Either Gov. Nuisance just finally realized it or just trying to win more votes?

[theking]

In a break from other Democrats, Newsom says soliciting older minors for sex should be a felony

Democrats in the California Legislature drew national attention this week when they refused to advance legislation that sought to increase the punishment to a potential felony for soliciting a 16- or 17-year-old for sex, inspiring a rare public rebuke from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The move by lawmakers to strip the felony charge from the bill created a firestorm of criticism on social media and raised questions about priorities of lawmakers elected to the California Statehouse. To some, the refusal to stiffen the penalty became a glaring example of policymakers in the Golden State leaning too progressive after Republicans exploited the party's positions on social issues in the presidential election.

"The majority clearly remains out of touch with mainstream California," said Rob Stutzman, a Republican political consultant, about Democrats in the Legislature. "They're creating a burden for their party nationally."

Current law allows the offense of soliciting a minor under the age of 16 for sex to be punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony on the first offense, which is known as a felony "wobbler," and as a felony on subsequent offenses. State law also allows felony penalties for sex trafficking a minor under age 18.