“The reality of the state’s finances is so bad that Gov.-elect Jerry Brown and other Democrats believe if they educate the public about the enormity of the problem, people will support new taxes to bring in money. Will this strategy work?”

You’re jumping the gun. The question presupposes an endgame that has yet to be

“Two of Brown’s key appointments are in – Diana Dooley to HHS and Ana Matosantos to Finance. Are there clues here as to how the rest of his administration will be set up? Any changes from Brown of 1975-83?”

It’s too early to tell. Both of these appointments appear to be good ones, but they

“The conventional wisdom is that the newly created independent redistricting commission will have a major impact on California’s existing, hyper-partisan political districts. What do you think?”

Even if the commission creates a dozen or so competitive districts it will be an improvement.  This combined with the open primary should, over a period of time, bring

Don Perata to chair of FPPC He should appoint people who will carry out his “at this point in my life” attitude and actually solve some problems instead of being activists who increase the polarization in Sacramento. Steve Cooley as his liaison to the Department of Justice, since he isn’t gonna be the AG. Warren

“Amid confusion, inconsistency and unprecedented campaign spending, California voters have spoken. But what did they tell us?”

Voters said, “Buzz off!”

They want limited, but efficient, government … managed by a professional, Jerry Brown. And they don’t want him to be high while he manages it.

They spoke from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: security, family,

“What has been the most significant, single event or issue thus far in the gubernatorial campaign? Why?”

Nicky.  Jerry should pledge Gloria Allred the first appointment to the Supreme Court.  That’s a woman who knows how to win a governor’s race.

Steve Poizner’s move to go public with Mike Murphy’s threat and stay in the

“We’re less than four weeks from the election. What do you think: Is the swirl surrounding Whitman’s former housekeeper a blip on the screen or a game changer?”

The bigger question is whether Whitman can connect with undecided voters.  If Brown wins, it will not be because he is liked or trusted, it will be

“Your thoughts on the debate? Who won, who lost – and does anybody care?”

We came. We watched. We needed a drink.

The choice would make even Thomas Hobson blush.

Jerry was loose and sometimes almost silly, while Meg gave Stepford-wife answers.  I can’t imagine that the debate changed anyone’s mind.

From the reviews it

“Going under the radar: What about Proposition 25, which cuts the necessary vote for a budget to a simple majority, instead of the current two-thirds? Early polls showed it way ahead. Is it really going to pass?”

Proponents spending pretty lavishly, although the Chamber crowd smartly combined it with their Proposition 26 in a no/yes

“The Brown-Clinton flap: A minor episode in the race for governor, or a significant event that voters will remember on Election Day?”

A macaca moment Brown could ill afford.

The ad itself is devastating. Brown’s apology and Clinton’s endorsement will never catch up to the ad for the millions who are seeing it every day.