California: George Runner

Well, it seems George Runner is branching out from just costing the state extra money in our prison system to costing our state money in our elections.  He recently filed what he has dubbed "VoteSAFE: Secure and Fair Elections Act" or as I like to call it, The VoteMORON: Mostly Obnoxious Runner Obfuscation and Negation Act. (I must admit I worked way too hard on that.)

It's a fairly standard attack on two sets of generally progressive voters. First, it requires ID for all voters at the polls, and then requires that people who vote by mail include the last four digits of their driver's license, California ID card, or social security number.

To be honest, I (Brian) actually typed open primary without even thinking.  I thought it was funny, so I left it.  Anyway, to some links and events

• The Monterey chapter of the NAACP is having an event on Saturday night at the Seaside Embassy Suites with Bill Monning to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NAACP.  More info at their website.

• Josh Richman has the scoop on Asm. Alberto Torrico  entering the very crowded AG race.  With this being one of the few open seats vacated at the state level, there might be a few more entries here.  In addition, largely crazy person George Runner is

As the rumors fly about the budget "deal" and whether any Republicans will actually vote for it, it seemed like the best move was to actually call up Republican offices and ask. sean mykael of Bear Flag Blue took the lead on calling the 15 Republican State Senators and we got some...interesting responses.

There were 5 outright "No" responses, from Sam Aanestad (SD-4), George Runner (SD-17), Bob Huff (SD-29), Dennis Hollingsworth (SD-36) and Mark Wyland (SD-38). Robert Dutton (SD-31) is leaning no.

Most responses fell into the "no position, haven't seen any details, but we oppose taxes." This includes Tony Strickland (SD-19) and Mimi Walters (SD-33) but also Jeff Denham (SD-12).

With a donation of $25,000 this week, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland signaled the beginning of a campaign to defeat two state propositions centered on state law enforcement spending and policy.

The center, which advocates for reforms in state criminal justice policy, donated the money to the No On Propositions 6 and 9 Campaign.

Zachary Norris of the Ella Baker Center said the donation is based on a belief that the two ballot measures would continue a failed system of incarcerating people with little chance of rehabilitation.