"Passion at polls? Democrats look to widen Sacramento advantage"

Great to talk to Melody Gutierrez for this one. 

Jessica Levinson, a law professor who teaches political ethics at Loyola University of Los Angeles, said the criminal cases could help Republicans this election.

“It’s a great talking point to voters to say 8 percent of the state Senate faced indictment or conviction and they were all Democrats,” Levinson said. “They were three separate scenarios that happened at the same time, but we have six more weeks to go and I think that’s something we will hear more about.”

...

While candidates work hard to mobilize voters, Levinson said there appears to be an overall apathy.

“The story line is we are fighting so hard to get a few voters out,” she said. “I think we are going to see record low voter turnout. It’s sort of the, 'Oh, yeah, we have an election’ election.”

"Walmart's Plan To Encourage Political Donations Violates Election Law, Groups Claim"

Great to speak with Jillian Berman for this one in the Huffington Post. 

Though the FEC commissioners probably didn't envision a setup like Walmart's when they first approved charitable matching donations, that doesn't mean it's illegal, according to Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, who studies election law.

"Does the ratio raise some eyebrows? Yes. Does this directly fly in the face of the statute? I don't think so," Levinson said. "Welcome to the world of campaign-finance laws, where no one knows what loopholes will be used."

"E-mails suggest Mike Honda’s staff mixed fundraising, House work"

Always wonderful to speak with Carla Marinucci. Click here for the story. 

'Pay to play’

Jessica Levinson, a law professor who teaches political ethics at Loyola University of Los Angeles, said the e-mails are suggestive of “pay to play” politics.

“As far as I can see, those are clear violations and worth talking about,” she said.

But she said the impact on Honda’s campaign — even if it is found to be a violation — could be minimal because voters have become numb to the connection between campaign donations and official business.

“Voters say, 'Tell me something I don’t know,’” she said. “They say, 'Of course they’re organizing their official duties according to what will benefit their campaign — and of course, people with more money will have access to more officials,’” Levinson said.

Not hot-button issue

“But campaign finance and election law issues don’t really get people to the polls.” Levinson said. “It’s more about, 'What have you done for me lately?’”

"Red-light camera contractor spent thousands on meals for Sacramento County and CHP employees"

Great to speak with Tony Bizjak of the Sac Bee for this one.

Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson, a government ethics expert, said the scenario doesn’t appear to be illegal but that it does prompt questions about whether the contract process was fair.

“Even if it is not a corrupt relationship, it doesn’t look good,” said Levinson, who is a member of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission. “It tells a story of a company trying to curry favor with the government and tells the public that government is where people go who can pay to play.”

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/09/21/6723295/red-light-camera-contractor-spent.html#storylink=cpy

Expand free speech by limiting political money

Here is my latest op-ed in the Sacramento Bee. 

Here is an excerpt:

But I have something to tell you. There is no tooth fairy, Santa Claus does not exist, and money is not speech. Seriously, it just isn’t. Money facilitates speech. Money allows politicians and political committees and others to reach a wider audience with greater frequency. Let’s stop this nonsense. Money and speech should not be treated as equivalent.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/09/21/6721114/jessica-a-levinson-expand-free.html#storylink=cpy

"Neel Kashkari speech in 'hangover slot' at state GOP convention"

Always wonderful to speak with Carla Marinucci.

"That's the hangover slot," said Jessica Levinson, a law school professor who teaches political ethics at Loyola University of Los Angeles.

The prime speaking slots, which traditionally garner the most media coverage, are going to a pair of nationally prominent Republicans. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a possible presidential candidate in 2016, will star at the Saturday luncheon, and newly named House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield will headline the Saturday evening dinner.

Kashkari, on the other hand, is being grouped in the Sunday post-breakfast general assembly with other candidates for statewide office.

With polls showing Kashkari 21 points behind Gov. Jerry Brown and running on fumes against the Democrat's $22 million bankroll, it may be no mystery why he isn't getting star billing or more robust grassroots backing, Levinson said.

