Speaker Bass has been put in some tough situations as Speaker, and I have disagreed with her on several decisions. However, on this much, we agree:

In an interview, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) criticized the governor’s tone and called the spat “unfortunate.” She said she too would like to change federal formulas and obtain more aid but would do it in “a collaborative relationship with the California delegation.”

“I don’t think he’s doing it in a way that strengthens the relationship,” she said.  (LA Times)

The latest salvo in the back and forth was a letter that Arnold sent Wednesday pointing to some comments that DiFi made…in 2003.  The comments focused on formulas for medicaid and other federally mandated state expenses. Of course, seven years is a lifetime (or two) in politics. Why, back then, Arnold was talking about blowing up the boxes. Since then, well, boxes in place, walls even higher.

This confrontation with DC seems to have taken on a life of its own, without any real purpose.