On Election Day, Israel’s undecided voters face moment of truth

Published on January 22, 2013

Israelis are almost never shy about offering their opinions, especially when it comes to politics.

Election day in Los Angeles

By Jay Firestone
Published on November 6, 2012

Election day snapshots

Published on November 6, 2012

Nettie Price voted for Obama in 2008, and in the past the registered independent has voted mostly a straight Democratic ticket. But not this year. Standing outside her polling place at Castle Heights Elementary School in Beverlywood, Price said this time she voted a straight Republican ticket, based on one issue: economics.

Pics and quotes from Sinai Temple

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on November 6, 2012

Security could intimidate, so Sinai Temple moves polling places outdoors

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on November 6, 2012

Polling places often move around from year to year, but normally not on Election Day itself, as happened to the polls at Sinai Temple this year.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

By Ilana Angel
Published on November 5, 2012

So, who are you voting for?

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on November 1, 2012

For Miriam, an outspoken woman in her 80s who wouldn’t give her last name, there isn’t the slightest possibility she will vote against President Barack Obama on Election Day.

Prop 32 – The final piece of election reform

Published on October 22, 2012

The voters of California have put in place two elements of major reform to our election process. The first was taking the redistricting process out of the hands of special interests and career politicians.

In battleground state Ohio, Jewish voters favoring Obama handily, AJC poll shows

Published on October 3, 2012

An American Jewish Committee survey of Jewish voters in Ohio, a battleground state, has the community favoring President Obama in similar numbers to polls elsewhere.

Survey: 69 percent of Florida Jews voting for Obama

Published on September 20, 2012

Sixty-nine percent of Florida Jews say they will likely vote for President Obama, as opposed to 25 percent for Republican nominee Mitt Romney, according to a new survey.

Republican Jewish Coalition begins $5 million TV ad campaign

Published on September 19, 2012

The Republican Jewish Coalition launched a $5 million television advertising campaign aimed at Jewish voters in swing states.

Conventional Wisdom

By Elliot Steingart
Published on August 29, 2012

So, how many Jews will vote for Mitt Romney?

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on July 5, 2012

Here is a truism we all already know: Jews are news. The fact is, no matter how tiny the American Jewish community might be — between 1.5 and 2 percent of the population — the battle for Jewish votes will be extensively reported and analyzed.

Egyptian election promises uncertainty for ties with U.S., Israel

Published on May 29, 2012

The Egyptians stunned even themselves in the vote to elect their next president — and observers are warning that the U.S. and Israel should be ready for continued uncertainty in their relations with Egypt.

Egypt holds first round of voting in presidential election

Published on May 24, 2012

Egypt is holding its first round of balloting for its first presidential election since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak during an uprising more than a year ago.

Netanyahu to seek early election in 4 months

Published on May 6, 2012

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he supported an early general election in four months' time, a ballot polls say could strengthen his hand as Israel confronts Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Voters vs. Sherman, Berman

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on March 1, 2012

Always interested in the gritty and unpredictable side of participatory politics, I dropped in on Reps. Howard Berman and Brad Sherman, both of whom are vying to represent the newly reconfigured 30th congressional district, as they each hosted community meetings at San Fernando Valley schools last week.

Her brother’s keeper: Letty Aronson is Woody Allen’s younger sister and producer/gatekeeper

By Danielle Berrin
Published on February 16, 2012

Likud voters electing party chairman

Published on January 31, 2012

Members of Israel's Likud Party went to the polls to elect a party chairman and a new Central Committee, more than a year before scheduled national elections.

Gene Simmons jumps on the Rick Perry bandwagon

By Lauren Bottner
Published on August 17, 2011

New coalitions: The politics of redistricting

By Raphael J. Sonenshein
Published on August 10, 2011

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who govern the most populous county in America, are entering a critical debate over redistricting that pits Latino empowerment against the stability of district lines. The nature of the board’s majority is also at stake.

Proposed circumcision ban not merely a parochial concern

Published on June 23, 2011

Circumcision, or "brit milah," has long been the stuff of cheap jokes and comedy. But in recent weeks, what used to be nothing more than harmless fare has taken on a much more serious tone. So-called “intactivists” on the fringe left of American politics have pushed the radical notion that infant circumcision is an act of genital mutilation, so unacceptable in fact that it ought to be illegal.