"I do think he's trying to move the party toward the center," she said. "But a candidate who will lose badly and is not being embraced by the party is not revolutionizing."

Levinson said that among activist Republicans, there's more excitement for other statewide candidates like Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, running for state controller - who will speak at a Friday night event highlighting GOP women - and secretary of state candidate Pete Peterson, because both are within comfortable distance of their Democratic opponents.

"Jerry Brown surges ahead with the 'non-campaign' campaign"

Always wonderful to talk to Carla Marinucci of the SF Chron. More on Jerry Brown's non-campaign here. 

Brown's strategy is "a non-campaign, which makes it a very smart campaign," said Jessica Levinson, who teaches political ethics as a law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

The 76-year-old Brown, who first held statewide office in 1971, "doesn't need to introduce himself" to voters, Levinson said. "He has better name recognition than anyone else in the state. His platform is totally known. He's been governing since the Earth cooled."

And clearly, she said, "he's running against someone people don't even know."

"Political Reform's 40th Anniversary: A Dynamic Look at the Past, Present and Future"

Looking forward to speaking at this!

"New finance disclosure tool lists top campaign spenders"

Wonderful to speak with Melanie Mason at the Los Angeles Times for this piece. 

Jessica A. Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola Law School, said the format of the top 10 supporters and opponents “is a way of getting the voters cues about what these ballot measures really do.”

“Most voters will figure [for example] ‘my interests are generally aligned with Realtors or environmentalists,’” she said. “For a lot of people, that shortcut is a lot more useful than going through the proposed language [of the measure], which is frankly not as accessible.”

The law also seeks to curb anonymous political spending by requiring an organization to reveal its donors if it spends or contributes at least $50,000 in one year or more than $100,000 in four consecutive years.

"Prosecutors ask judge to sentence Richard Alarcon to 180 days in jail"

Great to talk with Soumya Karlamangla for this piece in the Los Angeles Times.

Jessica Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola Law School, said the recommended sentence for Alarcon seems reasonable given the nature of the crime. Because these aren't violent crimes, prosecutors are less likely to push for the maximum possible sentence, she said.

"In a lot of ways, the victory is the conviction," she said. "It's the idea that you did this, you broke the law, that's a problem, and you will face some sort of punishment."

"California Debate: No Knockout Moment for Kashkari"

Great to speak with Alejandro Lazo at the WSJ for this one.

“He showed himself to be a very prepared and articulate debater. I don’t know what Neel Kashkari is going to run for next, but I don’t think he hurt his cause,” said Jessica A. Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles who focuses on government.

"Sen. Roderick Wright’s sentencing delayed a third time in voter fraud case"

Good to talk with Nick Green at the Los Angeles News Group for this one.

"Obama approval rating slumping even in bluest of the blue California"

Great to talk to Dan Wood of the Christian Science Monitor for this one. 

Whatever the cause, a slump in popularity in the bluest of the blue states "may mean that President Obama's coattails are increasingly small," says Jessica Levinson, professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. 

Off year elections and voter turnout

Had a great time on NBC4 with Conan Nolan talking about off-year elections and voter turnout. Link here...

"GOP challenger tries novel tactics against Brown"

Wonderful to speak with Juliet Williams of the AP for this article. 

"He's been independent enough to convince them to come out for him, so add that to name recognition, being an incumbent and fundraising prowess, and I think you have a very strong incumbent," said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles with expertise in state politics.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/government-politics/article1320473.html#storylink=cpy

"California senators’ final-month fundraising down from 2013"

Good to talk to Jim Miller of the Sac Bee for this one.

Jessica Levinson, a campaign finance and ethics expert at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said she expects senators’ fundraising to be back to normal as soon as the session ends.

