About a hundred GOP volunteers are up bright and early here at the Sac V ’06 HQ. The energy is palpable as our candidates mingle through the crowd. Senator McClintock (TM), Tony Strickland (TS), and Senator Poochigian (CP).

Working the crowd are GOP County Chairman (and FR friend) Donna Schalansky, Assemblyman-Elect Ted Gaines (who will be replacing the retiring Tim Leslie), GOP senior advisor Ken Khachigian (who is advising the Poochigian campaign), and GOP energizer bunny Fred Hildebrand.

I spoke with David Sander, the GOP ViceMayor of Rancho Cordova, a suberb of Sacramento. “We’re here to rev up the vote for our GOP ticket — it’s a great day to be a Republican.”

The Program:

Congressman Lungren warmed up the crowd. “It’s what we do today, tomorrow, Monday and yes, Tuesday, that will make the difference… The Congressman emphasized the importance of working hard to re-elect his fellow local Congressmen, John Doolittle and Richard Pombo – both are under serious assault by the far left.

TS: “In politics, it’s turnout, turnout, turnout!”

CP:… Read More

We’re on the McClintock RV (we’re currently debating a better name for it – email me at jon@flashreport.org with suggestions) on our way to Stockton for the second stop of our tour. The caravan includes this RV, an even bigger Poochigian RV, and support vehicles.

I’m sitting at the RV table with Senator McClintock, Tony Strickland, and top McClintock advisor John Feliz. Also on this RV are Lori McClintock, TM Communications Director Stan Devereaux, TM aide Jonathan Huey, TM photographer Roger Canfield, TS’s Director of Operations Chris Wangsaporn and our pilot is Bill Hageland. Hageland is a retired Major General so he has been quite assertive with us. I guarantee you no one on this RV will use the latrine while we are in motion except in dire emergency…”

Stockton here we come…!… Read More

We’re on the campus of the University of the Pacific, home of the UOP Tigers, for the next stop in our GOTV tour.

Greetings us, amidst a crowd of about a hundred folks is Congressman Richard Pombo – a true American hero.

“For all of us, all comes down to turnout,” Pombo told me beforehe started escorting our three statewide candidates around the crowd.

On hand are Republican Stockton Councilmembers Clem Lee and Gary Gioveneti among a whole score of other local GOP notables.

TS: “This election is all about changing California. I have never seen a better ticket from top to bottom! Its up to you to make that extra call or walk that extra precinct.”

CP: “I started out in politics as a volunteer for an Attorney General candidate George Deukmejian. I appcreciate so much the work of volunteers.”

Richard Pombo introduced TM saying, “He always fights for the things he believes in. Even when he is the lone voice standing up for us. He is someone we always know will be there for us…”

TM: “This election will be decided in about 83 hours, and it will… Read More

Sue and Vince Watson just called us as our RV is traveling towards Fresno. You’ll recall the Watsons are the Executive Life Insurance policy holders featured in Tom McClintock’s commercials – Insurance Commissioner Garamendi’s handling of the Executive Life debacle has left the Watsons with significantly less funds to care for their critically injured young child.

The Watsons were calling to wish Tom well, and to let him know that they have been seeing his commercials on TV down in San Diego.

We’re on our way to our next rally in Fresno!… Read More

Friends of mine are telling me that longtime McClintock District Director Joe Giardiello is reported to be strongly considering making a run for Congress. As you might remember, Congressman Elton Gallegly really doesn’t want to be in office anymore, but stuck around for a bit longer to keep Michael Tenenbaum, from capturing his seat (24th District). Gallegly has recently stated he is keeping his options open, and knowing Joe, hecertainly wouldn’t be foolish enough to run against Gallegly. Joe, a McClintock confidante, and decorated Navy veteran who served during Desert Storm would be someone much more in the mold of a replacement Gallegly would be comfortable with. McClintock is, of course, wildly popular in the region, andJoe’s association with McClintock, not to mention a possible endorsement by the next Lt. Governor, would be invaluable in the race. With connections to the McClintock operation throughout the Central Coast district and as President of the Ventura County Republican Assembly,… Read More

While I am with Tony Strickland and Tom McClintock chugging our way down to Fresno, the Poochigian team took a brief diversion to Modesto. Senator Poochigian just sent me an update from that stop — which follows… (Because I am pasting it in, sorry if the formatting is messed up.)

From Senator Poochigian:

Jon: Had great visit with 50-60 volunteers at V ’06 HQ in Modesto. This is part of my 14th Senate District (Fresno – Sacto County line). They were hard at work at 10:30 a.m. working the phones, etc.Supervisor Jim DeMartini opened the event. (Senator-elect) Dave Cogdill – who will be my replacement in the Senatefollowed and offered strong words of encouragement to the volunteers to fight on til the polls close. We have manyfriends there (including a strong contingent from the active Republican Women’s Federated organization. Former Senator Dick Monteith (candidate for county supervisor) was also present. Congressional candidate John Kanno also spoke about his race. A number of other candidates for local office were also present. As on other stops, there is a heightened level of involvement and interest in… Read More

Fresno is Poochigan territory, and a ton of activists are here to welcome the Victory GOTV tour. Poochigian had warmed up the crowd as his bus got here before the McClintock/Strickland bus.

TS: “You all are making the difference. You all will put us over the top.

TM: “Its a choice between a leadership team that has a track record of reducing burdons, or increasing them. I believe that 78 hours from now, you won’t be able to call California the left coast anymore “I he is an incredible candidate and be the best ag the state has ever had.

The FR was pleased to see our good friend Jessica Millan, who heads up Central Valley staff operations for the CRP’s Victory Program. Jessica was running things, as you would expect her to!

Kenneth May, the Chairman of the Fresno County GOP was pretty pumped up about the event here, saying: “This is the best turnout we’ve ever had at any kind of volunteer effect.”

May and Milan both praised Tal Eslick, the local V6 Coordinator for his work at the Fresno HQ. Eslick is the past president of the Fresno “Bulldog” College Republicans.… Read More

No one ever said some of these legislative seats were competitive. Short of the suicide nominees from the minority party and a few of their family, friends and newbies, most watchers know who will win a gerry-bastarded district.

Shirley Horton has the most competitive legislative race in San Diego, no doubt. I still think she’s okay, and all the other incumbents are as safe as the proverbial babe in their mother’s arms.

Yet, an argument can be made that the easiest contest isn’t even an incumbent’s, but that being faced bythe guy who perhaps had the toughest primary…Joel Anderson.

His opponent in the 77th AD, Chris Larkin, is said to have taken a walk on the race. Insiders say that Larkin, also the nominee against Jay La Suer two years ago, was expecting the Dems to pour a cool million behind his efforts, and when that didn’t happen, he quit in somewhat of a hissy-fit. It looks as if he’s stopped filing any campaign financial statements, and his website is downas of this morning,… Read More