Spending could tempt supermajority Democrats. (AP image)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – With supermajorities in both houses of the California Legislature, voters have given Democrats a historic opportunity to push their agenda on issues such as tax reform and workers’ rights.

But they also could reach too far if they can’t restrain the impulses of their most liberal members, which could lead to actions that will turn off middle-of-the-road voters.

One of the key political dramas of the coming year will be how legislative leaders and Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown walk that line.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said Thursday that Democrats recognize they must use their new power wisely and not overplay it. Republicans are warning that Democrats will lack fiscal discipline.

Steinberg says he’s willing to act without Republican votes. That power now includes raising taxes and overriding vetoes.