Public Opinion Strategies is a nationally-recognized polling firm that specializes in political opinion research. I have known their California point-man, Steve Kinney, for many years. We have worked together on many campaigns, and I highly value his work, and his opinion. So when I heard that POS had just completed a survey that included questions on race for State Controller, I gave him a call right away. You see, there could not be a more stark contrast between two candidates than we have with Republican Tony Strickland (pictured to the left) and Democrat John Chiang (pictured below). The office of the Controller has a lot of important responsibilities, and based on the gerrymander of the four Board of Equalization districts (two are solid Dem, two are GOP), whomever is the occupant of the Controller’s office will be the deciding… Read More

Except for this brief mention, you probably couldn’t tell from reading today’s FlashReport that today is the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America five years ago. As I often say, you probably couldn’t tell we were engaged in a war in the Middle East if you just read the FR. We maintain a very sharp focus here on California politics, and so you really need to look elsewhere for news about – anything else. I bring up 9-11 for two reasons… The first is by way of explanation for the sparseness of MSM stories on the main page. Every newspaper has devoted the bulk of their prime coverage to the somber anniversary, and this has caused there to be less coverage on politics. I would also like to take an opportunity to ask all FR readers to pause and join me in a silent moment of prayer for the victims of 9-11, the families and friends of those who were killed, and for the soldiers who have fought, and for those who have died, defending the liberty and freedom we enjoy here in America. … Read More

Except for this brief mention, you probably couldn’t tell from reading today’s FlashReport that today is the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America five years ago. As I often say, you probably couldn’t tell we were engaged in a war in the Middle East if you just read the FR. We maintain a very sharp focus here on California politics, and so you really need to look elsewhere for news about – anything else. I bring up 9-11 for two reasons… The first is by way of explanation for the sparseness of MSM stories on the main page. Every newspaper has devoted the bulk of their prime coverage to the somber anniversary, and this has caused there to be less coverage on politics. I would also like to take an opportunity to ask all FR readers to pause and join me in a silent moment of prayer for the victims of 9-11, the families and friends of those who were killed, and for the soldiers who have fought, and for those who have died, defending the liberty and freedom we enjoy here in America. … Read More

September 11 is here. The MSM continue to ask if we are safer than fiver years earlier. The answer is of course yes. Until then many didn’t know we faced an enemy. Today most Americans do, while some still hide.

One issue facing us is port security. There is no doubt port security needs to be addressed. Long Beach Democratic State Senator Alan Lowenthal managed to get SB 927 passed. This bill puts a a tax (fee) on users of the port to pay for port security.

The blog LBReport reports that the Long Beach Chamber opposes the bill because of the $500 million in extra taxes passed on to consumers. LB Report discusses the hisory of the idea and the federal role in it. Good info.

The Chamber of course really isn’t in a place to lecture about the costs. My solution would be simple. Lets use the interest payments that will be used for the massive bond debt the chamber wants us to approve. How about that instead.… Read More

Tax, Spend, and Make Way for Speaker Pelosi

If serving up a platter of pork is how Republicans expect to win back their voters in the weeks ahead, they might as well hand over the gavel to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid right now. The half-trillion dollar budget bloat of the last five years is precisely what has placed the GOP majorities in the House and Senate in mortal danger. Tom Feeney, the second-term Republican House member from Florida, recently told us: "Sometimes I think we’d be better off with those old headlines reading ‘Republicans Attempt to Cut Federal Programs for Widows, Orphans and Grandmothers.’"

He was only half joking. Republicans are at risk of losing the House and Senate in no small part because of the untrammeled spending spree. Since 2001 the federal budget has risen by $750 billion. The increase over the… Read More

If yesterday’s post wasn’t enough…

I received an email from a reader as follows:

I’m not yet decided on the airport issue, but it is persuasive that all of the region’s delegation is against the proposal.I really wonder if the argument that somehow not having the Marine Air Station here weakens national defense is really sound. The presupposition is that to relocate the base would therefore weaken us as a country, and I just find that a "stretch" of logic. Arguments that it might be expensive to relocate the base, or that we might be negatively impacted by the loss of this government facility may be sound, but that our national defense posture would suffer is just not convincing.

It just seems to me that the real issue is who needs the location the most, assuming that the existing airport will not meet our needs indefinitely. It’s a very complex matter with lots of considerations that "cut both ways." I just sincerely question the national defense argument.… Read More

We met last week to consider local races, candidates and issues, as well as the Propositions scheduled for November.

The most significant news from our meeting is the strident opposition to all of the bond measures appearing on the Statewide ballot. The votes weren’t even close. Review our ballot endorsements here. And we will actively campaign against the bonds. I plan on actively mentioning my opposition at every public opportunity.… Read More

LA. Liberal capital of SoCal. Bastion of socialism. Home of political leaders still unaware that Communism is a bad idea. The epicenter of the “liberal media.” Ya, we’re guilty of all that, and probably a whole lot more.

But every once in a while something happens out of the blue, somethingthat makes us double take, something actually logical…and when that takes place, you know something’s afoot.

Today’s example: within the past week, the Long Beach Press-Telegram has run three editorials endorsing Tom McClintock, Steve Poizner, and Bruce McPhereson… Quite a run from the paper of record from a town as liberal as Long Beach.

And the editorials themselves, not just reluctant sign-offs.

Try these bitsfor example:

** "The fine working relationship between the governor and McClintock could elevate the role of lieutenant governor from a seat-warmer on state boards to that of adviser. We’re afraid that won’t happen if… Read More