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Via dis or discipline, Perata shows strong hand in Capitol
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| Contributor | Patrick |
| Last Edited | Patrick Mar 17, 2007 02:35pm |
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| Category | News |
| News Date | Saturday, March 17, 2007 08:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | SACRAMENTO - It's been panned as a childish prank, a potential opening to a coup, even an indication of Senate leader Don Perata's jitters over an apparently renewed investigation into possible charges of political corruption.
But the Senate president pro tem's move this week to lock out three members of his own party from their offices for a day was also seen by some as a show of strength, a shot across the bow of would-be moderate spoilers, and as striking a blow for liberals intent on passing strong environmental, health care and civil justice bills this year.
One thing is for sure: The Oakland Democrat signaled he is willing to embarrass his own caucus members to assert his powers and enforce caucus unity. Supporters say he wouldn't have done it if he didn't have the backing of the majority of Democrats. Critics say he foolishly picked a fight that could have repercussions.
The three lawmakers -- Southern California Sens. Ron Calderon, Gloria Negrete-McLeod and Lou Correa -- provoked Perata's ire by attending a fundraising dinner held by moderate Assembly Democrats, known as the "Mod Squad." All three were members of the Assembly caucus before moving to the Senate, often voting as a bloc aligned with Republicans to stymie legislation they felt was detrimental to business.
"It's divided people in the Capitol," said a legislative staff member who asked not to be identified because he didn't want to antagonize Perata. "There's those who think it's an appropriate way to maintain order. Others think it was ham-handed and created animosity where it wasn't necessary." |
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