how would you rate Gov. Schwarzenegger’s effectiveness as a governor and politician?”

His acting career is looking better all the time.

He’s a show horse, not a

“On the theory that the less time you’re here, the less damage you can do: Is it time for a part-time Legislature?”

 I don’t suppose doing away with Democrats is a possibility.

That is the $41-billion

“The state’s fiscal mess is getting worse and, amid partisan rhetoric, nothing is happening. What exactly is wrong in Sacramento?”

Per diem pay for legislators.

The former Speaker of the Assembly just used the revolving door

"Politically speaking, what do you have to be thankful for (if anything)?"

No major elections in 2009.

I'm grateful for the Internet. Especially since the demise of California Journal, it has been hard to follow

“The intense controversy over Proposition 8 continues. The state Supreme Court is poised to weigh in. What do you think will be the ultimate fate of Proposition 8?”

 It will be overturned, then the U.S. Supreme Court