Europeans have it right. August should be for vacations, not for work. Just ask political reporters left to sift through measly scraps of news.

On this week's Capital Notes Podcast, we examine the very few rumblings about budget negotiations here in Sacramento, a bad sign given we're eight weeks into the new fiscal year. Bets, anyone?

Capitol Weekly's Anthony York and I also chat about the state of the governor's race -- a convention that begins today (check back for postings), and a new issue ad going after the Democratic nominee.

Play audio:
Audio player needs Flash9+ (download) and JavaScript.