Californians donated more than $150 million in the 2008 presidential race - more than any other state. The major candidates took that money and spent it elsewhere, never visiting California in the general election except for fundraisers.
Hill: "We're not a player at all. And we should be, and we need to be."
Democrat Jerry Hill is one of the assembly bill's two authors. Republican Brian Nestande is the other.
Nestande: "It somewhat cheats the voters out of the experience of having a presidential candidate in your party come to campaign with down-ballot, down-ticket candidates."
The measure would only take effect if states with a combined 270 Electoral votes sign onto the effort. So far, six states and the District of Columbia are on board - and organizers say California's 55 Electoral votes would go a long way. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger twice vetoed similar bills.