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

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…

Gallegly Announces Retirement Right at Filing Deadline

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

More appointments came over the transom from the Governor’s office:

THE REPUBLICANS

Kim Blackseth, 52, of Oakland, has been appointed to the Building Standards Commission. Susan Dowty, 43, of Laguna Nigel, has been appointed to the Building Standards Commission. Benita Haley, 74, of Manhattan Beach, has been appointed to the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. Gayle Pacheco, 53, of Walnut, has been appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council. Irene Raymundo, 60, of El Dorado Hills, has been appointed chair of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

THE DEMOCRATS

Christina Jamison, 41, of Camarillo, has been appointed to the Building Standards Commission. Michael G. Lee, 54, of … Read More

According to Bill Bradley at New West Notes, the Governor is still short of the six votes he needs from Assembly Republicans to pass his bond for bike paths, farm worker housing and oh ya some roads. Of course with no reforms. See the item here.I’m asking FR readers for there top six picks of "most likely to Squish".

If you name all six— before the vote there is a prize.… Read More