The battle over eminent domain continues in the Capitol. On one side is the initiative sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) to solve the problems presented by the US Supreme Court in the Kelo v. City of New London case. On the other are the defenders of the status quo, the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Association. Also on the side of big government are some of those who benefit financially from the exercise of government power, groupsthat use government influence, and the exercise government power for personal gain.

As an attorney, prior to my time in the Legislature, land use, property rights, and abuse of government power in the control of property was a specialty of mine. I started my stint in politics as Chair of the Citizens For Property Rights in Riverside County and spent much of my time arguing for the rights of landowners on my local Planning Commission. As one of the most ardent supporters of property rights, my friend, Gil Ferguson once adamantly insisted that the Republican Caucus to listen to my counsel on the issue. He knew, as I know, that every freedom we have, freedom of… Read More

Local news carried the story about Mayor Rudy Giuliani winning the "California straw poll" conducted by the Sacramento Republican Party at the California State Fair.

Volunteers at the GOP booth asked fair attendees to cast their ballot for a Republican presidential candidate.

The winner was former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani with 31 percent of the vote. Former U.S. senator and actor Fred Thompson came in second with 24 percent. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had 19 percent and Sen. John McCain received 8 percent of the vote.

"Our straw poll will give candidates and leaders of the California Republican Party an indication as to how California Republicans will vote come next February 5," said Carl Burton, Vice Chairman of the Sacramento County Republican Party.

Poll organizers say more than 1,622 valid ballots were cast during the fair.… Read More

In today’s Roll Call Magazine (the leading news-source for goings-on in the United States Congress), there’s an article on Congressman John Doolittle. We try to bring you their California coverage when we are alerted to it – especially when reporter David Drucker gives the FR a "shout out" (thanks!):

California: Support for Doolittle Continues to Slip Away David Drucker, Roll Call

Support for Rep. John Doolittle (R) has gone into a tailspin in his suburban Sacramento 4th district, with a prominent conservative activist announcing he could no longer back the Congressman … Read More

This is a particularly tough time for Congressman John Doolittle. Doolittle (pictured to the right) is in the midst of dealing with the taint of an FBI investigation of Congress that has included family business dealings with now-disgraced and imprisoned ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Our hearts to go out to John and his family at this time. In America, we have a strong tradition in our courts that you are innocent until you are proven guilty. I would tell FR readers that having known John for nearly two decades, I don’t believe that he is guilty of any crimes. That having been said, Congressman Doolittle is facing a trial — but it is in the court of public opinion… And at a time when the public’s bias is not in the favor of Washington politicians. DOOLITTLE’S… Read More

This is a particularly tough time for Congressman John Doolittle. Doolittle (pictured to the right) is in the midst of dealing with the taint of an FBI investigation of Congress that has included family business dealings with now-disgraced and imprisoned ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Our hearts to go out to John and his family at this time. In America, we have a strong tradition in our courts that you are innocent until you are proven guilty. I would tell FR readers that having known John for nearly two decades, I don’t believe that he is guilty of any crimes. That having been said, Congressman Doolittle is facing a trial — but it is in the court of public opinion… And at a time when the public’s bias is not in the favor of Washington politicians.

DOOLITTLE’S NEGATIVES OVER 50% Over the weekend, I had an… Read More

Earlier this year, FlashReport alumnus Karen Hanretty took off for Washington, D.C., in search of new challenges. As FR readers know, our former State Capitol Correspondent served as Communications Director for the California Republican Party, and has been regular contributor to the Fox News Channel (her appearances on Hannity and Colmes are too numerous to count).

Well, today it was announced by the Friends of Fred Thompson Committee (soon to be Thompson for President) that Karen has come onboard as their Deputy Communications Director, helping to oversee all aspects of the campaign’s national communications efforts, and also acting as a spokesman. Congratulations, Karen — we’re proud of you!!

Fred Thompson’s quite "Golden State heavy" when it comes to his Communications Team. Last month he brought on Todd Harris as Communications Director.… Read More

Sometimes you write about something on the blog so that you stop having to write about it over (and over) privately. For those who were unaware, last week Governor Schwarzenegger held a private meeting with some of my colleagues on the California Republican Party Board of Directors at the State Capitol. These members included Immediate Past Chairman Duf Sundheim, Republican National Committeeman Tim Morgan, County Chairmans Association President Keen Butcher, and Regional Vice Chairmen Jerry Maltby, Mark Pruner, and Aquinetta Warren. There were a couple of other non-CRP Board Members in the meeting as well.

I do not know what they discussed in their meeting. I do not know why this particular group of CRP leaders was chosen. I do know that I was not invited, nor were any of the CRP’s elected officers (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer or Secretary). If you have any questions about this meeting, you may want to direct them to one of the attendees.

One hopes that this is the first of many intimate meetings that the Governor has with Republican leaders, and hopefully some others of us will have a chance to dialogue… Read More

Erica Werner over at the Associated Press is reporting that two senior aides to Congressman John Doolittle were subpeoned recently by Federal authorities who are investigating ties between Congressman Doolittle, his wife and jailed ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The existance of these subpeonas was announced today after the aides gave a required notification to the House.

Clearly this demonstrates that an investigation is still active and ongoing — presenting a serious, ongoing challenge to Congressman Doolittle’s ability to get past this issue, as he tries to make the case that he can be re-elected next year.… Read More