Los Angeles Times

California's overflowing coffers hand Newsom 'every politician's dream'

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — There seems to be nothing standing in the way of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Despite early concerns that the pandemic would weaken the state's economy, another year of gushing tax revenue ensures that the politics of plenty will continue to define his first four years in office. A Legislature teeming with Democrats and his easy defeat of the recall election have made him even more powerful.

"He's sitting on a massive budget surplus that is every politician's dream," said Susan Kennedy, a top aide to former Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gray Davis. "He's got no credible opposition to reelection and the wind at his back. He should be able to tackle any major issue he sets his mind to."

Newsom's allies say his good fortune provides him a rare opportunity to focus on creating a better California for future generations, allowing him to spend time working on a

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