| | | | |  | | By Lara Korte, Jeremy B. White and Juhi Doshi | Presented by CVS Health | THE BUZZ: "Sub-zero interest," you say? That was Gov. Gavin Newsom 's response to the San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board last week when asked to promise California voters that he wouldn't bail halfwaythrough a second gubernatorial term to take a run at the White House in 2024. "It's not even on my radar," he told the Chron, saying that the next president should be Vice President Kamala Harris. This is not the first time Newsom has brushed off suggestions about running (he did so in 2018 and again last year), but it is a reminder that, if Newsom wanted to run for president, a number of precarious pieces would have to fall perfectly into place. President Joe Biden is angling for a second term, and it's widely assumed that the VP will take on the role of his Democratic successor whenever he leaves office. Harris could very well run in 2024, 2028 or 2032, depending on the length of the Biden administration and, of course, her own electability. If Newsom truly has no presidential aspirations , his rhetoric doesn't show it. The governor is known for bashing Republicans across the country (particularly those in Florida and Texas) and often positions California — and himself — as a national defender of liberal values. He's not afraid to go after state and federal laws that he deems unsavory, he talks up California's successes on national daytime television, and he posts contemplative photosof himself reading banned books to needle political opponents. Earlier this month, following POLITICO's report of a draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the governor even expressed frustration with his own political kin, saying he has felt an "enormous sense of frustration" with national Democrats as he's watched Republicans barrel forward with their agenda. "Where's the party?" he said. "Why aren't we standing up more firmly?" At very least, it sounds like Newsom isn't interested in challenging Harris, both of whom came up in the San Francisco political scene. But deferring to Harris means potentially delaying a run for multiple election cycles, and the further out from office he gets, the harder it could be to mount a comeback into political life. There are a few scenarios where Newsom's White House window gets wider. If a Republican wins in 2024, and Harris declines to run in 2028, Newsom would only be two years out of the governor's office and a likely candidate for the top job. The same thing could happen if Biden wins in 2024 and Harris doesn't run in 2028, but in that case, voters may be less inclined to put a Democrat in power for the third term in a row. Newsom, of course, could always go the Jerry Brown route, and retire on a 2,500-acre ranch. We'll have to wait and see. BUENOS DÍAS, good Monday morning. Got a tip or story idea for California Playbook? Hit us up jwhite@politico.com and lkorte@politico.com or follow us on Twitter @JeremyBWhite and @Lara_Korte. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "California's problems are far too urgent to indulge our executive office being used as a campaign commercial." The SF Chronicle's editorial board, apparently heartened by Newsom's disinterest in the White House, backing him for a second term. TWEET OF THE DAY: SF Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone @ArchCordileone on Nancy Pelosi's "extreme" position on abortion: "After numerous attempts to speak with Speaker Pelosi to help her understand the grave evil she is perpetrating, the scandal she is causing, an the danger to her own soul she is risking, I have determined that she is not to be admitted to Holy Communion." WHERE'S GAVIN? Nothing official announced.
| | A message from CVS Health: Californians want the lowest prescription drug costs possible and CVS Health's pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) team is delivering for them. With big drug companies continually increasing the price of prescription drugs, we negotiate lower prescription drug costs for employers, consumers and working families across the state. That saves Californians and employers tens of millions of dollars each year so they can continue to provide affordable coverage that keeps their employees healthy. Learn more. | | | |  | Top Talkers | |
DEMS WAFFLE ON GARCETTI — "Garcetti Ambassador Nomination Stalled in Senate Over Questions About Former Aide's Conduct," by the Wall Street Journal's Eliza Collins and Ken Thomas: "Some of the lawmakers want to learn more about allegations that one of Mr. Garcetti's former top aides sexually harassed subordinates and made racist comments, according to people familiar with the lawmakers' thinking."
CALL IN THE BIG GUNS — Eric Garcetti's parents register to lobby for their son's ambassador bid by POLITICO's Hailey Fuchs: McGuireWoods Consulting registered to lobby on behalf of Sukey and Gil Garcetti on Thursday for the purposes of "Outreach Related to Confirmation for Ambassadorship Nomination." — Why liberal Los Angeles might reelect its conservative sheriff, by POLITICO's Alex Nieves and Lara Korte: Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva rode a wave of progressive energy to become the first Democrat and Spanish speaker to win the seat in more than a century. Now his party is having buyer's remorse. VERY IMPORTANT — " Eva the dog goes home after saving California woman from mountain lion attack," by the Sacramento Bee's Ryan Sabalow and Xavier Mascareñas: "Eva was a little groggy from the pain meds, a few patches of her fur were shaved for stitches, and she had pink surgical tape wrapped above each of her front paws." | | CAMPAIGN MODE | |
— "L.A. loves the glitz but suspects the rich. Will it turn to a billionaire mayor?" by the Los Angeles Times' Jessica Garrison and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde: "If Caruso manages to become mayor, he will step into the top job at a time when the gap between the realities of Los Angeles' streets and the fantasy streetscapes of places like the Grove has never felt wider to many residents."
