Which Way, L.A.?
An Annihilated California GOP Looks to Latinos for Help
The Republican Party is practically out of business in California. They now recognize that they must reach out to Latinos, the fastest growing block of voters in the state.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenDemocrats now hold both California's US Senate seats, almost three-fourths of the Congressional delegation, and all the statewide elected offices. They're on the verge of supermajorities in both the state Assembly and Senate. Even Republicans say they're becoming irrelevant. Eighteen years ago, they offended Latinos -- the state's fastest growing voting bloc. Is there any chance they can turn that around? Also, the LA City Council has tentatively approved a retail sales tax increase for the March ballot, while doing a favor for real estate interests. But the two council members running for Mayor said, "No." On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, the FBI investigation of the CIA turns to the Pentagon.
Banner image: Barack Obama/flickr
In this episode
3 storiesReal Estate Tax
The LA City Council today voted to put a retail sales increase on the March ballot. Speaking with KCRW's Saul Gonzalez, Council President Herb Wesson reiterated the city's freeze on hiring and pay reduction for new police officers, saying, "We think that this would be an appropriate time for us to ask the voters what do they think."
Read the story7 minWill Latinos Rescue California's Republican Party?
In 1994, Republican Governor Pete Wilson won re-election with Proposition 187, which denied almost all state services to illegal immigrants. It was finally thrown out by the courts, but Latinos have never forgotten.
Read the story19 minThe FBI, the CIA and Now, the Pentagon
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says one of the women associated with former CIA Director David Petraeus exchanged tens of thousands of pages of e-mails with General John Allen, Commander of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, nominated to be Commander of NATO in Europe.
Read the story25 min
