California Insider

We’re hearing conflicting reports about what is going on today in the bond negotiations. Senate sources seem to think that the Assembly is close to a bipartisan deal that would include some money for dam construction and additional funds for projects aimed at improving air quality. But Republicans in the Assembly have not signed off on that deal, and even if they do, there is no guarantee that the Senate would approve it.

It seems as if the serial negotiations that the governor has undertaken might be part of the problem here, as he strikes a deal with one party in one house, then has to sell it to everyone else, who inevitably find fault in it and want changes. Guess that’s why they invented the “Big 5” method of negotiating with all the leaders at once.

For whatever reason, the governor did not appear until recently to be interested in a deal for the June ballot. But now that so much energy has gone into reaching that goal, it would be easy to see it all falling apart if they don’t get a deal done.

It would be a shame for the state, and the governor, if the parties came this close to agreeing on a package and then let it crumble. You’re not talking about ideological blacks and whites here for most members. These are definitely differences that can be split.

Rep. Elton Gallegly's late announcement that he does not want to seek another term in Congress has made a mess of 24th District politics in the west end of the San Fernando Valley. Election Law blogger Rick Hasen has an update.