Which Way, L.A.?
Is California's Democratic Party Keeping Up with Voters?
California's Democratic Party is led by an old guard. There is not a rift over issues, but young Democrats are wondering, "When are these people going to leave?"
By Warren Olney • • 23m ListenCalifornia's Democratic Party is led by an old guard. Both US Senators have served for 21 years. The Governor's running for his fourth term. There is not a rift over issues, but young Democrats are wondering, "When are these people going to leave?" With this year's party convention about to begin in Los Angeles, we talk about pent up ambition, the super-majority in Sacramento and the rise of the Independent voter. Also, new mortgage misery for California homeowners.
Later on To the Point, last year's rare, bi-partisan deals on spending limits and extending the debt ceiling eliminated threats of pushing the country over a "fiscal cliff." But this year's budget debate will be more interesting, rather than less. Both parties will have to reveal their priorities, at the risk of revealing internal divisions in the run-up to primary contests and November's general election.
Banner image: (L-R) Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Kamala Harris
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2 storiesIs California's Democratic Party Keeping Up with Voters?
California's Democratic Party will convene tomorrow night in Los Angeles to hear speeches and endorse candidates in this year's elections. A majority of the party is black, Latino or Asian and under 54. But their leaders are old, white people.
Read the story16 minMortgage Complaints on the Rise — Again
So-called "troubled mortgages" helped cause the Great Recession, and the biggest banks were forced into a $26 billion settlement with 49 state attorneys. The banks then sold billions of dollars worth of home mortgages to servicing companies. That's become a booming business, but Katherine Porter says it has "overpromised and under-delivered."
Read the story7 min
