Having had to deal with it before, I can assure you that it is no easy feat to "move" a candidate through a Republican Party convention. When I say "move" — I am referring to the scheduling nightmare of a candidate who has a major speaking engagement (usually at a meal function) and then wants to maximize his or her time by scheduling meetings with various individuals and groups.

Such would be the challenge for Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who spoke at the luncheon at the CRP Convention today. The Mayor actually arrived in Sacramento last night, and leaves the hotel in a bit. And he has had many, many meetings with folks (I have spoken with many of them).

Well, this afternoon, he was originally scheduled to speak to the Board of Directors and members of the influential, conservative California Republican Assembly at 2:30 p.m. (this group is a major influence within the State GOP — Governor Mitt Romney spoke to them at the CRP Convention last August). Apparently that 2:30 p.m. time didn’t work for Giuliani, and CRA President Mike Spence graciously asked his membership to come back for a 4:00 p.m. meeting.

Well, at around… Read More

Jon Fleischman won the race for Californa Republicans Party Vice Chairman South this morning at the CRP Convention in Sacramento.

Unlike a recent call of mine this race is totally over.

Fleischman 142 | Wall 83

An additional 35 provisional ballots were not counted because they could not have affected the outcome.

Congratulations Jon.

Fleischman also holds the position of second vice chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County.… Read More

I thought the following commentary/editorial from David Sander was a fitting tribute for the convention. It’s written by David Sander, a local GOP Mayor who’s putting Republican principles to work every day, in the real world of government.

A case FOR partisanship, not “post-partisanship” David Sander, Mayor of Rancho Cordova

As a local Mayor, my job is considered “non-partisan”. But, I don’t think there is such a thing as “non-partisan. In fact, I don’t get they get the idea of “post-partisanship” – to me it’s just a bunch of feel-good hooey.

**There is more – click the link**

View Full Commentary… Read More

Here is our fearless Flasher, pictured last night with Assemblyman Paul Cook! While Col. Cook and I talked Iraq over a rack of lamb (I’m not kidding… Iraq over ‘a rack’)…Jon came up and made walking billboards of the whole group who enthusiastically support him for Vice Chair South.

Cast your vote at 9 am today!… Read More

I thought the following commentary/editorial from David Sander was a fitting tribute for the convention. It’s written by David Sander, a local GOP Mayor who’s putting Republican principles to work every day, in the real world of government.

A case FOR partisanship, not “post-partisanship” David Sander, Mayor of Rancho Cordova

As a local Mayor, my job is considered “non-partisan”. But, I don’t think there is such a thing as “non-partisan. In fact, I don’t get they get the idea of “post-partisanship” – to me it’s just a bunch of feel-good hooey.

Partisanship is a good thing.

Political Parties are not social clubs. At least they are not supposed to be. Parties are supposed to be about shared ideas and values – they are supposed to believe in something.

Partisanship means that each party has its own ideas and values – and sometimes those ideas and values conflict. It’s not a bad thing.

Post-partisanship is a washed out, bland amalgam of ideas pleasing everyone and standing for nothing.

Being a member of a political party is an act of commission to those values and… Read More

Update: The bill, SB 113, to cause in Californiaa $90 million early Presidential-only primary [and alsoas the ‘special election’ vehicle to extend term limits for legislators]moved this week through the Senate Elections Committee 3-0, with no Republican votes. There is much discussion about moving, again, the California primary for President to an "early" date in February to make California a stronger player. You’ve alsobeen hearing about the "need" to extend term limits and the true need to redistrict legislative seats using a fair method of drawing district lines for reapportionment. Although they are unrelated, they get tied together in numerous conversations amongst legislators and to the press. Tying all these issues together as is being done here is manipulative and wrong. This effort is really all about extending terms for legislators.

Having torpedoed Prop 77’s method of drawing fair districts with non-politicians, Democrat leaders [torpedo launchers] promisedto fix redistricting.More than afull… Read More

When the campaign for the California Republican Party Vice Chairmanship began, I was honored to lend my support to the candidacy of my dear friend and fellow GOP activist, Jalene Forbis. You must know that when she decided to withdraw from the campaign for vice chairman, she immediately threw her support to former State Assemblyman Tom Bordonaro-a man of accomplishment, great reputation and conservative values. I’ve known Tom for nearly six years and of his reputation as a standard bearer for our party for much longer, including his time in the Assembly and his valiant efforts to run for, and very nearly win, that coastal Congressional seat for our side.

The reasons I have joined Jalene in supporting Tom Bordonaro for Vice Chairman are many, but most important among them is that he has demonstrated the highest degree of character and sound judgment throught out his public life. I believe our state party deserves to have such a leader as vice chairman as we enter this critical presidential cycle.

Tom Bordonaro can be trusted to use all of his boundless energy and experience to support the successful development of our grassroots infrastructure… Read More

On the executive conference call last Wed. I tried frantically to get the various phones in my house to work the code so I could ask a question. They never worked. But, it didn’t matter. The spin machine of the CRP is in full gear. One of the interesting things mentioned by Chairman Sundheim was that donors don’t like the disunity caused by blogs and emails talking about the CRP etc..

I doubt they like a party in debt without accountabilty either. But, for sake of theargument how do we acheive unity?

If it was truly important to the party, we would have an audit. We would ask all 1600 memebrs of the state party to come to a meeting and explain what happened. This is how we spent the money, these are things in place so it doesn’t happen again etc… In other words The CRP be open with us about what is going on. Communication.

What the CRP members get is stonewalling, half-truths and excuses.

May the new CRP leadership be open and honest with the membership.… Read More