Facing an uphill climb to regain a two-house supermajority in November, legislative leaders say that they have asked Gov. Jerry Brown to stump for fellow Democrats in a half-dozen competitive districts.
It’s the sort of thing governors typically do as their party’s state leader. And a two-thirds Democratic majority would help Brown pursue his agenda, because no Republican support would be needed for any of his proposals. But Brown, who is expected to win his own race handily and has not mounted a time-consuming campaign of his own, has not committed to any appearances.
The governor “will be as helpful as his busy schedule allows,” said Dan Newman, his campaign spokesman.
Incoming Senate leader Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), heading the election effort for Democrats in the upper house, said he is “actively pursuing the governor to make appearances.”
“He is a very popular governor, and he’s the top Democrat in the state,” the senator said.
Even with the governor’s help, Democrats say, it could be tough to secure a supermajority in both houses. Voter turnout typically falls when there is no presidential contest, and there is no galvanizing statewide race or ballot measure this year to spur people to the polls.
In the June primary, a record low 25.2% of state voters cast ballots, and Democrats blamed that low turnout for Republican wins in three Senate districts where Democrats lead in registration. Historically, higher percentages of Republicans typically vote in low-turnout elections, so their influence could be increased.
Indeed, Republicans are intent on blocking a supermajority, telling voters in mail and television ads that it would allow the Democrats free rein on tax matters. GOP leaders are also reminding voters that multiple Democratic state senators have been charged with crimes.
http://www.latimes.com/local/politics/la-me-pol-brown-democrats-20140926-story.html