Word on the street is that Clean Elections legislation could be up for a vote today in the California Senate. The bill, which would create a pilot Clean Elections public financing program for candidates for Secretary of State, has already passed the state Assembly.

Calling all State legislators: California, it's time to get Clean! Over the years, California has seen its fair share of shady situations. And now thanks to the work of California Clean Money Campaign and countless activists, the push for public financing is gaining traction and Clean Elections in California is a step closer to becoming reality.

The bill that would create a pilot program for a Clean Elections public financing option for candidates for Secretary of State in California is moving ahead in the state Senate, after passing out of the Assembly and the Senate Appropriations Committee. It's got a good chance of passing, despite expected opposition from lobbyists.

California Clean Elections supporters are feeling optimistic about the chances for AB 583, a Clean Elections bill that has been introduced in the legislature several times but has been retooled to begin with a pilot program for the Secretary of State race that could lead to further offices being covered down the road.  The bill is going to be hears in the state Senate Appropriations Committee today.  More from the California Progress Report.

What do water rates in Casmalia, CA have to do with lucrative telecommunications mergers? According to Thomas Elias of the Marysville Appeal-Democrat both felt the influence of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's need to appease his biggest campaign contributors.

If Los Angeles ends up pursuing a Clean Elections law in the next year it will be without the help of the Pacific Palisades community council, which just voted down a motion in support of a full public financing option for city races.