**Preview: Coming tomorrow and Wednesday, I had an opportunity to conduct yet another insightful and provocative interview with well-known and well-respected veteran California pollster Arnie Steinberg. This interview with Steinberg is a two-parter, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we spent bringing it your way. Look for Part I tomorrow! – Flash**
California 4th Assembly District is safe GOP territory. Currently represented by conservative Ted Gaines, the district lies to the East of Sacramento, taking in all or most of Placer, El Dorado and Alpine Counties, a portion of Sutter County and a small piece of Sacramento County. Here is a map.
Most notable about this legislative district these days is that it falls within California 4th Congressional District where the long-time incumbent, John Doolittle (pictured left), is in the midst of a political maelstrom due to a prolonged investigation by federal investigators looking into Doolittle family connections to now-jailed ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Last year, Doolittle held off a very strong general election challenge from Democrat Charlie Brown who is running again. Recent polling data shows that if the election were held today, Doolittle would not be re-elected. Many in D.C. have distanced themselves from Doolittle, who has temporarily given up his seat on the House Appropriations Committee while under the scrutiny of investigators.
I should add that I have known John Doolittle for over fifteen years, and know him to be an honest and ethical person. But of course, he is dealing with the court of public opinion at this point, not a court of law…
The marketplace of politics being what it is, it should come as no surprise to anyone that Congressman Doolittle, who has loudly and repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and has announced he is running for another term, is now facing multiple primary challengers. One of these is the popular Assemblyman Gaines (pictured right). Gaines has opened an "exploratory committee" as he gauges the viability of a primary challenge to the embattled Doolittle. Well, this creates a "cascading effect" as those interested in running for Gaines’ Assembly seat now have to start their positioning.
I was very pleased to learn last week that FR friend Eric Hogue (pictured to the right), a long-time conservative radio talk show host who makes Roseville in Placer County his home. I had a chance to catch up with Eric for some Q & A as he prepared an announcement of his candidacy. I should add, of course, that as an officer of the California Republican Party, I do not endorse candidates in contested Republican primaries. That said, I am certainly able to profile any candidates that I would like… Besides, since Eric’s the first one in the race, it’s not quite yet contested… ;-)
At the bottom of this brief interview is an e-mail link to contact Eric, via the FR. Since his campaign website is not yet up, emailing Eric a note at that link will go straight to his personal e-mail!
Let me add, before we start the interview, that advising the candidacy of Hogue is none other than Dave Gillard. Uber-consultant Gilliard is consultant for, among others, the Congressional campaign of Ted Gaines…
FR: Eric, is it true that you have decided to run for the State Assembly?
EH: Let me explain… I have a contingency…
If Ted Gaines decides to run for the Congressional seat, then I will complete my efforts in running for the State Assembly in District 4. As it stands right now I’m receiving contributions with the promise to run, or to return the donations if Ted Gaines determines not running in the Congressional race. This District, AD 4, is a solid Republican seat its representation needs to stay strong in conservative ideology and leadership. I know I can deliver those ideals for the fine folks of AD 4.
FR: Can you tell our readers a little something about yourself (for those who don’t know you as a local radio personality)?
EH: I’m 43 years-old, married for 19 years and have two awesome daughters, both in high school. I’ve been associated with talk radio for ever 20 years, in Sacramento, San Francisco and in Cleveland, Ohio.
I have worked for Salem Communications for nearly 13 years, and I’ve been actively involved in the Republican Party locally (California and Ohio) and nationally since 1982.
I’m conservative. I believe we need to do a much better job of communicating (educating) the ideals of conservatism. We must be leading as we communicate – saying no is a short answer, explaining the “reasons” as to why we are against, of for, is progress for the future. I want to be known for what I am for, not just those things I am against — supporting liberty, capitalism, and individual achievement.
My radio show was best known as the “home of the recall.” I worked with Ted Costa (who has endorsed my candidacy) and gathered the first signatures for the petition to recall Governor Gray Davis. I also created the concept of “drive by” signature signings in California.
As a talk radio host, I have covered the “Capitol Beat” for over seven years, requiring me to roll up my sleeves and really understand California legislation. This has mostly been in “real time” working with Republican leaders and current politicians to cover the issues of the day. I don’t need a map of the Capitol building, nor a roster of the players on both sides of the aisle. I know the lay of the land, and it knows me. My morning show was known as a “Must Morning Listen” for the politicos and policy wonks in Sacramento.
