2010 Lookahead: The Sacramento Region's politics
The last year in Sacramento-area politics featured a high-profile new mayor; little progress on a new Kings arena and downtown development; and massive state and local budget cuts. 2010 is an election year, but how much could it look like 2009?
Monday, January 4, 2010Judge Yanks Johnson's Strong Mayor Measure Off Ballot
A Sacramento County Superior Court judge pulled Mayor Kevin Johnson's strong mayor initiative off the June ballot Thursday.
Thursday, January 21, 2010California's Electronic Voting Booths Need An Upgrade But It Won't Be Cheap
The subject came up today (Monday) at a Sacramento public hearing about the future of voting in California.
Monday, February 8, 2010Big Money Talks: Special Interest Spending
The state’s political watchdog agency has released a new list of the 15 interest groups who’ve spend the most on elections and lobbying over the past decade. The grand total is more than one billion dollars. What are they getting for their money?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010Same Day Voter Registration In California?
If you’ve ever moved and forgotten to re-register to vote, this may resonate with you. A Democratic State lawmaker wants to allow Californians to register AND vote on Election Day. His legislation was approved by a Senate committee Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010Reading the Tea Leaves: What Impact Will Tea Party Movement Have In Election Year
As thousands of tea party activists rally in California today (Thursday), what sort of impact is the movement having on the state’s politics in this election year?
Thursday, April 15, 2010Single Ticket For Governor and Lieutenant Governor?
In California we elect the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor separately. But the state’s brand new Lieutenant Governor, Abel Maldonado says he’d like to change that.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010New Poll Shows Big Change in the Republican Primary Race
With less than a month to go before Election Day, a new statewide poll shows a dramatic shift in the dynamics of the G.O.P primary race for Governor.
Thursday, May 20, 2010Decline To State Voters On The Rise
In recent years more and more California voters are choosing not to register with any political party. Instead they’re choosing the undeclared or “decline to state” option.
Monday, May 24, 2010Proposition 16: Two-Thirds Voter Approval For Public Electricity Providers
Spokespersons for and against Proposition 16 discuss the ballot initiative in this 16-minute segment from "Insight."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010Independent Voters Push Parity For Non-Partisan Candidates
Members of an independent voter group are pushing lawmakers to change what they say are significant barriers to non-partisan candidates.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010Measure V: Proposes 1/4 Cent Sales Tax For Woodland
This measure would raise Woodland's sales tax by a 1/4 cent. Only a majority vote is required, but taxpayer advocates say it should need a two-thirds majority.
Thursday, May 27, 2010Proposition 15: California Fair Elections Act
The latest effort aimed at providing public financing for eligible candidates running in statewide elections.
Thursday, May 27, 2010Prop. 13: Property Taxes and Seismic Improvements
This year’s Prop. 13 also deals with property taxes, but its supporters say it’s aimed at making buildings safer during earthquakes without penalizing their owners.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010Why are Vote-by-Mail Ballots Coming in So Slow?
Election Day in California is just a week away, but so far, most vote-by-mail voters are hanging onto their ballots. Only around 15 percent have sent them in statewide. Why?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010Central Valley Congressional Seat Wide Open
Two veteran politicians with ties to the San Joaquin Valley are among the candidates battling for the republican nomination in the 19th Congressional Distict. The district includes parts of Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera and Fresno counties.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010Sacramento County Sheriff Candidates Forum
Current Sheriff’s department captains Scott Jones and Jim Cooper; former deputy Bret Daniels; and a write-in candidate, retired FBI agent Frank Scafidi face off with Jeffrey Callison serving as moderator.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010Sac Sheriffs Candidates: Deputy Pensions Unsustainable
The headline-grabbing race for Sacramento County sheriff is coming down to the wire. The four candidates appeared on Capital Public Radio’s Insight Tuesday in their final forum before next week’s primary.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010Proposition 14: Changing the Primary Process
Next week you’ll be asked to weigh in on a measure that would change primary elections in California: Proposition 14. Governor Schwarzenegger is a big fan – but some political parties fear it threatens their existence.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010Election Day Voter Registration Approved by the State Senate
A bill approved by the state Senate would allow Californians who haven’t registered to vote, to do so on Election Day. The bill’s author says it would boost voter turnout.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010Proposition 15: Public Financing Of Political Campaigns
Is political campaign spending is getting out of hand? Supporters of Proposition 15 say their initiative is the answer. It would lift California’s ban on public funding of campaigns. But opponents say taxpayer dollars shouldn't be used for politics.
Thursday, June 3, 2010Election 2010: All Four Sacramento City Council Races Competitive
A look at the four Sacramento City Council races up for grabs on Tuesday with Sacramento Bee City Hall reporter Ryan Lillis.
Thursday, June 3, 2010Fate Of Sutter Creek Project To Come On Tuesday
Some residents of the historic foothills town of Sutter Creek are divided over a local initiative on next Tuesday’s election ballot.
Thursday, June 3, 2010To Vote or Not To Vote
Tuesday's statewide primary election will either draw voters to the polls or inspire little interest. Elaine Corn spent a lunch hour at a coffee shop in East Sacramento to find out who's voting, who's not -- and why.
