It's tempting to call the shameful taxpayer subsidy for electric cars - vehicles that are unaffordable for all but a small number of wealthy Americans - this nation's costly little secret.

When or if dedicated anti-BPA campaigners yield to the emerging science remains to be seen. Let's hope the OEHHA has the wisdom and courage to base its decision on science rather than on a narrow interpretation of Proposition 65.

In 2009, unnecessary Medicaid spending in California was $102 million--the highest among all states. Nationwide, Medicaid reimbursement for expensive brand-name drugs over alternative generic products cost an estimated $329 million in excessive payments.

Although federal workers earn higher wages and benefits than comparable private workers, the state-local situation is more complicated.

California's education cuts call for a new mindset among educators and an unfamiliar, sometimes-uncomfortable commitment to productivity and cost-effectiveness.

In the run-up to this weekend's G-8 summit at Camp David, journalists have unfavorably compared European "austerity" with Barack Obama's economic policies.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is taking a big risk by investing a total of $8 million in Carly Fiorina's election, which could lead to a Tea Party backlash if other candidates lose by razor-thin margins.

It seems that incumbents are in trouble across the political landscape, except in California.