“I think the purpose of the prohibition isn’t to limit the total amount of money,” Levinson said of the Senate end-of-session restrictions. “It’s because there’s something so unseemly about money being raised so close in time to votes.”

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/08/27/4090673/california-senators-final-month.html#storylink=cpy

"California State Senators Roderick Wright, Ron Calderon use campaign money to pay legal fees"

Quoted in this one in the Daily Breeze. 

But Jessica Levinson, professor at Loyola Law School, said legal defense funds aren’t all bad.

“I think that people who avail themselves in a public forum are more susceptible to suits,” Levinson said.

“Ron Calderon and Roderick Wright are not the poster children (for legal defense funds),” she said. “There are other situations to allow legislators to raise funds so they don’t have to bankrupt themselves to defend lawsuits.” Calderon has received contributions from PG and E: $7,500; Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy, a political action committee that receives most of its money from large corporations, $5,000; BNSF Railroad, $3,000; and Independent Insurance PAC, $3,000.

"How Jerry Brown ‘free ranges’ for advice"

Great to talk to David Siders at the Sac Bee for this one. 

There is also no official list of the people Brown consults, and “the public has no idea who these people are,” said Jessica Levinson, a campaign finance and ethics expert at Loyola Law School inLos Angeles.

To Levinson, though, this concern is tempered by the breadth of opinions Brown solicits.

“The fact that there are a lot of people should be comforting,” she said. “No one person has a stranglehold over a specific issue.”

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/08/24/6649492/how-jerry-brown-free-ranges-for.html#storylink=cpy

"Mega Millions jackpot reaches $180 million"

The AP.

"Buck for your ballot? Los Angeles considers offering cash prizes for voting"

Talked to Fox News for this one.

Prizes for Votes?

Here is a link to my appearance on Fox 11. 

Los Angeles Ethics Commission wants to pay you to vote...Really

Here is a link to my appearance on AirTalk today.

"LA Panel Recommends Chance At Cash Prize To Boost Voter Turnout"

Here is my appearance on the local CBS news.

Why shouldn't California voters get to weigh in on Citizens United?

My latest op-ed in the Los Angeles Times is now up.

Here is the first paragraph:

Got an opinion about the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission? Feel free to weigh in, just not on the November ballot.

LA Ethics Commission "wants L.A. to look at using prizes to boost voter turnout"

Good to talk to David Zahniser at the Los Angeles Times for this one.

California Supreme Court Ruling on Prop 49

California Supreme Court rules on Prop 49, the Citizens United advisory measure here.

"Corporate Lobby ALEC Aims at U.S. City Councils With New Group"

Good to talk to Tim Jones at Bloomberg News for this one.

“There’s a lot of money to be made in local government,” said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles who specializes in campaign finance.

Levinson said that for the new group, “privatization makes perfect sense, working hand in glove with corporations makes perfect sense, moving the agenda or expanding the agenda to county and city makes perfect sense.”

... 

As for the American City County Exchange, its next goals are gathering more members and honing ideas to pitch to local officials, Russell said.

“People are realizing that a lot of work happens at the local level,” said Loyola’s Levinson.

"Legislation would require automatic recounts in very close statewide finishes"

Here is the article about the new proposal.

And here is my op-ed in the Sacramento Bee on the topic.

LA County Sheriff's Race: Jim McDonnell v. Paul Tanaka

Here is my interview on ABC7.

"On heels of big lawsuits, teacher tenure looms as a likely 2016 presidential issue"

More here.

Jessica Levinson, a political analyst and professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, argues that tenure could at the very least be part of the 2016 debate, considering the country’s public education system in general is “always a talking point.”

Moreover, she argues, Americans continue to wrestle with the difficult question: “How do we give our kids a good education while retaining the best people and getting rid of the bad ones?”

...

“Liberals and Democrats typically understand that teachers unions will support them,” Levinson said earlier this week. “But it’s definitely a difficult situation for them. They have to thread the needle... Republicans never thought they would get that support.”

