California Assemblyman Fabian Nuñez leaving the speaker's post

Termed-out Assemblyman Fabian Nuñez leaves a legacy as an effective leader whose public image was tarnished by extravagant spending of political donations.

Nuñez, the gardener's son who rose from a San Diego barrio to one of California's most powerful posts, leaves office Tuesday having arguably fulfilled a vow he made when he was sworn in four years ago: to renew his chamber's prestige as "the house of ideas," writes The Times' Nancy Vogel.

But by many accounts, the Los Angeles Democrat and former labor leader failed to keep another pledge: to restore citizens' faith in government.

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Question for discussion: Is there any difference between what Nunez sought to do, and what an actual paid agent of the Mexican government would have tried to do?