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Political Data, Inc
Vice President of Political Data Inc, a bipartisan voter data firm; former Democratic political consultant
PROFILE
Paul Mitchell
Guest
FROM Paul Mitchell
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What California Democrats and Republicans can learn from the Georgia special election Republican Karen Handel won yesterday’s election in Georgia. It was the closest race in the GOP-held district in nearly 40 years. If Democrats weren’t already looking to the 2018 mid-terms to reclaim losses in last year’s election, they are now. Tuesday, a new super PAC called Fight Back California launched. Its mission is to flip seven California districts from red to blue in 2018.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Clinton Claims Victory, Sanders Digs In. What's Next? Hillary Clinton acknowledged the historic moment in a speech in Brooklyn, NY: it appears she’ll be the first woman in the nation’s history to be nominated by a major American political party to be president. But Bernie Sanders wasn’t having any of it. He barely mentioned Clinton at his rally in California, spending much more time on Donald Trump. And he stuck with his stump speech staples, healthcare and Wall Street, and vowed to press ahead to the final primary in Washington DC June 8th, and on to Philadelphia for the convention in July. When Sanders did finally mention Clinton, the crowd at the Santa Monica rally booed. What does this portend for the campaign going forward?
Which Way, L.A.?
Are Democrats about to Stage a Virtual "Coronation?" Since Barbara Boxer announced her retirement from the US Senate, Attorney General Kamala Harris is the only announced candidate. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has endorsed her. New York's Kirsten Gillibrand says she needs Kamala Harris "by my side." Hispanic leaders are saying, "not so fast." One of them is Tony Cárdenas, the first Latino elected to Congress from the San Fernando Valley and a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Which Way, L.A.?
A Political Earthquake Heading for Los Angeles County LA County is bigger than many American states and each of the five County Supervisors represents more than two million people. Their districts are so big and complex that election to four-year terms has made them almost impossible to challenge. The five current incumbents have office for a total of 100 years. But, in 2002, voters approved limits of three terms, or 12 years in office. For Zev Yaroslavsky and Gloria Molina , next year is the end of the line. While state legislative districts are now reapportioned by an independent commission, boards of supervisors do that job themselves. LA County's drew new lines in 2011, but Gloria Molina and Mark Ridley-Thomas raised minority voting rights issues. Now there are demands for the US Department of Justice to step in.
Which Way, L.A.?
Will New Voters Change California Politics? Two proposed tax increases for education, repeal of the death penalty and the prospects for a veto-proof Democratic majority in Sacramento: those are just some of what's on the California ballot tomorrow. Voter registration has reached a record of 18 million -- including 300,000 who signed up on October 22 — the last possible day to qualify.
Which Way, L.A.?
David Dreier Says He Won't Run Again Republican David Dreier of San Dimas won't run for a 16th term in Congress. As chair of the House Rules Committee , he's one of California's most powerful members. On the House floor this morning Dreier said, "The American people are asking for change," but that was a joke about low ratings in public opinion polls. In face, Dreier is the latest victim of reapportionment by a group of citizens who changed the rules. Paul Mitchell is a Democratic political consultant and the owner of Redistricting Partners.
Which Way, L.A.?
Did Democrats Dupe California's Redistricting Commission? In 2008, California voters gave a citizens commission the power to set boundaries for legislative districts, taking it away from the politicians. But the pols found a way back in, according to a story by Pro Publica. The investigative news outlet says political operatives gamed the system, to give democrats safe districts. Guest host Jim Rainey asks whether the Republicans were robbed. What about the citizens?
Which Way, L.A.?
Political Musical Chairs in California In the elections of 2008 and 2010, California voters created the first citizen's reapportionment commission in state history. Friday it finished its work and on August 15, it will take a final vote on district boundaries for Congress , the Assembly and Senate and the State Board of Equalization . One stunning consequence is that powerful Congressional Democrats Howard Berman and Brad Sherman will now be in the same district; and there likely will be a challenge by two African Americans who now live in the district just won by former LA Councilwoman Janice Hahn.
Which Way, L.A.?
Reconciling California's Congressional Districts The independent Citizens Redistricting Commission created by voters to draft new legislative and congressional districts released a set of new maps on June 10. But a second set, promised for tomorrow, has been withheld. Struggling to meet a final deadline of August 15, the fourteen commissioners are trying to reconcile the ethnic and racial requirements of federal law with state laws that say districts should be compact, reflect common interests and conform to the boundaries of cities and counties.
Which Way, L.A.?
Redrawing Congressional Districts in California On Friday, California's Citizens Redistricting Commission , created by voters, will make public 153 maps for new Assembly, Senate and Congressional districts. Preliminary drafts will be displayed on the group's website on Friday, June 10. What kind of changes are in store for LA?
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Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?