Will Correa Vote For Don's Tax? 

With a state budget more than 28 days late and a looming $15.2 billion deficit, Senate Pro Tem Don Perata's decision this week to cancel a planned budget vote seems to reflect the unwillingness by several Democrats to tax California's working class during this economic downturn.

Whether its the recent embarrassing defeats of Perata-supported recall effort and measure to change term limits, higher unemployment claims, a housing slump, reports of companies moving out of state or the continuing probe into charges of political corruption, it seems that the ability of the Oakland Democrat to "to assert his powers and enforce caucus unity" has begun to fade.   

Don Perata doesn't seem to have the votes in his own caucus. 

The difficulty seems to be with some moderate Democrats who are either facing a tough primary challenge or have made pledges to their constituencies of not raising taxes.   

When Perata decided to lock-out three Democrats from this office for attending a fundraising dinner held by moderate Assembly Democrats, the Oakland Tribune might have had it right: "Critics say he foolishly picked a fight that could have repercussions later." 

One less vote might include Senator Lou Correa who "opposes higher taxes" and will not do so without voter approval.     

IN A CAMPAIGN LETTER - CORREA: "I OPPOSE HIGHER TAXES"
(http://www.cagop.org/userfiles/7.30.08LouCorrea_Taxes1.pdf)

IN A CAMPAIGN MAILER - CORREA: "TAXPAYERS SHOULD HAVE A DIRECT VOICE"
"'I believe the taxpayers should have a direct voice in how their taxes are raised and spent'" (Emphases contained in mailer, http://www.cagop.org/userfiles/7.30.08LouCorrea_Taxes2.pdf)

IN A CAMPAIGN MAILER - CORREA: "SPENDING CUTS - NOT HIGHER TAXES"
Because of a measure I co-wrote, the Legislature and Governor are now required to enact a balanced state budget - which I believe should result from spending cuts - not tax increase."  (Emphases contained in mailer, http://www.cagop.org/userfiles/7.30.08LouCorrea_Taxes2.pdf)

OAKLAND TRIBUNE: PERATA "COULD HAVE REPERCUSSIONS LATER
"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 later."   (Steven Harmon, "Will Lockout Draw Fallout For Perata?," The Oakland Tribune, 3/19/07)