WHERE'S RICK? — "With Caruso absent, L.A. mayoral candidates argue for progressive moves on homelessness ," by the LA Times' James Rainey and Benjamin Oreskes: "In the final group debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign, three candidates struck a more activist and progressive tone on the issue of homelessness on Friday night than in past encounters." — " John Legend wants you to vote in Sacramento County's DA election. Here's what's on his mind," by Sac Bee's Marcus D. Smith: "This year, one of the candidates benefiting from his support is Alana Mathews, who is running for Sacramento County District Attorney against Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho." — " Under Rob Bonta, the attorney general has become California's top housing cop," by SF Chronicle's Joe Garofoli: "So why should people care that the attorney general — the state's "top cop" as Kamala Harris described herself in the job — is more focused on wonky housing rules? Because for decades, California municipalities have tried to weasel out of creating more housing — particularly of the affordable kind — and faced few consequences. That NIMBYism has led to a scarcity of housing, which drives up the price for all of us." MORE ON HOUSING — " 'NIMBYism is destroying the state.' Gavin Newsom ups pressure on cities to build more housing," by SF Chronicle's Sophia Bollag: "Gov. Gavin Newsom defended his administration's work on housing and homelessness during an interview with The Chronicle's editorial board Thursday, promising to crack down on local opposition to housing projects." TONY TAKES THE LEAD — " California's schools chief could cruise to a second term, despite criticism," by the LATimes' Mackenzie Mays: "Six candidates have filed to run against Thurmond for a four-year term as the leader of California schools in the June 7 primary. But none have the political advantages — the name recognition, funding or endorsements — of the incumbent. Unlike other state offices, a candidate for superintendent can win the job in the primary, without an election in November, by getting a majority of the vote." | | | | MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM—TOMORROW: As Los Angeles prepares to elect a new mayor, POLITICO and ICM Partners will host a candidates' forum focused on homelessness and finding solutions to this growing policy challenge and humanitarian crisis. The forum will be moderated by California Playbook Co-Author Jeremy White. Don't miss this important discussion, register to watch here. | | | | |
| | CALIFORNIA AND THE CAPITOL CORRIDOR | |
TALK IT UP: Two Republican candidates with conservative talk radio bona fides joined forces Sunday: recall candidate and airwave fixture Larry Elder hosted a fundraiser for conservative AG candidate Eric Early on Sunday. Elder's pundit bona fides helped propel him to first place among the candidates vying to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. We'll see what kind of bounce Early gets.
AWARD SEASON: Another California winner from this week's American Association of Political Consultants gathering: San Francisco-based pollster Ben Tulchin, whose clients include Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Assembly Dems, and his colleagues Ben Krompak and Corey Teter, won pollster of the year for their work on behalf of now-NYC Mayor Eric Adams. 'PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT' — "San Diego leaders will challenge state law prohibiting race, gender preferences in contracting," by the LATimes' David Garrick: " Two City Council members say they want San Diego to become the first city in California to successfully challenge a state law prohibiting cities from giving preferential treatment to women and people of color when awarding contracts." READY FOR A SURGE — "LA City Council calls for state, federal legislation to codify abortion ," by Spectrum News 1: "The Los Angeles City Council Friday called for legislation to codify the right to safe abortion in California and throughout the United States in light of recent news that the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn the landmark abortion-rights decision Roe v. Wade." — " UC system takes another step toward keeping students debt-free," by CalMatters' Mikhail Zinshteyn: "To get there, the system of 230,000 students seeking bachelor's degrees is relying on a mix of state and federal support, revenues from recent tuition increases, and students working part-time to cover the full cost of an education. Students from wealthier households would also rely on parental support." CADEM LEADER — "Cannabis licensing efforts tied to Anaheim corruption investigation," by the OC Register's Brooke Staggs: "Rafiei, who is a member of the Democratic National Committee and involved in campaigns for a number of prominent candidates, told the Register she's been cooperating with the FBI in an investigation focused on corruption in Anaheim since 2019." — Given a chance to avoid jail and criminal charges, mentally ill, addicted and homeless people in L.A. pass," by the LATimes' Kevin Rector: "Nearly three-quarters of the 283 people deemed eligible for the Alternatives to Incarceration Diversion Program since it launched at the Los Angeles Police Department's 77th Street jail last summer declined to participate in it, the LAPD figures show. Dozens of others have failed to comply with the program's requirements." DEADLINE SET — " Angels officials pressuring Anaheim to approve stadium deal; deadline given," by the OC Register's Alicia Robinson: "Anaheim city officials have been given a June 14 deadline by the buyer to approve the Angel Stadium sale – but if they move forward with the deal, they could face legal action from the state over an unresolved affordable housing dispute." TESTED POSITIVE — " Beverly Hills mayor and vice mayor test positive for coronavirus," by the LATimes' Ben Poston: "Beverly Hills' mayor and vice mayor have tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing the City Council to hold its regular Tuesday meeting virtually." FUEL TO FIREARMS — " Gas cards for guns? More than 100 people took that deal from Sacramento Police Department," by Sac Bee's Benjy Egel: "More than 100 people turned in a total of 134 guns for $50 gas gift cards on Saturday, the Sacramento Police Department announced in a news release." | | | | A message from CVS Health:   | | | | | BIDEN, HARRIS AND THE HILL | |
— "Bernie Sanders Prepares for 'War' With AIPAC and Its Super PAC," by the NY Times' Shane Goldmacher: " Senator Bernie Sanders, the progressive former presidential candidate who rose to prominence in part by denouncing the influence of wealthy interests in politics, has a new target in his sights: the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and its affiliated super PAC, which is spending heavily in Democratic primaries for the first time this year."