FR: What would you say are your top priorities as a candidate for the
State Legislature?
EH: Here are a few off of the top of my head…
Family – it’s an institution that needs more support and protections, starting with the effort to redefine marriage, and the strain that has been placed upon our loved ones by higher taxes, social burdens and numerous agendas that erode the family (and marriage) cohesiveness.
Self Government – the “bill mill” needs to be slowed, we have a nanny state that is running out of control.
Immigration Solutions – we have an immigration problem, not an immigrant problem. Take the target off of people and place it where it belongs, on our refusal to make, and keep, good immigration laws.
Education – my two daughters (pictured to the left with Eric, his wife, and the family pup) are receiving a public education. I believe there is still hope for our kids if leaders will focus on making school campuses about academics, versus what we have now, camps for the pursuit of agenda and indoctrination. Let’s make education better, and at the same time, make inner-city opportunities for those who have a disadvantage.
Taxes – we are taxed to deficit. Cut, stop and remove taxes and set people free to lead their lives.
Controlling Spending – state government is out of control with its spending. We need a budget, not a balloon loan for our kids.
Hold off Socialized Health Care – health care must remain a private matter, not a state-decided one. People must be able to afford health care, and at the same time be involved in the decisions that surround health care. We should not have a state run health care system.
Growth and the Environment – smart growth means growth! Yes, I like the environment as much as the next person, it’s called stewardship. Yet, we must continue to develop with wisdom – support for all of the contractors, the merchants, residents, and the environment can all be accomplished. Growth and infrastructure are vital to the life of a people and a state. Wiser and cooler heads will prevail here.
Redistricting – we have to have a process for drawing political boundary lines that has integrity. The people need fair maps, not a gerrymanders election ATM grid. It is time to redraw lines for the people, not the politicians.
I am pro-life, pro-family and pro-faith. Faith is a major staple of my life, as it is with a wide majority of the residents in Assembly District 4.
FR: Eric, you’ve spent quite some time as a conservative talk show host in the Sacramento area. How has that prepared you to serve in the state legislature?
EH: I have studied legislation with politicians, as if I were an elected official. My connectivity is high, and my track-record it solid. I speak my mind, I’m a leader, and I have faced the real people – the listeners/voters for seven years. There isn’t a major issue that I have not studied or researches. If you want to represent people, learn to speak to them… I have, for over 20 years, eight of them here locally.
FR: Between his global warming alarmism, and his rush to socialize medicine, Governor Schwarzenegger seems to be off the GOP reservation. What should we be making of Arnold Schwarzenegger right now?
EH: To defend the governor in the first term I represented the event called recall. We had to remember history – the Governor was elected due to fiscal mis-management of the state’s budget. Still, we all knew and had growing "concerns" about his social leanings. In his second term the wheels of the recall opportunity and Republican advantage have severely slowed.
As I look at the Governor’s direction today, I have a rough time associating the conservative with much from his administration. Yes, the people of California had to recall Gray Davis and we had to have a win. And, yes – it’s true – the conservative, Republican luster has fallen off of the Arnold recall rose.
This is why elected Republican leaders in the State Assembly need ‘not be enamored or fearful’ in speaking their minds, and represent ‘people versus an agenda’. If events present themselves I want this opportunity as a member of the Republican Caucus, working with the leadership of Mike Villines. It’s time to get back to a GOP with a backbone in Sacramento.
FR: Because you live in John Doolittle’s Congressional District, you knew this question was coming. The Assembly seat for which you are running for it open because Assemblyman Gaines has decided to run for the Congress against Doolittle.
Putting aside whether or not John Doolittle did anything wrong or not, do you think that he can win reelection against Democrat Charlie Brown next year? Have you endorsed John for re-election?
EH: As it stands right now, I still believe a Republican can win the Congressional seat. Who that Republican may be has yet to be determined on paper, or verbally.
My focus is on my responsibilities as I seek the Assembly seat – meeting and listening to people, in case Ted Gaines ultimately decides to run for Congress. People without a vision perish. I want to make sure this conservative, Republican stronghold will not be left holding the bag in case of a turn of events at the top…
__________________________
If you would like to reach out to Eric Hogue, you can send him an e-mail, via the FR, right here.
Care to read comments, or make your own about today’s Daily Commentary?
Just click here to go to the FR Weblog, where this Commentary has its own blog post, and where you can read and make comments.