The presidential candidates hit the campaign trail with Gov. Romney picking up momentum after his strong debate performance Wednesday night. President Obama returns to the Golden State this weekend with a fundraising stop in the Bay Area on October 8.

While California is not expected to be in play for the presidential election, there are several close congressional races here that could tip the scales for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gov. Brown signed a flurry of bills over the weekend -- ranging from immigration to corporate taxation -- and wielded his veto pen to make a case for Proposition 30, a measure that would raise additional taxes to prevent further cuts in public education. Proposition 33, also on the November ballot, would allow insurance companies to set prices based on a driver's history of insurance coverage.

• 2012 California Proposition Guide