SENATE GOP RESOLVE AND SOLIDARITY The built-in deficit in the budget passed by the California Assembly is actually about $2.9 billion. This is significantly more than the numbers being thrown around by those advocating the passage of that document in the Senate. One of the problems is that with a budget that is so huge, there are so many areas that can be interpreted and analyzed in different ways. I can tell you that over the years, I have come to rely on the financial acumen of State Senator and FR friend Tom McClintock for some clarity and truth on fiscal matters. $2.9 billion is his number. He also reminds us that this year’s proposed budget represents a $21.7 BILLION dollar increase in state spending since the recall election that brought Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sacramento. So with this as some very sobering context, we have to applaud what are being referred to as the "Magnificent 14" for their solidarity. Republicans sticking… Read More

We just received this from Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman:

Last night Senate Republicans held firm once again to our conviction that the proposed budget fails to either balance or reduce the structural deficit. Nor does the budget include language to prevent frivolous lawsuits that delay building roads, schools and hospitals. We cannot continue to ignore the state’s precarious economic standing. A thirty-percent growth in the state budget over recent years and a projected more than $5 billion deficit for next year, has forced a day of reckoning. Faltering revenues and a slumping housing market has only perpetuated the crisis. California cannot continue to live on… Read More

That is the question all GOP donors and activists need to ask themselves after last nights budget vote. Don’t get me wrong. I like Abel personally. He is a nice guy. If he is the nominee CRA is bound to support the nominees of the party. But his district is a tough one and he will have a tough time in his re-election campaign. It will cost the GOP big bucks to keep him there. Registration has been slipping etc… So is he worth a cool million dollars? Because of the 2/3rds vote needed to approve a state budget, it is the one time that our GOP Senators can make a difference and make a stand. There are no judicial confirmations or leadership control issues at stake. These issues are often used by liberal Republican to persuade us to vote for their candidates. … Read More

Backs Andal in Race for Congress

At 2 P.M. this afternoon in Danville, Assemblyman Guy Houston will declare his candidacy for Contra Costa County Supervisor by challenging sitting incumbent Mary Piepho. Houston, a veteran of a targeted seat in the 15th district, will have a huge advantage in fundraising and name identification (as well as the gratitude of the GOP for giving Dean Andal a clear shot at McNerney). Piepho has had trouble solidifying her seat and will now be facing a formidable opponent in Houston. As the long-time Mayor of Dublin before his tenure in the Assembly, Houston is no strager to the importance and differences that a non-partisan race entails and has always had a strong base of democrat support due to his hard work and fiscal conservatism.

After speaking to the Assemblyman, it is apparent that the major financial problems of Contra Costa County were an important factor and he feels he "can do a lot of good" on the Board of Supervisors. He was also keenly aware that a primary in the 11th congressional district would not help the GOP and would waste valuable resources. When discussing… Read More

SENATE GOP RESOLVE AND SOLIDARITY The built-in deficit in the budget passed by the California Assembly is actually about $2.9 billion. This is significantly more than the numbers being thrown around by those advocating the passage of that document in the Senate. One of the problems is that with a budget that is so huge, there are so many areas that can be interpreted and analyzed in different ways. I can tell you that over the years, I have come to rely on the financial acumen of State Senator and FR friend Tom McClintock for some clarity and truth on fiscal matters. $2.9 billion is his number. He also reminds us that this year’s proposed budget represents a $21.7 BILLION dollar increase in state spending since the recall election that brought Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sacramento. So with this as some very sobering context, we have to applaud what are being referred to as the "Magnificent 14" for their solidarity. Republicans sticking… Read More

Today, termed-out Republican Assembly Guy Houston (pictured to the right), who represents an east Bay Area legislative district, announced plans that he is running to unseat incumbent Republican Supervisor Mary Piepho. This, of course, is bad news for Piepho (who had not been making any sounds about retirement) and very good news for former Board of Equalization Member Dean Andal.

Piepho, from what I understand though FR sources, is not too popular amongst the GOP activist and donor communities in Contra Costa County, and may have big troubles fending off a strong challenge from the charismatic Houston. That said, the power of incumbency is strong, and particular for County Supervisors who typically have mastered the art of performing "cashectomies" on the large group of people who care a lot about the decions made by county government.

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It’s that time of year again: the semi-annual campaign reports — the documents politicos pour over to see which candidates are raising how much from whom, grist for the candidate-positioning mill.

Over at Red County/OC Blog I’ve posted about the reports in Orange County’s 33rd Senate District and the 71st and 60th Assembly District reports. or more specifically, the candidates in the GOP primaries, which is the only election that really matters in those districts. Red County/San Bernardino also has an update on AD34, AD60 and SD29.… Read More

The latest release from the Giuliani campaign explains that they have hired on eight California Field Representatives to carry the banner of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to the far reaches of the Golden State.

TheGiulianiField Representatives are as follows:

Cathy Hayes Hayes was Regional Field Director for California GOP Victory 2006, handling the Central Coast . She has also served as the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee, Regional Finance Coordinator for the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington , DC , Deputy Director of the Majority Leader’s Fund and Joint Fundraising Manager of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Ashley Ingram Ingram served as head intern with the California GOP Victory 2006. She worked specifically on youth issues for Governor Schwarzenegger. She coordinated precinct walks and phone banks, while recruiting high school and… Read More