Teacher Tenure: Taking it to the Courts

Here is my latest op-ed (originally posted on Politix, and cross-posted on the Huffington Post).

"Gov. Brown's Mexico trip provides business, lobbying opportunities"

Good to talk to Chris Megerian for this piece with Melanie Mason. 

Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School, said that changing how the trips were funded wouldn't stop special interest money from flowing to politicians in other ways.

"I don't see a perfect solution here," she said.

"Sacramento, where water hogs like Nestlé profit and residents pay fines."

Great to talk to Cosmo Gavin of the News Review for this.

“My No. 1 reaction is, ’Wow that’s really awkward,’” says Jessica Levinson, an election-law expert and professor at Loyola Law School.

The fact the city pays someone to assist Johnson’s private organizations already raises a few ethical issues. But can anyone reasonably, honestly say that Cassandra Jennings’ job will carry no weight whatsoever when Rick Jennings is asked to vote on the mayor’s agenda?

Of course not. Still, like much of what this council does, it’s dubious but not flat-out illegal. “The question really becomes one of wisdom and appearance,” says Levinson. After all, if the city attorney didn’t see a problem, it must technically be OK, right?

Still, Levinson says, “People are entitled to ask whether their representatives are serving two masters.” They may or may not get answer. Neither Jennings nor the mayor’s office responded by press time.

"In Kern County, Voting Rights Bill Meets Opposition"

Great to talk to Kerry Klein of Valley Public Radio for this one.

Last week, the Kern County Board of Supervisors went on record against AB 280.  It’s a California bill that would require counties with high minority populations to get approval from Sacramento before making major changes in election procedure. 

For instance, before moving a polling site location, Kern County would need to get the ok from the California Secretary of State to ensure that it’s not discriminating against minorities and low-income voters.

Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez says that would be far too costly.

Perez: "The process by which the county would have to engage in determining these sites, getting them to the Secretary of State very early on, would really impose a remarkable burden on our elections division, it would be very expensive."

According to Perez, moving polling locations could cost the county as much as $700,000 per major election.  She says the county supports the spirit of the bill, but it’s just not practical.

At this point, Kern County has no say in whether or not the bill passes.  But Jessica Levinson of Loyola Law School says the county’s opposition is more than symbolic.

Levinson: "Kern County coming out and saying this is going to be too costly, it’s going to be too time consuming, could give some politicians who are predisposed not to want to vote for the bill anyway, some cover, or it could sway some people who are on the fence."

Levinson says that in some jurisdictions, legislation that protects voters is needed—and that some states are already feeling the vacuum left behind by the federal Voting Rights Act.

Levinson: "That’s why we see so many voting rights changes.  We see elimination of early voting, we see changes in registration laws, we see a number of states implementing voter ID. So we see a lot of proposals or laws that make voting more difficult."

Under the federal Voting Rights Act, 4 California counties had been singled out as needing voter protections. Under AB 280, any county with a minority population of more than 20% would qualify.

AB 280 has passed the State Assembly and is currently in the Senate.

"On heels of big lawsuits, teacher tenure looms as a key 2016 presidential issue"

Wonderful to talk to Joe Weber at Fox News for this one.

Jessica Levinson, a political analyst and professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, argues that tenure could at the very least be part of the 2016 debate, considering the country’s public education system in general is “always a talking point.”

Moreover, she argues, Americans continue to wrestle with the difficult question: “How do we give our kids a good education while retaining the best people and getting rid of the bad ones?”

...

“Liberals and Democrats typically understand that teachers unions will support them,” Levinson said earlier this week. “But it’s definitely a difficult situation for them. They have to thread the needle... Republicans never thought they would get that support.”

"Richard Alarcon's fall from Valley political leader to convicted felon"

Wonderful to talk with Alice Walton of KPCC for this story. 

"Richard Alarcon is not a political novice. He has spent a lot of time in different political offices. I think he was well aware of the residency requirements," said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School.

