Newsletter: Essential Politics: Who gives a lawmaker a bottle of tequila?

I’m Christina Bellantoni, the Essential Politics host today. Let’s get started.

As loyal readers of this newsletter know, we love financial disclosure forms around here. Our project last fall showcased the wealth of the members of California’s congressional delegation, but also highlighted how the rules for explaining assets and liabilities are so complex, it is impossible to put a precise figure on how much lawmakers are worth.

Wednesday was disclosure day for statewide elected officials and the Legislature in Sacramento, and we have a bunch of stories on what we learned.

Patrick McGreevy details which lawmakers attended a lavish annual fundraiser in Maui — and the list of who paid for the trip.

The team also dug into the gifts received by lawmakers listed on the disclosure forms. From free golfing to bottles of tequila, members of the state Assembly and Senate received nearly $900,000 worth of gifts and all-expenses paid junkets.

Phil Willon looks at Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris’ forms, and explains how her husband sold off assets.

(And if you missed it, here is our “How much are they worth?” interactive.)

CATCH UP QUICK ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Lisa Mascaro and Noah Bierman write that pressure is mounting on GOP leaders across almost all levels of government to take a stand in one of the most historic political fights of their generation. So when it comes to Donald Trump, it is fast becoming the defining question of the 2016 election: Which side are you on? Their story has a companion piece — a handy chart of who backs Trump, and who is fighting him.

As the Republicans try to figure out what’s next, and as Trump adjusts to his role as the GOP standard-bearer, Democrats appear more eager than ever to close ranks, Mike Memoli writes.

Some liberal forces that had been more sympathetic to Bernie Sanders appear ready to line up behind Hillary Clinton with an eye to the bigger looming challenge of Trump. MoveOn.org, which has formally endorsed Sanders, spent as much of its statement on Tuesday’s primaries warning about the threat posed by Trump as it did praising the potency of Sanders’ message.

Campaigning in New York, Clinton made promises for how she would govern and avoided mentioning Trump.

“As long as you are fighting for working families in America, I will be in the trenches fighting alongside of you,” she said. “Labor will always have a seat at the table when I am in the White House.”

Evan Halper writes that a race against Trump was once considered the stuff of fantasy among Democratic strategists. Now, Clinton advisors are scurrying to develop a gameplan that could work against the candidate whose wild success defies all the usual rules.

We’ll be covering tonight’s GOP debate, with just four candidates on stage since Ben Carson signaled an end to his campaign after a disappointing Super Tuesday showing.

Michael Finnegan tees up the Trump-Megyn Kelly rematch and other things to watch for in the debate. Follow along with our team on Trail Guide and make sure to follow us on Twitter: @latimespolitics.

TODAY’S ESSENTIALS

— Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) want to make voter registration automatic for students when they enroll in college classes. The bill, AB 2455, was initially proposed by two Berkeley law students as part of a “There ought to be a law” contest.

— Sarah Wire reported on retiring Rep. Janice Hahn (D-Los Angeles) speaking about what it’s like to be a female lawmaker in Washington at a Women’s History Month event Wednesday. Hahn is seeking a return to local government and talked about disliking partisanship politics in Washington.

— Rep. Jeff Denham spoke with Wire about his ongoing effort to cut back on the more than $1.7 billion the federal government spends a year to maintain 770,000 empty buildings.

— George Skelton argues in his column that Anthony Rendon’s speakership (officially starting Monday) could lead to a more productive Legislature thanks to term limits.

— The L.A. Times editorial board weighs in and says Trump is unfit to be president.

LOGISTICS

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