First, an update on the Leader race. RSC Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana and Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis of California have both taken their names out of the race. Conservatives in the House are still optimistic that Arizona Rep. John Shadegg will still decide to jump in though its seems Shadegg is unconvinced 1) that he can win and 2) that is useful for conservatives to run and lose. Yet, there is a desire to clean house and Shadegg could benefit from that.

On that note, there is a movement among the GOP Conference to have full leadership elections and have a fresh start. However, Conference rules do not require that and by my understanding, that would take 50 members to sign a petition calling for full elections (it might even require a petition for each of the 8 elected positions). This movement is not limited to conservatives and could build steam.

If Roy Blunt wins the Leader race (by my count he has a very slight lead), he would then vacate the Whip’s job. Here the candidates lined up to replace him:

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Let’s begin with the premise that being called too conservative by Phil Angelides is like Paris Hilton telling you that you’re spending way too much time studying quantum physics. It’s not a particularly high threshold, coming from such a far end of the other side of the spectrum.

But Angelides may have inadvertently helped Arnold Schwarzenegger make the case for the fiscal responsibility of his bond proposal. After a long weekend of trying to figure out a way to criticize Schwarzenegger’s building plan without offending commuters, parents, residents of flood plains, and other desirable constituencies, the likely Democratic nominee for governor took a break from calling for tax increases on rich people to criticize Arnold for not spending enough on the bond package.

The key point that Angelides made is this: Schwarzenegger’s proposal actually decreases the average annual expenditure on bonds from the rate that has existed for the past five years. Since 2000, California voters have been passing $7.1 billion in new bonds per year. The governor’s bond package calls for an average of $6.8 billion in bonds. What… Read More

We are only ten days into the New Year and I think the most honest and noble act by a politician that will be done in 2006 has already happened.

Congressman Rohrabacher has stood by his long-time friend Jack Abramoff through the high flying days and now at Mr. Abramoff’s lowest point. This is a quality we should all emulate. Without regard for political fallout, Congressman Rohrabacher says what he believes–does what is right.

Congressman Rohrabacher, is the best of the best we have in Congress (except for some of his Middle East policies, but at least with Dana and I that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends)..

The bottom line: Good people at heart do not dispense with friends as they do with old appliances that break down.… Read More

CONSERVATIVES UNITED ON THE HILL The Republican Study Committee is made up of the most committed, conservative Members of Congress. Today, the FlashReport features an exclusive column from one of the leading conservatives in Washington, D.C – Congressman Ed Royce. From 1992-1993, I had the privilege of working for Congressman Royce when he first was elected to Congress. He is exactly the kind of person we need in Washington. This is someone who, at his core, has a firm grasp of economic principles, and just as importantly, he understands the principles of federalism, and the importance of a restrained federal government. Congressman Royce not only ‘gets it’ – but he espouses it, and he networks it. The Congressman is one of the … Read More

CONSERVATIVES UNITED ON THE HILL The Republican Study Committee is made up of the most committed, conservative Members of Congress. Today, the FlashReport features an exclusive column from one of the leading conservatives in Washington, D.C – Congressman Ed Royce. From 1992-1993, I had the privilege of working for Congressman Royce when he first was elected to Congress. He is exactly the kind of person we need in Washington. This is someone who, at his core, has a firm grasp of economic principles, and just as importantly, he understands the principles of federalism, and the importance of a restrained federal government. Congressman Royce not only ‘gets it’ – but he espouses it, and he networks it. The Congressman is one of the leaders on the Hill in terms of really … Read More

Even as prolific a writer as I am cannot churn out new commentary every day. I’ve got a tight schedule this morning. But I will draw your attention to two things, which if you are an avid FR reader, you’ll have already read:

The first is my commentary from yesterday, concerning Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition. The second is an entry I made to the Weblog yesterday in response to a question from my colleague and fellow FR contributor, Dan Schnur. It speaks from my heart.

In closing, while it is somewhat lengthy, I really encourage you to read the lead column today on the main page, from Ward Connerly. This man’s courageous crusade against discrimination is nothing short of heroic. And what he has been doing around the country after the successful Passage here of Proposition 209 has been amazing. He really details his current efforts in Michigan.

Have a great… Read More

Bill Leonard and Ray Haynes are both influential and important Republican officials in California. Leonard, currently on the State Board of Equalization, spend decades in the State Legislature, serving in both the Senate and Assembly. Haynes has also served in both houses of the legislature, and is now the senior (or tied for it anyways – I’m not sure). in the legislature.

Leonard and Haynes both have e-newsletters they send out. Below I am excerpting Leonards thoughts on both the Governor’s BIG BOND proposal, as well as on the issue of mandating a increase in the minimum wage.

Immediately beneath Leonard’s thoughts, I have excerpted some of Ray Haynes’ observations.

FROM LEONARD: ***The Price of Bonds*** … Read More

Congressman Jerry Lewis will not be pursuing a promotion in the Houseleadership.The Redlands Republican, who had been considered a possiblecontender for the majority leader post, announced today that he intends to remain as Appropriations Committee Chairman. To read the announcement, see www.house.gov/appropriations.… Read More