In a previous commentary, I went into a lot of detail about unprecedented growth that we have seen in the size and scope of the federal government SINCE Republicans recaptured control of Congress in 1994 — SINCE we replaced Bill Clinton with George W. Bush. The article I have chosen to highlight as the main link on today’s issue of the FlashReport is from the San Francisco Chronicle, and it is titled, "GOP is in a ‘deep funk’ over Bush spending" – and the article is definitely worth a read. A lot of times, I toss away articles from the main stream media (MSM) that try to tell a story of Republicans upset with Republicans, taking it as yet another opportunity for those in the media to divide Republicans. But this article is on point. I know that Republicans are upset and frustrated about ‘comfort’ and ‘enthusiasm’ that our GOP leaders seem to have in… Read More

Since yesterday was qualifying, a mess of U-T stories this morning….

With Toni Atkins out, looks like Ron Roberts has pretty much a free ride for Sup re-election. Although, in this environment, any candidate that says "ethics" warrants a headline, apparently: Board candidate says he’ll sign ethics pledge

Sup Bill Horn still faces a challenge from former Assemblyman Bruce Thompson, ever popular Assessor Greg Smith faces an employee, Treasurer Dan McAllister skates free: Two supervisors, assessor to face challengers

Longtime GOP activist Michael McSweeney to take on Nakamura for SD Unified, DeBeck alone in re-bid: 3 vie for Nakamura’s school seat; de Beck is unopposed

La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools President and Republican Rick Winet to challenge former colleague Sharon Jones, newly appointed to County Board of Education (which was… Read More

H/T to Roll Call’s David Drucker for the FR shoutout…

By David M. Drucker Roll Call Staff

Friday, March 10

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) waited until minutes before the state’s filing deadline late Friday to announce that he would not seek an 11th term.

After already filing to run for re-election in California’s 24th district, Gallegly cited an unresolved medical issue for his decision, the Ventura County Star reported.

As of the close of business… Read More

UPDATE ON BIG BONDS I had a chat with Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman this morning, to talk about last night’s late session to take up the first-pass at passing a general obligation bond package that is a central part of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan. Ackerman (pictured) told me that after a couple of days of very meaningful negotiations and dialogue, Senate Democrats put up a bill that was so untenable to the entire Republican Caucus that they all unanimously voted no. When I asked Ackerman about the dynamics of the vote he said, "All my caucus members had to do was read the proposal and they all voted no." The bond package put up for a vote by Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata only vaguely resembles the original proposals for an infrastructure plan proposed by Governor Schwarzenegger back in his January State of the State Address. While the Governor has been… Read More

UPDATE ON BIG BONDS I had a chat with Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman this morning, to talk about last night’s late session to take up the first-pass at passing a general obligation bond package that is a central part of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan. Ackerman (pictured) told me that after a couple of days of very meaningful negotiations and dialogue, Senate Democrats put up a bill that was so untenable to the entire Republican Caucus that they all unanimously voted no. When I asked Ackerman about the dynamics of the vote he said, "All my caucus members had to do was read the proposal and they all voted no." The bond package put up for a vote by Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata only vaguely resembles the original proposals for an infrastructure plan proposed by Governor Schwarzenegger back in his January State of the State Address. While the Governor has been… Read More

Well, the actor/comedian isn’t exactly commenting on the Governor’s Infrastructure Bond proposal, but my Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine – pictured)) sure wishes he were (at least as his character as Capitol One Mortgage’s "No Guy") — anyways, Devore has his own website with a blog that he updates from time to time. His post yesterday entitled, A maddening, terrifying, insane look at how Sacramento lurches forward in the quest to indebt our children, is worth a read.

If I can take a moment to editorialize, I’m blessed to be represented by Chuck DeVore. He’s a thoughtful, articulate conservative who really does a fine job. Okay, I’m off my soap-box now.… Read More

Most people have focused on Ventura County , because of the idiocy of Elton Gallegly and the primary challenge from Liberal Republican Bob Larkin. Many have over looked the challenge to Sharon Runner from Liberal Republican Jim Ledford who has served as Mayor of Palmdale for like 30 years. No love lost between the Runners and Ledford. See the story here.Assembly Caucus resources will be diverted to help incumbents being challenged. One other thing. Does anyone see the irony that Liberal Republicans that preach we need more women candidates are running males against two women candidates? I guess their sin was their conservatisim.… Read More

I thought it rather impressive that when Eric Roach, a successful businessman and Republican running in the CD 50 donnybrook turned in his nomination papers, he handed over in excess of 5,000 signatures.… Read More