McCONNELL's MISSION— " Inside McConnell's bid to quash GOP 'isolationists'," by POLITICO's Andrew Desiderio: It was an encouraging symbol for the reserved Senate GOP leader, who returned to Washington this week determined to stamp out what he dubbed the "isolationist" wing of his party that was preparing to oppose a $40 billion aid package for the war-torn nation that passed overwhelmingly on Thursday. — " Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court justice, pressed Ariz. lawmakers to help reverse Trump's loss, emails show," by WaPo's Emma Brown: "Virginia "Ginni" Thomas, the conservative activist and wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, pressed Arizona lawmakers after the 2020 election to set aside Joe Biden's popular-vote victory and choose "a clean slate of Electors," according to emails obtained by The Washington Post." | | SILICON VALLEYLAND | |
— "Company insiders rip Tesla's stance on safety in hard-hitting Elon Musk doc" by the LATimes' Russ Mitchell: " Premiering Friday on FX and Hulu, the 75-minute fright show spotlights the persistent dangers of Tesla's automated driving technologies, the company's lax safety culture, Musk's P.T. Barnum-style marketing hype and the weak-kneed safety regulators who seem not to care."
— "Judge dismisses lawsuit against Musk, Tesla and Twitter fan ," by the AP: "A federal judge in California has dismissed a securities fraud and defamation lawsuit filed by a Tesla investor against CEO Elon Musk, one of Musk's supporters and Tesla." | | | | HAPPENING WEDNESDAY—A WOMEN RULE TALK ON THE MIDTERMS : Join POLITICO'S Women Rule for a conversation with the women running the midterm campaigns and how they are shaping messaging and strategy for their candidates. The program will look into what a win for either party could mean for access to reproductive health care, economic advancement of women, and how the final stages of the Covid-19 pandemic are managed. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | HOLLYWOODLAND | |
— "L.A. fire officials file building code complaint after fatal blaze at Hollywood recording studios," by the LATimes' Nathan Solis & Gregory Yee: "Los Angeles code enforcement authorities are investigating whether a Hollywood building where a fire broke out Thursday night, leaving one person dead and two injured, was approved for use as recording studios."
| | MIXTAPE | |
— "The Buffalo shooting brings back a lifelong question: Why do they hate us so much?" by the LATimes' Sandy Banks.
— "High-Tech's Business Model Hasn't Worked for the Cue Covid Test," by Kaiser Health News' Eric Taub. WILDFIRE ALERT — " Home to celebrities like Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the wealthy California town of Montecito is uninsurable against wildfires and floods," by SF Gate's Andrew Pridgen. — " Truck covered in antisemitic messages in West Hollywood being investigated as hate incident," the by LATimes' Ben Poston. — "Elon Musk slams sexual harassment allegations as 'utterly untrue' ," by NY Daily News.
| | | — Former CA Playbook editor Graph Massara, is heading to the Associated Press' fact check desk next month, where he'll investigate mis- and disinformation. | | IN MEMORIAM | |
— "Creator of 'Star Wars' X-wing and Death Star dies at 90," by the AP.
| | BIRTHDAYS | |
Amazon's Jay Carney … David Scheinkein ... Dustin Moskovitz … Emma Kaplan of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office … Hugo Schwyzer … Matt Roman … (was Saturday): Matt Appenfeller … Brandon Pollak … (was Friday): Microsoft's Megan O'Neill
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