Now that Labor Day has passed, election season is in full swing across California and the San Joaquin Valley is no exception. Fresno Bee political reporter John Ellis joined us this week on Valley Edition to talk about some of the region's hottest races and what we can expect as the candidates race to the finish on November 4th - election day. Among the topics we covered:
- Can Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin gain votes outside Central California and the Inland Empire in her bid to be California's next controller?
- Is the race in the 21st Congressional District between incumbent David Valadao and challenger Amanda Renteria living up to the hype as one of the most watched contests in the nation?
- Will California voters warm to the state's $7 billion water bond in the middle of a severe drought?
- What are the statewide implications of Prop 48? This referendum would allow the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians to build an off-reservation casino on Highway 99 north of Madera, and is now the center of a statewide fight over the future of tribal gaming.