Last month, the California Republican Party held its semi-annual convention in
Anaheim . By most measures, the convention was a tremendous success for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Governor had not only well-timed his “I’m running for reelection” announcement (great news for a GOP that had already endorsed his bid for second term in advance) – but he also came into the convention having just promised to veto a prominent homosexual marriage bill, and at the convention luncheon, he announced his official support for Proposition 75, the Paycheck Protection Measure. Party Chairman Duf Sunheim and Vice Chairman Ron Nehring were very prominent at the convention (as they should be) as well, speaking to groups, at meal functions and at the general session.
Quietly making her rounds at the convention, however, was former East-San Francisco Bay Area Assemblywoman Lynne Leach, holding one-on-one meetings, and laying the groundwork for a run
for party Vice Chairman, a race that would take place after the 2006 elections (the CRP will hold its elections in February of ’07 in
Sacramento ). I’ve known Lynne for many years – she was still Chairman of the Contra Costa County Party when I was serving as State President of the California Republican Assembly in the mid ‘90’s. She, of course, went on to serve six years in the State Assembly. In 2002, she made an unsuccessful run for State Superintendent of Public Instruction (this down-ticket office is heavily funded on the left by the CTA). She currently has her own business where she gives business-oriented presentations, and communications training.
Leach will be a formidable candidate – she has experience as a County GOP Chairman in an area with competitive seats, she has served as a legislator, and as a statewide candidate. On paper, she is quite conservative, which will appeal to the very conservative bent of the State GOP Central Committee. Still, her personality and demeanor make her an instant hit with all. It is too early yet to know whether she will draw an opponent – but certainly it is to the Grand Ol’ Party’s benefit that someone of
Lynn ’s ability and caliber is interested in this volunteer post, that ultimately leads to a shot at the Party Chairmanship…
While Lynne’s e-mail address does not appear on her website, her biography does… We’ll see how all of this develops. Through all of her legislative races, Kevin Spillane was her consultant. Makes you wonder if Kevin will be on the hook for a party race! LOL.
This entry was posted
on Monday, October 17th, 2005 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.