Oh Sarah Palin, what nonsense fell out of your mouth now…

By Julia Bendis
Published on June 7, 2011

Jews’ view of the pot initiative? Mixed

Published on October 27, 2010

Marijuana is everywhere. Smokers come from every walk of life — from the college student to the cancer patient, from the wealthy older couple to the heroin addict who started out just smoking weed.

Poll suggests surge in Jewish support for GOP

Published on August 19, 2010

A poll based on a small sample suggests that Jewish identification with Republicans has surged.

The debates won’t matter

By Marty Kaplan
Published on September 29, 2008

Joseph Stalin is reputed to have said, "Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything." I think he had it half right.

O.C. Election Set for Rosh Hashanah

By Marc Ballon
Published on August 25, 2005

Jewish groups are expressing anger that government officials, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, have scheduled a special election in Orange County to fall on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year for Jews.

Think American, Not Mexican on Antonio

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on April 7, 2005

As Antonio Villaraigosa campaigns for mayor in the Jewish community, he will face the same big question asked by all non-Latino voters: Are you too Mexican?

The question is especially important to Jews, because our community's long-time relationship with Latino and African American Los Angeles has been a powerful force in the city's history.

Bush Win Inspires Local GOP Leader

By Marc Ballon
Published on November 11, 2004

George W. Bush wasn't the only Republican to win big on election night. Larry Greenfield, director of the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) of Southern California, also fared quite well.

Surrounded by a crowd of 250 Jewish Republicans partying at Beverly Hills' Level One club, a beaming Greenfield looked more like a giddy teenager than a 42-year-old man in a dark suit. As news of the Republican triumphs came in, RJC members hugged and high-fived Greenfield, who has become the public face of Southern California's Jewish Republicans.

Social Issues Still Divide Jews, GOP

By Ron Kampeas
Published on September 2, 2004

Call it the tale of two Mellmans.

Mark Mellman, one of John Kerry's top four advisers, launched a talk with Jewish Democrats in Boston last month with a drasha (short sermon) on the meaning of Tisha B'Av, the Jewish fast day that happened to fall during the party convention. Then, with nary a comment from the crowd, Mellman glided into the case for the Massachusetts senator.

Contrast that with the introduction this Sunday for Bush-Cheney campaign manager Ken Mehlman at a similar Jewish event.

"One of us, Ken Mehlman -- let me repeat that, one of us, Ken Mehlman -- is running the Bush-Cheney campaign," said Morris Offit, a Republican and the president of the New York federation, barely containing his grin as he emphasized Mehlman's Jewishness.

Bang the Press Slowly

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on August 5, 2004

"I will concede that conservative Jewish Republicans like myself are in the minority, especially out here on the Left Coast," reader Gillee Sherman e-mailed me. "But we are growing in numbers every day, and this election should see a huge improvement for Bush in the Jewish community."

Europe Held Key in U.N. Fence Ruling

By Rachel Pomerance
Published on July 22, 2004

When it comes to action at the United Nations, Europe -- considered by many observers to be the organization's moral bellwether -- often decides the course.

That was the case again this week as the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding that Israel comply with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that it must tear down its West Bank security barrier and compensate Palestinians affected by its construction.

Your Letters

Published on March 11, 2004

Your Letters

Who Has Kerry’s Ear?

By Ron Kampeas
Published on February 19, 2004

Now that he's running for president, Sen. John Kerry's openness to a broad range of Jewish opinion is making some in the pro-Israel community nervous -- and others hopeful.

World Briefs

Published on February 5, 2004

World Briefs

Why I Voted For Arnold

By Si Frumkin
Published on October 9, 2003

First a disclaimer: I have never met Arnold Schwarzenegger, have never spoken to him, was never contacted by his political people, no one ever asked me to support him, or offered me money to do so. I supported him because I respect him and because I am convinced that he will be good for California. In fact, if I may brag just a little, I started predicting that he would be the next governor of California many months ago, when only a few hard-line nuts seriously considered that a recall could be successful. I didn't think/hope that Gray Davis would be recalled. I just was sure that Arnold would run and win the next race.

Arnold’s Choice

By Rob Eshman
Published on September 18, 2003

If there was a presidential candidate whose father accused "the Jew media" and "Jewish pundits in New York and Los Angeles" of beating the drums for war, and said he had no problem with harassing and punishing the Jews -- but such things shouldn't be done in "a loud clamor" -- would you vote for that candidate?