...

Alarcon's conviction could land him in state prison for up to six years. He could also be banned from running for office again. But according to Prof. Levinson, it may be too soon to write Alarcon's political obituary.

"A lot of politicians have a kind of phoenix-rise-from-the-ashes story... so we'll see," Levinson said.

"Alarcon jurors were split, argued for days over criminal charges"

Good to talk to Soumya Karlamangla at the Los Angeles Times for this one.

Jessica Levinson, who teaches election law at Loyola Law School, said that the jury's decision to convict only selectively on some counts, based on the evidence, indicates they "were very careful" and "spent a lot of time thinking about what the words meant."

"Anti-tax group sues to kick Citizens United advisory measure off ballot"

Wonderful to talk to Melanie Mason of the Los Angeles Times for this one. 

Jessica Levinson, a professor of election law at Loyola Law School, said the Howard Jarvis group complaint conveys displeasure with the substance of the measure, as much as it expresses procedural concerns.

"It’s a suit about a California ballot measure – of course it’s going to be as much as about politics as it is about the law," she said.

What is holding up California ethics reform?

Good to talk to Michelle Bergman for this piece. 

2014 has seen numerous corruption stories in California government. Suspended State Senator Rod Wright awaits sentencing for eight felony counts of perjury and voter fraud. The FBI charged state Senator Ronald Calderon with accepting bribes. And most recently, suspended state Senator Leland Yee was indicted on federal corruption and gun running charges, along with a notorious San Francisco criminal figure memorably known as “Shrimp Boy.” All three senators have been suspended indefinitely.

"If two FBI raids on the Capitol aren’t enough to remind legislators on the importance of government ethics, nothing will be," said Peter DeMarco, a spokesperson for the Senate Republican Caucus.

The three cases started a public clamor for ethics reform, resulting in several pieces of legislation being introduced earlier this year. But as the San Jose Mercury News reports, enthusiasm for tough ethics reform seems to be waning, despite the stark reminders of the need for public trust in elected officials.

“Right after the scandals happened, everyone had to be in favor of ethics reform. But that was months ago… and months are years in political terms,” said Jessica Levinson, a Loyola Law School professor specializing in campaign finance law and is also vice president of the L.A. City Ethics Commission.

Since the political drama unfolded in Sacramento, more than twelve ethics reform bills have been introduced. From banning fundraising events at lobbyist’s homes to doubling statutory fines for bribery, these measures all aim to promote greater government transparency and prevent public corruption.

“At a minimum, the legislature has a responsibility to ensure the public’s trust is not broken,” added DeMarco.

But so far the process to ensure the public’s trust has been slow. Many reform bills are being heavily revised or quietly being tucked away.

Take, for example, state Senator Jerry Hill’s proposal to strengthen California’s Political Reform Act. Parts of the proposal, like banning lawmakers from receiving all-expenses paid trips, were eliminated. Or Senate Republican leader Bob Huff’s bill which would prohibit lawmakers from using campaign accounts to finance criminal defense or pay the salaries of relatives, failed to pass a key committee when two Senators withheld their votes.

 With the Legislature essentially policing the activities of their members, Levinson was not surprised by the waning enthusiasm. In addition to their jobs as legislators, they need to raise campaign money.

“Legislators are asking themselves, ‘Do I really want to subject myself to these restrictions?’” said Levinson.

In the wake of the three indictments, CA Fwd, which has been working on reforms to protect public trust for several years, issued the Path Toward Trust which is a set of bipartisan proposals designed to restore public trust in government.

"California legislators work hard and take their jobs seriously," said Phillip Ung, director of public affairs for CA Fwd. "They understand that earning the public's trust is vital to the success of the state."

Ung noted that this legislative session has been productive, with the Legislature approving big issues like an on-time and balanced state budget that continues to pay down debt, and a bipartisan agreement on the constitutional amendment to enact a new budget reserve set to appear on the November 2014 ballot.

