The California Democratic Party holds its convention this weekend in
Sacramento. State Treasurer Phil Angelides, a candidate for governor and
former chairman of the state party, hopes to receive the party’s
endorsement. How important is the party’s endorsement? If he receives the
endorsement, will it give new energy to Angelides’ campaign?

The latest Field Poll puts Steve Westly up by 11 points over Phil Angelides
in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, which surprised some political
observers. Has Angelides’ campaign misfired in a fundamental way, or is this
simply a question of a deep-pockets candidate, Westly, buying up a lot of TV
time? Can Angelides turn it around?

“Huge demonstrations are taking place across the nation over immigrants’
rights. Although immigration is a federal issue, there are state impacts.
Will these demonstrations force a fundamental political change in the
Capitol’s attitude toward illegal immigration?”

It has been reported that one of the most serious problems facing
California, the chronic state-budget shortage, is not being sufficiently
addressed in the campaign for governor. Is this true? Are any or all of the
candidates deliberately shunning tough fiscal issues?

“In the wake of the infrastructure bonds, the Legislature now gets back to
the business of working on legislation. What are the most important bills
facing the Legislature this year?”

After much wrangling, the governor’s proposed infrastructure plan went down
to defeat. What happened? Who is to blame?

I think it is all infrastructure to the public and can all be put in one.

It’s probably easier to pass a single, up-or-down vote. But as long as it’s on the ballot one way or another, it shouldn’t make

The conventional wisdom is that McClintock protects Schwarzenegger’s right
flank. Is this true? Does McClintock’s close association with Schwarzenegger
help either one? Is this round one of McClintock’s 2010 gubernatorial
campaign?

Rod Hickman, the ranking corrections official in California, abruptly
resigned his post Saturday. What happened here? Does his departure portend a
major shift in state correctional policy?

“The California Republican Party convention is scheduled this week in San
Jose. There has been much intramural squabbling among Republicans, including
a serious rift between the conservative wing of the GOP and the governor.
Some say that dispute has been resolved. Have the Republicans really buried
the hatchet?”