Image by Associated PressANALYSIS – The last few weeks have been turbulent to say the least. With the dust starting to settle a bit, Political Data Inc.’s Paul Mitchell has a look inside the numbers to tell us what all this chaos could mean for the upcoming presidential election.
Psychology Of Aging, image by wildpixelAge played a major role in Joe Biden stepping away from another campaign, but he is just one of many state and federal elected officials of advanced age, including Republican nominee Donald Trump. So the question for our expert panel is this: Should there be an age limit for elected officials?
Kamala Harris speaking with attendees at the 2019 National Forum on Wages and Working People hosted by the Center for the American Progress Action Fund and the SEIU at the Enclave in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Gage Skidmore.CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Political data expert Paul Mitchell has been polling Joe Biden’s support in California since the president’s disastrous debate performance on June 27. The numbers were not pretty for Dems, with Biden underperforming his 2020 results, and appearing to create a drag on support for Dem candidates across the board. Would another candidate be stronger? On Friday, that was a hypothetical question, but no more.
Assemblymembers Anthony Rendon and James Gallagher. Photo by AP. A new California Assembly committee is exploring the reasons why some people are happier with their lives than others. Headed by former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), the Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes has had two hearings this year.
Lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Derek Kirk, photo by Capitol WeeklyDerek Kirk’s greatest strength, according to the Gallup Strengthsfinder test, is WOO, or “winning over others.” In Kirk’s short but impressive career, this judgment rings true.
Image via iStockAs readers might anticipate, there are extensive rules of punctuation when drafting legislation in California. First, as a general bill drafting guide, the rules of English grammar, including punctuation, usually apply to legislative drafting.
CIRM CEO Jon Thomas. Photo by CIRM. Jonathan Thomas, the man just named as the new CEO of the $12 billion California stem cell agency, could borrow an old line from Mark Twain. Reports of his “demise” were greatly exaggerated.
Jeff Walters, photo by Capitol WeeklyWhether state senators are discussing legislation, leading a press conference, or giving a presentation, official Senate photographer Jeff Walters is often called on to capture the scene. He is one of the most recognizable faces at the Capitol and has taken photos of just about everybody, from Paris Hilton to the Dalai Lama.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we introduce a new series of interviews with the 2026 California gubernatorial candidates. First up, California gubernatorial candidate Betty Yee. Yee boasts two decades of public service, beginning with a stint on the Board of Equalization and followed by two terms as California State Controller (2015-2023). Yee announced her candidacy for California governor in March 2019. We spoke with her in May about her campaign, about the 2024 elections, and what unique perspectives she brings to the race.