When deprived of democracy, then hire your own legislature.

It’s the most populous state in the union, with an economy larger than most countries and a former governor who is the former “Terminator.” But when times are tough, California turns to the big guns, the mercenaries who give voice to the voiceless: Washington lobbyists.

The California state Assembly, which hired a K Street lobbying firm last month for $180,000 a year to represent its interests amid the deficit reduction process, is the largest in a slew of government entities frightened that budget cuts at the federal level could increase costs for localities. WA Times

Diane and Babs, our normal 1/10 Senators should be able to step out of the box. The many years spent serving tea to Nancy and Harry have dulled them.