Mark Baldassare
Mark Baldassare
consistent democrats exactly fairly puts reach talking trying
He has been fairly consistent on the issue, and it's one that puts him in exactly the same place as the Democrats and independents he's trying to reach out to this year. If I were him, I would be talking a lot about this.
confidence degree education extent government lack level people raise reasons reluctant state surprised trust
I think I'm most surprised at the degree to which people are pessimistic about education and the extent to which they lack confidence and trust in state government in general. This is one of the reasons -- at the state level at least -- that people are reluctant to raise their own taxes.
agreement lack numbers steady time
I think it is significant. His numbers have been steady during a time when Californians were disappointed over the lack of agreement on the infrastructure bond.
among concerns evident general help left public students
There are real concerns in the general public about who is going to be left behind, and those concerns are particularly evident among African-Americans and Latinos. There's a sense that when students fail, you need to help them achieve.
challenge explain plan voters
This would be unprecedented. I think it will be a real challenge to explain to voters a plan of this magnitude.
ballot connects current voters
Voters see little on the ballot that connects to their current concerns.
appears bond deal last seemed stake understand unlike viewed voters willing year
He's being viewed as someone with a lot at stake in the bond deal but one who was willing to compromise. Unlike last year when he seemed to be saying, 'My way or the highway,' this year he appears to be conciliatory. He seemed to be willing to settle, and voters understand that.
anyone hardly initiative interests picked
hardly anyone picked out an initiative and said, 'This one interests me.'
recall trying
He was able to do it two years ago in the recall election, and that's what he's trying to do again.
education lots rhetoric state
The public's frustration with the state of education is palpable. They see lots of rhetoric but little progress.
directly frustrated improving involved issue lack levels officials progress public quality
The public is frustrated and disappointed with what they see as a lack of progress in improving the quality of education. Because the issue is so important to them, (voters) want to see officials at all levels engaged, even if they're not directly involved (in education).
borrowing resolve short term
Borrowing in the short term has become the way to resolve these impasses.
convince figure governor interests last partisan sacramento seemed solutions stood year
The governor must still convince independents and moderates that he is as he seemed to be last year ... a figure in Sacramento who stood for solutions and an end to partisan bickering, who put the people's interests first.
ahead challenge governor
The governor has a big challenge ahead of him.