(June 1, 2009) The impact of voters’ irritation with the political process was a recurring theme at the recent retreat of the California Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Council.

The retreat agenda focused on the results of the 2009 special election, the critical need for budgetary reform and the blanket primary initiative, which is on the November 2010 ballot.

CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg presided over the day’s gathering at the CalChamber’s offices in Sacramento.

Michael Baselice

The retreat opened with an extensive review of the special election results by consultant Michael Baselice, president of Baselice and Associates.

Baselice outlined the attitude and tendencies of the special election voters through focus groups and polling data. Baselice also highlighted several crucial timeframes leading up to the special election, voter turnout, and what effect absentee voters had on the election.

Panelists (from left): Adam Mendelsohn, Rick Claussen, Carla Marinucci, Jon Coupal and Ron Nehring.

The first panel of the day, moderated by Zaremberg, offered an insider perspective on the initiatives in the 2009 special election. Panelists included Rick Claussen, a partner with Goddard-Claussen, Adam Mendelsohn of Mercury Public Affairs, Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, Ron Nehring, chairman of the California Republican Party and Carla Marinucci with the San Francisco Chronicle.

This panel offered key insights surrounding the failure of Propositions 1A-1E and elaborated on how the factors of the economy, the budget deficit and voters’ disappointment with the Legislature will directly impact the Legislature’s ability to pass a budget.

Susan Kennedy

Luncheon keynote speaker Susan Kennedy, chief of staff to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, provided an excellent commentary on the urgency for California to close the $23 billion budget deficit. Kennedy explained that California is in the midst of a true fiscal crisis, making it the ideal time to implement true budget reform. Above all, she said that the most important goal is to pass a budget that can help grow business and create jobs.

The final panel of the day discussed the blanket primary initiative, which is slated for the June 2010 primary election. Former state Senator Jim Brulte, currently a principal with California Strategies, moderated the panel, which included Senator Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria), Bob Mulholland, campaign advisor to the California Democratic Party, Republican Party Chairman Nehring, Steve Peace, former California state senator representing San Diego and Dave Lesher, associate director of government affairs at the Public Policy Institute of California. 

Panelists (from left): Senator Abel Maldonado, Steve Peace, Dave Lesher, Nehring and Bob Mulholland.

The lively and very entertaining debate discussed the history behind the state’s primary election system, the influence of independent and decline to state voters on the two party system, and how the open primary could shake up the California political landscape.

For more history behind California’s primary election system, visit the Secretary of State website.

Joe Justin

The conference then closed with an update from Joe Justin, principal with the Justin Company about the ongoing recalls of several California state legislators.

Planning for the October 2009 conference is already underway. For additional information on the council and how to become a member, please contact Rob Lapsley at rob.lapsley@calchamber.com.

 

Past Public Affiairs Council Events