Rep. Darrell Issa: Ally of Israel

Published on July 31, 2003

Darrell Issa has met repeatedly with leaders in the region to encourage cooperation in the war on terrorism and to advance the "road map" to peace.

No Major Names for Jerusalem Mayor

By Leslie Susser
Published on May 29, 2003

Next week's vote for mayor of Jerusalem will be unprecedented: For the first time since the reunification of the city in 1967, no major national figure is running.

Am I Annoying?

By Teresa Strasser
Published on January 9, 2003

I knew better. I had about as much business being there as an elderly tourist has of being on Skid Row after midnight with a map in his hand and a blank cashier's check taped to his forehead. I was in grave danger of a psychological mugging, and I knew it.

I kept telling myself to walk away, hail an emotional cab and get out fast, but I couldn't. The pull was too strong. I had to know.

Am I annoying?

Increasing Political Isolation for Jews

By James D. Besser
Published on November 7, 2002

If all those statistics are true about Jews still being one of the most liberal voting blocs in the nation, why are they increasingly estranged from the American left?

Easy: The left, ranging from the anti-globalism fringes to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to some segments of the mainstream liberal community, has adopted policies and perspectives that even many progressive Jews regard as offensive and dangerous.

Judges Facing Judgment Day

By Mike Levy
Published on October 31, 2002

It is a simple enough question: yes or no? Voters on Nov. 5 will answer the question many times, and the independence of California's judicial system depends on the answer.

Justices for the California Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are appointed for 12-year terms by the governor. They are confirmed by a committee consisting of the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the attorney general and the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal. If a judge is appointed to serve the remaining term of a retiring or deceased judge, or when the judge has finished a 12-year term, the jurist must be approved in an election in order to remain on the bench.

Among the judges up for retention on the Nov. 5 ballot are a handful of Gov. Gray Davis appointees with close ties to the L.A. Jewish community.

Jewish Groups Back U.S. Stand on Iraq

By Matthew E. Berger
Published on October 17, 2002

Jewish groups are supporting a resolution from their umbrella organization backing the Bush administration's use of force against Iraq "as a last resort."

Latino Group Sues Over District Lines

By Mike Levy
Published on November 1, 2001

Winners and Losers

By Tom Tugend
Published on June 7, 2001

While the Jewish vote apparently split down the middle in James K. Hahn's victory over Antonio Villaraigosa in the contest for mayor, there was bad news and good news for Jewish candidates in other races.

Diversity of Dizzying Dimensions

By Tom Tugend
Published on April 5, 2001

When voters cast their ballots for mayor in next week's primary, they may be electing to that office the first Jew, the first Latino or the first woman.

A National Unity Government for L.A.

By Sheldon Teitelbaum
Published on February 22, 2001

The more time I spend trailing the Los Angeles mayoral candidates, the more I find myself musing about rehabilitating the commissariat as a form of government. Or, failing such "Red Dawn"/"Red Alert" scenarios, perhaps we might seek something akin to the national unity administration now under contemplation in Israel. I say this not just to be provocative -- well not only. It just strikes me as a huge waste of precious talent, integrity and commitment to be forced by a winner-takes-all electoral system to have to pick just one of these outstanding people for mayor while jettisoning the others.

Tight Races

By Rabbi Dov Fischer
Published on November 16, 2000

Initially, one cannot help but think that the surge of retired, elderly Jews to Florida, augmented by this year's Lieberman Factor, has redefined Florida politics into an Israel-style method of governance. While the rest of America was voting and deciding on Tues., Nov. 7, Florida was telling us - just as Israel runs under Barak - "Wait 48 hours, and then we'll decide." Two days later, as the last recount came in from Seminole County with Bush a nose ahead, Florida essentially told us, "Well, wait 48 more hours, and then we'll really decide." Even today, Nov. 17, with all the incoming mail ballots from those Floridian voters stationed out-of-state in the military and on campuses tallied, we still have the proverbial 48 hours and more. Recounts. Manual recounts. Just like Barak's Israel.

Private Schools: “Many Who Apply Will Not Be Admitted”

By Sue Stengel
Published on October 26, 2000

Since August, all of us have been the targets of television advertisements supporting and opposing Proposition 38. No doubt proponents of the initiative will be quick to use the results of a recent Harvard University study that found an improvement in academic achievement of some African Americans, particularly low-income families that received vouchers and are enrolled in private schools.

