Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: There was an old ad slogan for a well-known brokerage firm: When EF Hutton talks, people listen. The sentiment survives today, with a slight modification: When Fiona Hutton talks, people listen. Hutton runs one of the state’s premiere public affairs firms, with a score of employees handling strategic planning, research & insights, media relations and more for a host of high-powered clients. Fiona Hutton and Associates celebrates their 25th anniversary this year, and Hutton joined us to talk about her early years as a one-woman (and a baby) shop, what it’s like to do this work in LA, and the challenges of being a woman in this business.
News
Following days of fervent online speculation, the San Francisco Chronicle today published allegations of sexual misconduct against Congressman Eric Swalwell, a leading candidate for Governor. The accusations come from a former member of Swalwell’s staff, who described predatory behavior, ranging from sexting to sexual assault, that began shortly after she started working for him. The Chronicle has not revealed the identity of the staffer.
Micheli Minute
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Capitol Briefs
In this week’s Capitol Briefs we look at a handful of bills lawmakers have under consideration as we head toward the April 24th deadline for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal committees fiscal bills introduced in their chamber.
Capitol Spotlight
The first Filipina elected to the Legislature, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza represents Los Angeles, serving a working-class, immigrant-heavy district. She has built her career on a simple idea shaped by her own experience: that government can transform lives when it works.
Micheli Files
We sometimes hear statements around the California State Capitol about codified versus uncodified laws. What’s the difference? In today’s Micheli Files Capitol lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli explains it all for you.
Experts Expound
Does Donald Trump’s endorsement of Steve Hilton ensure there won’t be an all-Republican gubernatorial runoff in November? Our panel of experts expound.
News
Two Republicans lead polling in the California gubernatorial race, but major prediction markets like Kalshi, Polymarket, PredictIt and ForecastEx all say it’s Congressman Eric Swalwell’s race to lose. Why are their predictions so different? Which is more likely to be correct? Might prediction markets and the wisdom of the crowds threaten pollsters who have taken a beating in recent elections?
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today’s guest is Sacramento Bee reporter Lia Russell. Russell covers the governor for The Bee’s Capitol Bureau, and was part of the team that broke the story of Dana Williamson’s arrest last year. We asked about that story, covering the capitol, and what it was like to cover politics in their earlier gigs in Bangor, Maine and Baltimore, Maryland.
Capitol Briefs
This week was the legislative spring break so there’s not a lot to report on, but we do have a few nuggets for you…in brief.
Fiona Hutton, of Fiona Hutton and Associates
