The departure of former Congressman Tom Campbell from the Republican primary for Governor benefits the candidacy of Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner at the expense of former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. Exactly to what degree we will have to see.

First and foremost, I think that Whitman was advantaged in a field where she could run as the only candidate coming straight out of the private sector, challenging two opponents both of whom hold public office. Now, of course, this advantage is gone.

I also believe that Whitman benefited by Campbell’s presence in the race from a gender-perspective, the one woman running against two men.

Finally, I think that with Campbell out of the primary, now means that the ultimate GOP nominee will have to get the voters of over 50% of voters in a closed Republican primary (yes, DTS voters can participate but historically those numbers have been very small). While neither Whitman nor Poizner is a rock-ribbed right winger, clearly Poizner has been posturing his candidacy well to the right of Whitman, whose strong… Read More

Jim Sanders reports over on the Sacramento Bee’s Capitol Alert blog that there is currently a leadership race taking place within the Assembly Republican Caucus. That may be news to many FlashReport readers, though not news to it’s Publisher. I’ve spoken with many members of the Assembly Republican Caucus over the last few days about this, and the dynamics.

That said, to the dismay of all FR readers, I wanted to remind you that while there is virtually no area that is "shielded" from my editorial wit, as a general rule, I do NOT write about the internal politics of the Republican legislative caucuses. Which is to say there would have to be a really good reason to do so, like finding out that a potential candidate doesn’t read the FlashReport each and every day! ;-)

Good luck to all of the potential candidates for Assembly Republican Leader. We’ll let you know how it turns out!… Read More

I just got off of the phone with one of the Assembly Republicans working closely with Martin Garrick on his bid for Republican Leader. He confirmed for me, on the record (thus I share with you) that Garrick has indeed secured the commitments to be the next Assembly Republican Leader. Congratulations, Martin!

Presumably the vote will take place when legislators return to the Capitol on Tuesday, but I don’t know that. Also unknown is how the transition would take place between Garrick and Sam Blakeskee.

FR readers will be pleased to know that Martin is a strong conservative who understands all too well the dangerous path that liberals have taken state government here in California.… Read More

Thus far — now adjourning for 15 minute break.

Bidder # 1$6.5 Million

Bidder # 2 represented by Advanced Real Estate Services $17 Million

Bidder# 3 Tel Phil Enterprises $1,000 (yes, just $1,000)

Bidder # 4 represented by Facilities Management West $55 Million

Bidder # 5 represented by Anaheim Sports Holding $20 Million

Bidder # 6 represented by Craig Realty Group $42.5 Million

Bidder # 7 represented by Ford and Molrich $2 Million

Following the break, active bidding begins.

The current high bid document will be announced (Bidder 4 at $55 Million), then state will ask bidders if they want to increase bids.

More later.… Read More

Highest bidder was Bidder #6 represented by Craig Realty Group at $56.5 million. Auction is closed.

The high bid will now be taken to Sacramento for consideration and authorizing legislation. The time frame for state evaluation and action begins immediately and may extend into March, with a potential executed sales agreement in April. If the sale falls through, the next highest bidder becomes the high bid and will be evaluated.… Read More

Below is a video of Tom Campbell talking about why he is running for the United States Senate (again — third time’s a charm?). Needless to say he doesn’t spent much (read: any) time talking about why he is no longer running for Governor. In a release this morning, Campbell announces that former U.S. Secretary of State George Schultz will serve as his Campaign Chairman. Enjoy…

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California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring was on Foxs News this morning talking about the announcement by the ACORN folks in California were going to split off from ACORN National and become their own entity. Check out this clip…

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I am sure that Democrats look to their legislative leaders to produce a review and summary of the Governor’s proposed budget because, well, the Governor is, after all, from the "other" party. Why trust his documentation?

Here’s a little secret. Republicans also to look to their legislative leaders to produce a review and summary of the Governor’s proposed budget because, well, he’s "Post-Partisan" as he likes to say, and is sponsoring a ballot measure in June with the express purpose of minimizing the role and influence of political parties.

So, for the consumption of conservatives, the State Senate Republican Caucus under the leadership of Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth has prepared a pretty length document going over the Governor’s budget. While I’ve only scanned it, it appears to be pretty comprehensive, yet digestible even for non policy wonks.

Below is a summary of the prepared document, and below it a link to the .PDF file. Thanks to Senator Hollingsworth, and especially to the Senate Republican budget and fiscal staff who clearly poured a lot of time and energy into the… Read More