Sometimes I refer to State Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth as the "Accidental Leader" because of the circumstances which lead to his ascention to his current post. As California politicos know, Hollingsworth was elected leader in the wee hours, after the previous occupant of the Senate GOP’s top post, Dave Cogdill, was rather unceremoniously (and appropriately) removed from his post 
after pledging his personal support for a budget plan that included massive tax increases, rather than representing the views of his caucus, the vast majority of whom saw that February budget deal as being fatally flawed. From many accounts, Cogdill’s conveyance of information from the Big 5 meetings was less than stellar, adding a "shock value" to the news he brought his caucus of his support for higher incomes, sales and car taxes.
You’ve heard that saying, "what a difference a day makes?" Well, what a difference a few months make. In talking with many of Senator Hollingsworth’s GOP colleagues, it is very clear that his style of open, direct and inclusive leadership through this budget crisis has really solidified his position as leader.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Dennis Hollingsworth for nearly two decades, going back to the days when he and I were both GOP activists in the California Republican Assembly — and in all of the time I have known him, Hollingsworth has exhibited the kinds of traits for which he is praised by those around him today.
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July 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Run this guy for Governor….he is a pitbull.
Campbell, Poizner and Whitman are toast….end of story….FINIS….
Go for It Senator Hollingsworth.
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Down here in San Diego we have known for sometime that Dennis H is the best. Nice job Dennis and I know without question that you will always do a superior job.
August 1st, 2009 at 12:00 am
As a concerned small business owner in Central Calif. I want to thank Senator Hollingsworth for boldly standing against tax increases and government waste. You have not only helped save a lot of struggling businesses from calling it quits but also many many hard working families behind those businesses. We are grateful to you. Keep up the good work! We’d like to hear more about you in the Fresno Bee!!