As 2010 approaches, I’ve be taking some time to handicap next year’s gubernatorial race. I will continue to comment on the Republican race as it develops but want to focus on the General Election next year and why Gavin Newsom’s nomination presents serious issues for Democrats in California.

As mayor of San Francisco, Newsom has consistently fallen into line with his city’s liberal political wing, most notably his support of same-sex marriage. Last year the voters showed they weren’t ready for that idea of Newsom’s.

But those in the know (as I am finding out) are aware of an issue that will be much tougher for Newsom to shake than gay marriage in a general election next year. Newsom has been a vocal supporter of San Francisco’s illegal “Sanctuary City” policy in which city officials are directed to NOT inform Federal immigration authorities when they detain or arrest an undocumented immigrant.

This policy, and Newsom’s steadfast backing of it, had real and deadly… Read More

As 2010 approaches, I’ve be taking some time to handicap next year’s gubernatorial race. I will continue to comment on the Republican race as it develops but want to focus on the General Election next year and why Gavin Newsom’s nomination presents serious issues for Democrats in California.

As mayor of San Francisco, Newsom has consistently fallen into line with his city’s liberal political wing, most notably his support of same-sex marriage. Last year the voters showed they weren’t ready for that idea of Newsom’s.

But those in the know (as I am finding out) are aware of an issue that will be much tougher for Newsom to shake than gay marriage in a general election next year. Newsom has been a vocal supporter of San Francisco’s illegal “Sanctuary City” policy in which city officials are directed to NOT inform Federal immigration authorities when they detain or arrest an undocumented immigrant.

This policy, and Newsom’s steadfast backing of it, had real and deadly… Read More

For those FR readers in the greater Sacramento Area — you should plan on participating in the big Tea Party rally outside of the State Capitol today from 12-5pm. More information is available here. I am excited to have an opportunity to speak at the rally, so my blogging may be light today as I have to travel up from "The OC" for this event at which well over 10,000 people are expected to attend! If you are an FR reader and you come to the event, please come say hello!… Read More

The Tea Party is raging away. I just walked through it on the way to lunch. Quite a crowd in the boiling heat – I’d say 6,000 to 7,000. I was surprised at the number of Latinos – I’d estimate they were 20% of the raw numbers… maybe a little less. Ran into State Senator George Runner and Peter Foy by the stage. Since I was the only one of the six thousand some odd people in a suit they tried to avoid me. Fair numbers of police officers at the event. I’ll have to go to the next union rally and see if there are as many.… Read More

A follow up to my earlier post…

I just got off the phone with Assemblyman Joel Anderson. His AB 1506, which would require California to accept as payment those state-registered warrants issued to citizens and businesses in lieu of real money, has passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

This, after the bill went to the dreaded suspense file just last week.Committee Chairman Kevin DeLeon apparently had a change of heart after Anderson was able to demonstrate the immediate state savings.As well, Anderson delivered a mere 1,500 letters of support to DeLeon yesterday.

Awaiting the Anderson release, but FR readers now have the update.… Read More

Law School Professor Tom Campbell gets some serious love today from Pulitzer Prize winning columnist George Will today, with a major profile piece.

Campbell, who has served taxpayers as a Member of Congress, a State Senator and as Director of the California Department of Finance is running a spirited if financially challenged campaign for the Republican nomination for Governor.

Campbell faces uber-wealthy candidates Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner in the June primary. No doubt Campbell would encourage those who follow California politics to look to the 1998 Democrat Gubernatorial primary, where two very wealthy candidates, former Northwest Airlines CEO Al Checchi and consumer electronics magnate Jane Harman, both spent millions out of their personal fortunes, yet it was Lt. Governor Gray Davis who emerged as the victor in that primary (who went on to trounce Dan Lungren in the general election later that year).

Campbell has… Read More

Gotta love those Democrats. Capitol Weekly has the story about the Dems being 4 year olds (our words, not Cap Weekly’s). Speaking of the big rally — it’s tomorrow! Click on the ad at the top of the right column of ads for the details.… Read More

I got a message from the Voter Registration Chairman for the Orange County Republican Party. She heard about the proposal I have put forward that says Republicans should choose Republican nominees for office. She was confused — she thought we already had that in place. (I can see where it is confusing, as the Presidential primary is open only to registered Republicans, but not the other races). She said that the party’s voter registration booths she encounters a great many people who are seriously thinking about re-registering from Republican to Decline To State. She’s been telling them that they should stay, and trying a number of arguments. But the most powerful and effective one? When she tells them that if they leave the party they can no longer vote in Republican primaries. That has been keeping a great many from leaving. Of course, it’s not true — and now she knows better so she can’t say that anymore. At least not for a few weeks…… Read More