"Many voters are hopeful that additional ethics legislation will pass this session," Ung added. "Legislators understand that restoring trust in government is critical."

Trust is critical to Leila Pedersen as well, policy coordinator at California Common Cause. Pedersen argues that, while an ethics reform bill may seem like it doesn’t affect the public directly, it does.

“When a Senator like Leland Yee is arrested by the FBI that has implications on every piece of legislation he has touched,” said Pedersen. "It can compromise education reform, the environment or the economy."

Others added that voters also have a part to play in ethics reform. With a lack of engagement, legislation can simply fall to the wayside.

“Part of this is shame on us. I think there is a feeling that not everyone is watching these reforms to see if anything will happen,” said Levinson.

But something is expected to happen. Some reform bills have passed or are expected to pass. One bill approved by the Senate imposes a blackout period for fundraising during the last four weeks of the legislative session. But for Levinson, these types of bills just skim the surface.

“I think we have to see what would serve a purpose, versus just saying, ‘Well we passed an ethics reform!’”, said Levinson.

Then there is opposition behind the scenes where ethics reform can get complicated.

“Politicians don’t always think like the average voter," said Ung. "Legislators are, for the most part, political elite. They think about problems and they think about unintended consequences."

Those consequences include the ones from a blackout on funding: If applied to only members of the Senate, shouldn’t it also be applied to all government leaders? Or what about candidates running against legislators? Do they get to fundraise while the incumbent isn’t?

“Members put a lot of thought and time into the proposals and if we want to get it right, rushing to get knee jerk response is not going to solve the problem,” said DeMarco.

But maybe it’s not just the thought and time put into ethics reform that has legislators waning. Perhaps, as Levinson says, “It’s a lack of will.”

Law Professor Nominated To California High Court

Great to talk to Katie Orr of Capital Public Radio for this one.

One Ballot Initiative, Six Times the Fun

My op-ed in Fox & Hounds Daily is here. 

Here is an excerpt:

California is huge. I do not necessarily mean that as a compliment.

California is the nation’s most populous state. More than thirty-eight million people live in the Golden State. That is roughly twelve percent of the nation’s population. Add up the populations in about twenty-one of American’s least populous states and that will still not equal the number of people who live in California.

How many people represent these thirty-eight million people in the state legislature? One hundred and twenty. If that doesn’t seem like much, it is because it isn’t. California has the largest state legislative districts in the country. There are eighty State Assembly Districts (which each hold more than 466,000 residents) and forty State Senate Districts (which each hold more than 931,000 residents).

Want to get cozier with your state senator? You could move to Montana, Vermont, or Wyoming where around 20,000 people live in each state senate district.

California recounts are rare, and should be fair

My latest op-ed in the Sacramento Bee is here.

Here is the first part of the piece:

Until former Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez called it off Friday, we were in the midst of what was likely to become the biggest election recount in California history. If anything good comes of this political tempest, it is to remind us how badly we need to reform our recount laws.

The race to be the next state controller was excruciatingly tight. Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, a Republican, is now set to face off against Board of Equalization member Betty Yee. Four hundred eighty-one votes separated Pérez and Yee, both Democrats. After the recount, which cost approximately $30,000, Perez picked up 10 votes.

The way we do recounts in California is, well, a tad unruly. Welcome to the Golden State, where a candidate or other registered voter must request and pay for a recount. And they can choose which precincts will be subject to the recount. 

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/20/6564890/jessica-a-levinson-time-to-reform.html#storylink=cpy

News from LA: "Jury begins deliberating Alarcon perjury, voter fraud case"

Wonderful to talk to Soumya Karlamangla on this one. 

"Domicile cases can be a really tough call because you're trying to figure out someone's state of mind," said Jessica Levinson, who teaches election law at Loyola Law School.
Levinson said pieces of evidence like that, which suggest intent, could be enough for the defense to create "reasonable doubt" in the jurors' minds. Before a jury can convict, the law requires it to agree the charges are true "beyond a reasonable doubt."