Persian Pursuasion

By Michael Aushenker
Published on October 12, 2000

On any given weekday, Elat Market, the Pico-Robertson supermarket, is already a hub of hustle and bustle for the Persian community. So one can imagine the human traffic on the Friday morning before Yom Kippur - getting ready before Shabbat and yontiff. Standing outside the market on this busy morning, it becomes apparent that Elat is somewhat of a de facto community center, a nexus where friends - young and old - run into one another and splinter off into small congregations of conversation.

The 6 O’Clock Solution

By Charlotte Hildebrand
Published on September 7, 2000

Ralph Fertig, a retired judge and current community activist and novelist, has what a lot of progressive Californians are looking for: a solution to voting on Nov. 7.

Hot Propositions

By Eric Roth
Published on March 2, 2000

California's ballot initiatives have been making laws and national headlines since 1911. Designed by Governor Hiram Johnson to take politics directly to the people and over the heads of a corrupt legislature, the initiative process often focuses on populist issues. California voters have used their votes to spotlight issues across the political gamut from environmental concerns (Proposition 65) to property taxes (Proposition 13) to immigration (Proposition 187) to affirmative action (Proposition 209), campaign finance reform (Proposition 208), and legal gambling (Proposition 5) .

Enter the New Prime Minister: Ehud Barak

By Eric Silver
Published on May 27, 1999

Two decades ago, after hearing the then-Col. Ehud Barak deliver a eulogy for a fallen comrade, popular Israeli poet Haim Guri predicted: "One day, this man will be prime minister." On May 17, Israel's voters proved him right. Barak was elected by a landslide, his 56 percent to 44 percent for the right-wing incumbent, Binyamin Netanyahu -- the younger brother of the man Barak eulogized in 1976, Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed rescuing a planeload of hijacked passengers at Entebbe airport.

News of the Week

Published on May 20, 1999

Most of the people I know in Israel voted for Barak; a few preferred Netanyahu. But on the part of almost everyone, outcome aside, there was a tremendous sense of excitement, of participating in what felt like an intense moment of change.

Forgetting the Little Guy

Published on March 25, 1999

If you closed your eyes and sat very still, you could almost feel history unfolding last week in Conference Room No. 1 at national United Jewish Appeal headquarters in New York. One of the most broadly representative parliamentary bodies in organized American Jewish life was gathered to vote itself, in effect, out of existence.

Body Building

Published on December 3, 1998

Rabbi Barnett Brickner sits, frowning in his study at Temple Judea of Massapequa, N.Y. He's been asked his opinion of the proposed new "platform" of Reform Judaism, which comes up for a vote next May at a national convention of Reform rabbis. The platform says that the Torah was revealed by God at Sinai and that its commandments "call to us even though we live in modernity." It urges Reform Jews to pray daily, to make the Sabbath a holy day, to follow dietary laws, and more. Brickner is alarmed.

Kenneth Bob

Published on September 24, 1998

Kenneth Bob, a software executive from Long Island,N.Y., is registered to vote in this month's World Zionist Congress elections, but he's having a hard time deciding how to cast his ballot.

Scars Fall on Alabama

Published on July 16, 1998

Close to half the Reform temples in Alabama are named "Emanuel," which is Hebrew for "God is with us." Jews all over the state are hoping it proves true this fall, when voters pick a governor.

A Vote at a Time

By Marlene Adler Marks
Published on June 11, 1998

The big political story that's emerged from last week's California primary is not the Davis-Lungren gubernatorial race nor the high-profile propositions. The big story is yet unfolding and takes us to a small corner of our town, in the east end of the San Fernando Valley. At this writing, former Assemblyman Richard Katz is only 33 votes behind City Councilman Richard Alarcon in a race to replace veteran state Sen. Herschel Rosenthal. While awaiting the inevitable recount, observers of the new American ethnic politics are peering over the map of Senate District 20 block by block for what is being done right -- and wrong.

Mideast

By Larry Derfner
Published on May 28, 1998

Just after dawn two years ago today, May 29, 1996, the all-night vote count finally tipped against Shimon Peres and for Binyamin Netanyahu, who would become the new prime minister. In the intervening two years, Peres was succeeded as head of the Labor Party by the slain Yitzhak Rabin's protegé, Ehud Barak. After a long stretch of running ahead of Netanyahu in the polls, Barak has now slipped behind.