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October 30 - November 3, 2006
Monday, Oct. 30
The Developing Democratic Agenda
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As Election Day approaches, the Democrats are counting their chickens based on polls showing them taking control of the House and within striking distance of the Senate. We'll talk to California's junior senator about the election and her party's plans for the last two year's of President Bush's term.
- U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion
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One of the world's foremost atheists and renowned biologists talks about his challenges to the very premise of religion and God in his new book, The God Delusion (Houghton Mifflin). Using historical and contemporary evidence, Richard Dawkins examines the irrationality of the belief in God, along with the grievous harm religion has inflicted on society, from the Crusades to 9/11.
- Richard Dawkins, Author of The God Delusion
Tuesday, Oct. 31
Bruce McPherson
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The motto for the California Secretary of State is "Preserving the Past - Pioneering the Future," and as Chief Elections Officer and head of the state's archives, this position is central in shaping our shared history and present culture. Incumbent candidate Bruce McPherson is hoping to hold on to this post; he joins Patt Morrison to tell why.
Debra Bowen
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As a state Senator and the current Chairwoman of the Senate Elections Committee, Debra Bowen has overseen bills relating to elections and ammendments to California's Constitution. Now as a candidate for the Secretary of State, she hopes to expand her role in governing California.
A Step Forward?
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Elections are just a week away and electronic ballots are scheduled to replace other conventional voting methods at the polls. What problems will this new technology present for voters?
Election Note: Today is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail. 24 counties throughout the state, including Riverside, will require two postage stamps as the ballots weigh more than one ounce.
Been There, Governed That - John Van de Kamp
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Patt continues her series of discussions with former Governors, Lieutenant Governors and other elected officials. As election day approaches, and voters choose among the five candidates for Attorney General, Patt speaks with John Van de Kamp about what it takes to be Attorney General of California. He should know, he was the AG from 1983 to 1991.
How Will Newspapers Survive?
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New circulation figures show the nation's largest newspapers are suffering steep drops in readership. This latest round of bad news comes as financial pressures are bringing discord inside the L.A. Times and other newsrooms across the country. We'll look at how bad things are and what's being done to keep audiences reading the paper.
Wednesday, Nov. 1
Congressman Hunter Launches White House Bid
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Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter has launched a surprise 2008 presidential bid. Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, he supports Bush on Iraq and is a proponent of building the fence between the U.S. and Mexico to control illegal immigration.
Been There, Governed That - Dan Lungren
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Two-term Attorney General Dan Lungren is now a Republican Congressman. As the state's "top cop," he backed tough "three strikes, you're out" crime legislation and Megan's Law. He explains what the AG does and its biggest reward for him.
Elizabeth Edwards, Saving Graces
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Elizabeth Edwards, wife of vice presidential candidate John Edwards, was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days before the 2004 election and the subsequent defeat of the Kerry-Edwards ticket. In her memoir, Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers (Broadway), she affirms the power of community in common and uncommon circumstances.
Thursday, Nov. 2
Arrested and Booked
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Today authorities filed murder and arson charges carrying the death penalty against Raymond Lee Oyler, a man suspected of setting a Southern California wildfire last week that killed five firefighters. Patt gets an update from KPCC Inland Empire reporter Steven Cuevas who was at the announcement.
- KPCC Inland Empire Reporter Steven Cuevas
Arson and the Arsonist
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The Esperanza fire engulfed 34 homes and killed five people before firefighters could contain it. Now, investigators are looking at tiny clues spread across the more than 60 square miles of land charred by the blaze. They believe the fire was set intentionally and are now searching for the people behind it. We'll probe why arsonists set fires and how law enforcement officers find clues in the ashes.
'Tough to Pronounce, Tough on Crime'
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Republican State Senator Chuck Poochigian is waging a tough on crime campaign to be California's next top cop. He faces former Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, who is vowing to continue outgoing Attorney General Bill Lockyer efforts to be "as the people's attorney." We'll listen to Poochigian's proposals for how to curb everything from identity theft to murder.
- Chuck Poochigian, State Senator (R-Fresno)
Friday, Nov. 3
Measure H
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Los Angeles voters next week will cast their ballots on a low-income housing bond, Measure H. Patt speaks with guests about the benefits and pitfalls of this $1-billion city bond measure.
Measure R
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If passed, Measure R would change councilmember term limits to three terms, restrict lobbyists from making campaign contributions, prohibit city officials from accepting free gifts from lobbyists, and make ethics training mandatory for officials. Opponents of the measure argue that it is misleading to voters and would only weaken current ethics laws. Patt Morrison hears from both sides.
Been There, Governed That - Mervyn Dymally
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A former lieutenant governor, Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally shares his thoughts on the office that keeps its holder in the background but at the same time one breath away from leading the state.
The Only Two Toss-ups
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Californians looking for a piece of the battle for control of Congress don't have many places to look. Pollsters say only two races are too close to call, and both are in northern California, Richard Pombo (R) vs. Jerry McNerney (D) and John Doolittle (R) vs. Charlie Brown (D).
The National Scene - A Toss-Up, Too?
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Are the Republicans about to lose it? Or will the Democrats slip up at the last minute and miss their opportunity to take a Congressional lead? These questions and more are on the table as Patt looks at the national political scene with leaders from the Republican and Democratic parties. Then NPR political editor Ken Rudin puts it all in perspective, as only he can.
Been There, Governed That - Cruz Bustamante
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Cruz Bustamante looks back at his career and talks about his role as Lt. Governor of California.
Going Dirty
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Accusations of visiting Playboy parties, dialing sex-phone numbers and having plastic surgery have been rebounding across party and television lines as November elections approach. But author David Mark, in his book Going Dirty: The Art of Negative Campagning, says this negative campaigning is part of a long tradition in American politics. He talks with Patt about candidate's controversial techniques and their appeal to voters.
- David Mark, author of Going Dirty: The Art of Negative Campaigning (Rowman & Littlefield)
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