"The prosecution basically builds a ship and the defense tries to poke enough of a hole to get some leakage," she said

News from Sacramento: "Critics question supervisor’s votes on area where she owns land"

Good to talk to Brian Branan for this one. 

Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters has voted for dozens of projects at Mather Fielddespite owning land and office space at the former air base – an arrangement that has raised questions by Mather-expansion critics about whether she has a conflict of interest.
... 

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/12/6552331/critics-question-supervisors-votes.html#storylink=cpy

...

But Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School and an expert on government ethics, said Peters appears to have a financial interest in the Mather votes she has made. Levinson reached that conclusion after The Bee provided her with a description of the votes and she consulted relevant sections of the California Political Reform Act.

“She should not have voted,” Levinson said. “She was within 500 feet and a reasonable person could conclude that she would benefit from the decision, and that is the standard.”

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/12/6552331/critics-question-supervisors-votes.html#storylink=cpy

"The Problem of Money in Politics"

Honored to be speaking to the League of Women Voters for Los Angeles County on this issue.

"California controller's race: Tough fight still lies ahead"

Wonderful to talk to Josh Richman for this one. 

...

Also, Perez chose not to abide by the state's $5.4 million campaign spending cap, so he couldn't place a candidate statement in the official voter information guide. He never came near hitting the cap, and when voters consulted the guide, the only Democrat they learned about was Yee.

"That is very important in off-year elections. Often times, the people who do bother to vote, that's the only thing they're going to look at," said Jessica Levinson, an election law and governance expert at Loyola Law School.

But Perez goes into the recount looking stronger, given the money he can raise and spend.

Any voter can request a recount in any number of counties in any order, but he or she must pay the costs daily; if the recount changes the election's result, the money is refunded. The request can be for a machine recount or for a by-hand review by election officials. And if the recount changes the tally, the other candidate can then demand a recount, too.

Perez asked for hand recounts in 15 counties where he beat Yee -- in order: Lake, Napa, San Mateo, Stanislaus, Merced, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial -- at an estimated $3 million cost. If he comes out on top and Yee has the option to request her own recount, "she's not going to have the funds to be able to do this," said Rodriguez, who worked on Perez's 2008 Assembly race.

Levinson said that's "very distressing, because getting votes counted should have absolutely nothing to do with financial ability."

"A recount should be a full recount, and it's troublesome to think about cherry-picking votes," she said. "It looks like you're playing politics with the most important right that we have to exercise our power in a democracy."

"Is the Supreme Court Out of Order?"

Watch Dahlia Lithwick and Linda Greenhouse discuss on Bill Moyers.

"Veterans Affairs Still Has A Subpoena Out For The Names Of VA Whistleblowers"

Good to talk to Evan McMorris-Santoro for this one in Buzzfeed. 

“Hearing nothing doesn’t mean they’re doing nothing,” said Jessica Levinson, a Loyola law professor who writes about the intersection of law and politics. “You don’t get to ignore a subpoena,” she added.

"Richard Alarcon's perjury and voter fraud trial to resume this week"

Great to talk to Soumya Karlamangla for this article about former Councilman Alarcon's trial. 

In his ongoing perjury and voter fraud trial, former Los Angeles Councilman Richard Alarcon is seeking to fend off two intertwined lines of attack by prosecutors: that he allegedly lived illegally outside his district and was a career politician who put personal ambition first.
... 
Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School who studies election laws, said the prosecution wants the jury to conclude that "the Alarcons knew exactly what they were doing."
... 
Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School who studies election laws, said the prosecution wants the jury to conclude that "the Alarcons knew exactly what they were doing."

"Who pays the most for California government lobbying in Sacramento? Government"

Good to talk to Ben Beeder for this article.