First Take: Jerry Brown’s millions. Maldonado’s judgment day. Watson to retire. Primary colors.

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Although Jerry Brown has yet to declare his candidacy for governor, groups backing his expected bid are preparing to spend tens of millions of dollars on his race through independent expenditure committees, which are free from the state’s campaign finance restrictions.

State lawmakers admonished members of the Schwarzenegger administration Wednesday for travel costs, vehicles and other expenses.

State Sen. Abel Maldonado’s nomination as lieutenant governor will be on the Assembly floor this morning, and the Central Coast Republican faces an uphill battle for confirmation.

A Senate committee will continue its hearings on the state budget, as Democrats are expected to show their hand on some major counter-proposals to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s spending plan.

Rep. Diane Watson will officially announce her retirement Thursday, and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass is expected to announce her candidacy to replace Watson.

A study finds a proposed change in the state’s primary voting system will not end rampant partisanship in Sacramento. But George Skelton says it’s worth trying.