Early this morning, State Senate Republicans caucused off of the Senate Floor, and decided that they wanted to make a change in their leadership. Replacing Dave Cogdill is Dennis Hollingsworth. I have known Dennis personally for over fifteen years, long before he was elected to the legislature. He is a good man and will be a good leader for his caucus. Dennis was a very early, outspoken opponent of this current Big 5/Big Taxes plan, expressing very clear and realistic concerns about the over $14 billion in new taxes that it contains – which would add roughly $1300 a year in new taxes to the average family in California.
This morning I thought I would pen a brief appeal to Hollingsworth’s colleague and counterpart on the other legislative chamber, Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines. As a legislative caucus leader himself, Villines understands the importance for a new leader being able to take stock of his new position. Understanding that Villines supports this current budget deal (a cause of consternation, but a fact nevertheless), I would like to urge Villines to put on the brakes on this current “force play” by Democrat leaders (remember, they have “locked down” the building).
Right now the issue is not the policy contained in the current proposal, but rather the process. The change in Senate Republican Leadership necessitates a “stepping away” from this plan long enough for Hollingsworth to come up to speed, and to work with Villines to determine the unified Republican legislative strategy going forward.
The taxpayers of California are best served when Republicans are unified, and are working together. If Villines’ says that the deal is off the table, for now, so that Republicans can confer in a reasonable manner, he will have done everyone a big favor, and run “high cover” for the team.
Let’s hope he’ll do that. If the tables were turned, and Villines were thrust into leadership in the midst of this situation, I am sure that he would be looking for and pleased to get some “breathing room” in order to get oriented and be able to do the best job he could.
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