The California Teachers Assn. is the 500-pound strongman of the state's politics. Republicans like to criticize the union, and Democrats privately grumble about its power. But whether you like the union's policies or not, it has a better record of delivering politically than any politician or any other interest group in California. In a state full of talkers, CTA is a doer.

Today, CTA is holding "Day of Action" protests around the state to call for a budget proposal that does more to fund education. But I'd like to see the union go even further and put forward its own comprehensive proposal for a budget compromise. The union's team of staff and consultants is second to none in its knowledge of the budget. And CTA may be one of the few entities, in a state in which power is splintered, that can knock heads around the Capitol and force the passage of a budget. Right now, the budget is more than two-and-a-half months late (this is a new record), and there's little sign of a compromise in the nera future. And look at the other players. Democratic legislative leaders are unable to get a deal, Republicans are refusing to put forward a realistic proposal, and Gov. Schwarzenegger seems toothless and goofy, demanding that lawmakers return to Sacramento (during a press conference in Burbank). The union is more popular with the public -- and simply has more credibility -- than any other budget player. Somebody or something has to step up and govern the state sooner or later. Why not CTA?

(In a related, self-promotional vein, I'm moderating a Zocalo LA panel on teachers' unions next Tuesday evening , Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Riordan Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. More details are here).