Getting It Together (Finally) : A welcome plan to get state delegation to meet regularly

Despite having the largest delegation in Congress, California has a disappointing record in obtaining its share of the federal pie. One of the problems has been that the delegation is so beset with ideological extremes that it has been hard-put to find common ground, even on issues of great importance to the state.

Many blame the delegation’s dissension and disorganization for the loss of major projects to California, including the $4.4-billion superconducting super-collider, which went to Texas, and a $50-million earthquake research center, which went to New York. Texas, especially, is skillful at pulling together Democrats and Republicans in support of projects that benefit the state.

When Congress reconvenes in January, California’s lawmakers will try to take a page from the Texas book, starting with monthly bipartisan meetings. By then, California will have gained seven new House members as a result of reapportionment--for a total of 52, which dwarfs most other states. Also, with luck, by then the members of both parties will have put behind them the bitter reapportionment battles that have deeply divided them.

The agreement to meet as a whole delegation is the result of an effort by Rep. Don Edwards (D-San Jose) and Rep. Carlos J. Moorhead (R-Glendale)--respective deans of their caucuses. The congressmen also spearheaded formation of the California Institute, a bipartisan nonprofit research center aimed at finding ways for the state’s delegation to promote the economic interests of California.

The belated but welcome effort to unify the state’s delegation could not come at a better time for California, which is reeling from the recession. The bipartisan meetings are an important step in building consensus and support among Republicans and Democrats to get California back on its feet.