A lot of people bet that the Republican from Bakersfield would be unable to keep his factionalized majority in line. He proved the doubters wrong. But the party remains deeply divided on an issue that once united it the size of government.
California voters largely follow partisan lines in whom they trust in the debt fight. Unease among progressive activists hasn't filtered through to Democratic voters.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein uses side and back doors to travel the Capitol complex, and a wall of staffers shield her from scrutiny, reports a Times photographer tasked with covering her. But at what cost?