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What Does the New House Leadership Mean for California?
California's Congressional delegation is dominated by Democrats, but when the new session begins tomorrow in Washington their party will be in the minority. We talk with local Democrats Henry Waxman and Brad Sherman about what their loss of power means for California, and ask arch-conservative Republican Tom McClintock what he means by returning to the states "their rightful powers and prerogatives." Also, former Governor Schwarzenegger's clemency power. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, more on competing agendas and partisan strategies for the new era on Capitol Hill.
By Warren Olney • • 54m ListenCalifornia's Congressional delegation is dominated by Democrats, but when the new session begins tomorrow in Washington their party will be in the minority. We talk with local Democrats Henry Waxman and Brad Sherman about what their loss of power means for California, and ask arch-conservative Republican Tom McClintock what he means by returning to the states "their rightful powers and prerogatives." Will they still get federal money? Also, former Governor Schwarzenegger's clemency power and a former Assembly Speaker's son. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, tomorrow's Republican takeover of Congress will be heavy with symbols appealing to Tea Party stalwarts and other enemies of "Big Government." We hear about the strategy, the agenda and the prospects for Democrats to fight back.
Banner image: The US Capitol building in Washington, DC, where the new 112th Congress is due to be sworn in tomorrow, with the House being lead by House Speaker elect John Boehner (R-OH). Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesThe New Congress and California
What will the changes on Capitol Hill mean for California? The state got $50 billion from the President's 2009 stimulus bill, much of which went to bolster government programs and keep school teachers on the job.
Read the story22 minRepublicans in the House: A New Era on Capitol Hill
Republicans will be taking over the Congress tomorrow loaded for bear. Their goals include dismantling healthcare and finance reform and cutting $100 billion in federal spending. Their symbols include a reading of the Constitution on the House floor, an action that's never been taken before.
Read the story26 minSchwarzenegger's Final Day Pardons
On his last night in office, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reduced the prison sentence of Esteban Núñez from 16 years to seven. Two years ago, Núñez was involved in a knife fight at San Diego State University, during which a 22-year-old man was stabbed to death. Núñez is now 21.
Read the story6 min