The amateur political observer might look at a Rep. Duncan Hunter run for President and see a train wreck or more likely a train that won’t even make it out of the station.

But there is something to his campaign for Commander-in-Chief.

As a Member of Congress there are limitations on how he can impact broad public policy initiatives. But as a Secretary of Defense or National Security Advisor he would be in the big leagues. And that is where Rep. Hunter is likely aiming.

Look for Hunter to keep his rhetoric focused on issues and avoid personal attacks on any GOPer with a real shot at the top spot.

If he keeps his nose clean, head down, he could be the next CIA chief or whatever position of importance to national security in the next Republican Administration he wants.… Read More

This morning, there was an event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s first election to office – as Governor of California. There were many luminaries on hand at the library — including Nancy Reagan and many alumni of Reagan’s time as Governor and as President. (Reagan is pictured to the right being sworn in as California’s Governor.)

The keynote address for this important event was given by our own Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who often has referred to Ronald Reagan as a role-model for his own life. Courtesy of your tax dollars, there is a streaming video of the event, and the Governor’s speech, available on the Governor’s official website. You can see the entire event… Read More

News of Congressman Duncan Hunter’s likely announcement later this morning that he will form a presidential exploratory committee buzzed across the San Diego political landscape yesterday, turning an otherwise lazy Sunday into a day of much interest, with several political watchers sputtering and panting on the phone.

For those of us who live in Hunter’s district, a wide area of East San Diego County we sometimes call God’s Country, the news was even bigger.

It’s been twenty-six years since Duncan was first elected to Congress, knocking off Lionel Van Deerlin in a Reagan-led 1980 surprise.In all that time the conservative spirit of Ronald Reagan has been alive and well in Duncan Hunter.There are few people — and fewer politicians — that I would call great Americans.Duncan Hunter is among them.

I’ll let the rest of the print and electronic media, as well as the talk show hosts pontificate as to his chances, what’s really behind this, the impact on the presidential field, etc, etc (see today’s SDUTand the… Read More

Assemblywoman Judy Chu should get on the phone right away with Assemblyman Joe Coto, the Chairman of the Assembly Latino Caucus with the news — La Opinion newspaper is RACIST! Apparently they hate latinos, or hadn’t you heard??

You see… La Opinion has endorsed Steve Poizner over Cruz Bustamante…

Of course, La Opinion is NOT racist, but using the same flawed logic that Chu has used to say that Indian Tribal leaders are racist for opposing John Chiang’s campaign for State Treasurer (apparently if you oppose someone of a particular race, you clearly must be opposing them because of their race??) Flawed logic — but see what I wrote about this last night.

So the question is whether the same logic applies. Perhaps Judy Chu can get everyone together — Chu can get all Asians to drop their subscriptions to La Opinion (there are a ton, I’m sure) and Coto can get latinos to stop going to Indian Casinos.

This post is meant to be… Read More

News of Congressman Duncan Hunter’s likely announcement later this morning that he will form a presidential exploratory committee buzzed across the San Diego political landscape yesterday, turning an otherwise lazy Sunday into a day of much interest, with several political watchers sputtering and panting on the phone.

For those of us who live in Hunter’s district, a wide area of East San Diego County we sometimes call God’s Country, the news was even bigger.

It’s been twenty-six years since Duncan was first elected to Congress, knocking off Lionel Van Deerlin in a Reagan-led 1980 surprise.In all that time the conservative spirit of Ronald Reagan has been alive and well in Duncan Hunter.There are few people — and fewer politicians — that I would call great Americans.Duncan Hunter is among them.

**There is more – click the link**

View Full Commentary… Read More

Dan Walters had a column in the Sac Bee yesterday highlighting some of the reasons why levees and flood control systems are not up to par. Governor Schwarzenegger is given due credit for declaring emergency conditions on the then 29 critical erosion sights, that number growing after receded waters and a summer spent surveying, discovered many more…over 100 and counting. $190 million in emergency funds plus $500 million more in an appropriation we passed in the legislature will carry us past the funding needed for the 100 critical erosion sights.

Dan points out that beyond fixing eroded sights also required isfixing the way government engages the problem. He lists several reasons that may be problematic but the fact that environmental extremists blocklong term flood control work is the point that is not discussed much in polite company.

Building new homes in flood plains is listed as an issue. Not mentioned is that new housing is needed and demanded and due to environmental concerns, land to build homes elsewhere is rare and difficult to obtain due to fairy shrimp, vernal pools, meadowfoam, and other… Read More

FR friend Chuck Poochigian, the Campaign Manager for Chuck Poochigian, the GOP nominee for Attorney General has released the following campaign strategy memorandum:

OK, so as a member of Congress, I don’t often write about local city council races. But, I cannot sit by and watch my city councilwoman Christina Shea (pictured to the right) be so unjustly attacked by the left.

As a resident of Irvine for over 28 years, I can tell you that Christina has represented this city with honesty,integrity and dedication over many years. She has no agenda other than to serve Irvine’s residents ably in the future as she has in the past. She has been too often a lonely but needed voice for integrity and reason in the operation of Irvine’s government. A voice that some powerful interests seem determined to silence.

I’m going to vote for her. If you live in Irvine, I hope you will too.… Read More