Friday, June 4, 2010Prop 16: Two-Thirds Vote to Expand Public Power
Proposition 16 on Tuesday’s statewide ballot has drawn some of the most heated discussion and debate this year. The measure would require two-thirds voter approval to create or expand local public electricity service.
Friday, June 4, 2010City's State Assembly Seat Up For Grabs
Who should represent the city of Sacramento in the State Assembly? Tomorrow, voters will choose from four Democrats who want the nomination in the heavily-Democratic 9th Assembly District. The district has been a pipeline to higher office.
Monday, June 7, 2010Prop. 17: Changing the Way Auto Insurance Rates Are Calculated
Proposition 17 on Tuesday’s ballot would change the way insurance companies calculate auto coverage. Its supporters say it will mean cheaper car insurance rates – but opponents say it’s a scheme to charge us more.
Monday, June 7, 2010In Woodland, Measure V Draws Scrutiny
A quarter-cent sales tax increase on the ballot in Woodland Tuesday is drawing a lot of attention.
Monday, June 7, 2010What Do Elections Officials Do the Day Before Primary Day?
Primary Day in California and Nevada is just a day away, and elections officials are scrambling to get everything ready in time.
Monday, June 7, 2010Election Preview: Sacramento County Races Up For Grabs
Four Sacramento city council seats, three county supervisor chairs, two assembly primaries and the long, bitter contest for Sacramento County sheriff. Those are among the local races that could be decided Tuesday. Or … they might not.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010Primary Elections are the Toughest for County Officials
Tuesday’s primary might seem like a bit of an afterthought to some voters, since it’s not a general election. But for elections officials, it’s perhaps their toughest challenge of all.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010False Start at the Ballot Box for Governor Schwarzenegger
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had some trouble at the voting booth today because of a ballot mishap.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Museum Doubles As Downtown Polling Place
Many downtown dwellers were poised to take in an exhibit or two after casting their votes this primary election.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Why Poll Worker?
Ever wonder what motivates someone to be a poll worker on Election Day? Chances are, it’s not the money – though you do earn a little something extra for your time.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Moore To Continue As San Joaquin County Sheriff
The incumbent sheriff in San Joaquin County will hold onto his job.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Davis Okays Extensions
Davis residents overwhelmingly approved two measures on the city ballot.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010An Historic Win in Republican Primary Race for Governor
Former Ebay CEO Meg Whitman handily won the Republican nomination for Governor with roughly 64 percent of the vote to Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner’s 26 percent. Whitman now faces Democratic Attorney General Jerry Brown in November.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Prop 14 Passes: Primary Elections Will Change
Voters have given the thumbs up to Proposition 14, which will change California’s Primary Election system. With the election barely concluded, a court battle is already brewing.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Prop 16 Too Close To Call
One of the most contentious ballot measures is still too close to call. Proposition 16 would require two-thirds voter approval to create or expand local public electricity service. Early Wednesday the measure trailed by 4 percentage points.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Sacramento County Sheriff's Race Headed For Runoff
It looks like the hard-fought and sometimes nasty race for Sacramento County sheriff isn’t over yet. The two highest-profile candidates, Captains Jim Cooper and Scott Jones, are heading for a November runoff.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Summary of Down Ballot Statewide Races
While the gubernatorial race grabbed all the headlines on Tuesday there were several other statewide offices being contested. Here's a quick summary.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Analysis: Candidates For Governor Must Change Tactics
California Republican voters have chosen billionaire Meg Whitman to square off against Democratic Attorney General Jerry Brown in the Governor’s race this November. Marianne Russ reports on lessons learned from this expensive primary and what's next.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Sacramento County Results in Tight Races
Sacramento County's elections results page is offline this morning. Here are selected results from contested races.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Computer Glitch Causes Lagging Results
Trying to get Sacramento County election results on-line last night proved challenging. It took hours to get the latest numbers.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Analysis: Too Much Money Spent On GOP Primary Race For Governor?
One political analyst says the GOP candidates for Governor spent more money than they needed to in the primary campaign.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Sacramento City Council Headed for Big Shake-up
With thousands of vote-by-mail ballots yet to be counted, two incumbents are at risk of losing outright – without a runoff. That would mark the first time since 1992 that a sitting council member lost a re-election bid.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Proposition Results
Two measures largely bankrolled by corporations have failed: Propositions 16 and 17.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Final Sac County Vote Totals Could Take a While...
Anxious candidates for Sacramento City Council and the state assembly will have to wait a while to learn their fate.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Governor Schwarzenegger Says Prop 14 Safe from Legal Challenges
Governor Schwarzenegger says he’s confident Proposition 14 will withstand any legal challenges. Opponents of the measure that revamps California’s Primary Process have promised to fight to overturn it.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010Tuesday's Council Results Suggest Balance of Power Won't Change
We don’t yet know for sure how the Sacramento city council races will shake out, with thousands of uncounted votes. But if the current results stand, the council will have three new faces in December. What does that mean for Mayor Kevin Johnson?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Previous Election 2010 Coverage
Statewide and Regional Coverage from Capital Public Radio News
- Wednesday, September 29, 2010 7:00 PM