The passing of C. Thomas Whitt last week rekindled memories of one of the stickiest elections in Fresno County history.

Former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry, who has been out of office and off the political radar for four years, is now seriously considering a run for the state Senate seat vacated by Bakersfield Democrat Michael Rubio.

SACRAMENTO -- California's rank-and-file Republicans, beaten down after being handed near-historic losses in last November's election, came here this weekend looking for a bit of direction and a strong dose of inspiration.

Before resigning to head California governmental affairs for Chevron Corp., Democratic Sen. Michael Rubio participated in two real estate deals with a Kern County oil executive who has contributed to his campaign.

It's probably not a shock that more than 99% of Fresno County ballots were marked for president in the November election, but it might come as a surprise that fewer than 86% of voters bothered to weigh in on a Fresno city ballot measure.

The mayor of Hanford is not running for re-election and neither is the former mayor. The California Department of Justice is snooping around Hanford City Hall, and a YouTube video showing Council Member Joleen Jameson putting on lipstick and making faces from the dais has more than 198,500 hits.

The Fresno Bee lists the candidates in city council elections across the Valley.

With a little more than two weeks until Election Day, the evidence is mounting that a west-side congressional battle between Hanford Republican David Valadao and Fresno Democrat John Hernandez won't be the walkover that many had predicted.

It was billed as a bipartisan news conference where Republicans and Democrats alike would talk about "leadership issues within the Fresno Teachers Association and how they are adversely affecting the students."

With the city's budget deadline just days away, the Fresno City Council appears close to embracing Mayor Ashley Swearengin's plan to balance the budget by privatizing residential trash collection.

Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin has moved to Plan B as time runs out on efforts to approve next year's budget. Swearengin has drafted a revised budget for 2012-13 that depends on higher-than-expected sales tax revenue, outsourcing of the residential trash service and savings from a slightly smaller police force.

Chaotic efforts to get the Fresno Oversight Board sworn in have some members muttering a different kind of oath.

A Sacramento judge ruled Thursday that Jose Hernandez, who flew in the shuttle Discovery three years ago, can use the ballot designation of "astronaut" in his current congressional bid.

Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin on Monday warned that the city is in "severe financial stress" that demands immediate action and presented a 10-year plan calling for more concessions from city workers.

Former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson and two other Republicans on Monday said they would seek the 23rd Assembly District seat, which was thrown open last week when first-term Republican Linda Halderman unexpectedly said she wouldn't seek reelection.

Dinuba native Cruz Bustamante, who rose through the political ranks to become Assembly speaker and then lieutenant governor, has decided against a run for Congress.

Richard Valle, citing unwavering support from friends, family and constituents, announced Saturday that he will seek re-election even as he faces prosecution on sexual assault charges.

Cruz Bustamante, the Dinuba Democrat who rose to the second-highest position in state government, is eyeing a return to politics -- as a congressman.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday signed legislation in Fresno that will extend and enlarge a popular program that gives tax credits to first-time homebuyers.

The Fresno City Council on Wednesday got its first look at a new state law regulating how Californians water their yards.

WASHINGTON -- Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, now begins the hardest congressional year imaginable.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein has just complicated Sen. Barbara Boxer's search for San Joaquin Valley voters.

A San Diego County Assembly member has returned more than $78,000 in campaign donations from the Fresno County Republican Party -- contributions that had sparked controversy and prompted a state investigation.

PORTERVILLE -- Seven candidates are running for three spots on a City Council that is expected to face decisions that will significantly affect Porterville's future.

Fresno mayoral candidates singled out air quality, crime and jobs as top issues facing the city in coming years during a debate Monday night sponsored by Valley Public Television.

Two distinct views divide the political turf in the race for the District 2 seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Pinedale residents concerned that the city of Fresno is dragging its feet in making improvements to their neighborhood received pledges to speed up the process Monday night from two City Council candidates.

Ninety-Three Years of Waiting

A new mayor might not be the only change at City Hall next January.