Most FR readers will remember that as a freshman Republican Assemblyman, longtime FR friend Joel Anderson successfully passed substantive legislation and had it signed into law(that alone is an accomplishment for a GOPer in California) that caused the massive investment portfolios of California’s public pension systems to divestfrom investments inIran, which i a country that is a knownsponsor of terrorist organizations.

Well, in addition to making sure that public funds of Californians are not being used to create a healthy economy for terrorists to prosper at home, Assemblyman Anderson is now looking at pioneering legislation to take away a potential tool that terrorists, international or domestic, may use here at home.

I encourage you to take a couple of minutes and watch this network television interview with Assemblyman Anderson, as he talks… Read More

As I arrived at the San Jose International Airport a few minutes ago, I rolled my eyes at the signed proclaiming my arrival at the “Norman Y. Mineta” Airport” – groan.

Who is Norm Mineta? He is a politician of course. Mineta was Mayor of San Jose, served for many years in Congress, and also served as a token Democrat in President George W. Bush's cabinet, serving as Secretary of Transportation.

This practice of “idolizing” politicians by naming public works in their honor (freeways, bridges, airport terminals, and more) are misguided.

Government service, as a representative, is laudable and should be commended. But public works, paid for with the peoples money, shouldn't bear the name of politicians. And for those who think it's okay to do so postumously, let me assure you that Mineta is very much alive and kicking.… Read More

As we mentioned previously, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has filed a lawsuit asking a judge for relief because the state legislature and the governor are in the midst of a deceptive effort to cause Californian’s to consider whether to support or oppose Proposition 1A without having all of the information about the measure readily available to them — there is no mention in the title or summary of this measure that mentions that the passage of it would extend a boatload of taxes for years! Below we have linked the legal documents filed with court for those who would like to read them.

This "keep all of the facts from the voters" campaign extends beyond the omitting of information in the official voter guide pamphlet (though that omission is the most egregious) — it seems that proponents of Proposition 1A literally don’t want to even mention the taxes. Of course, what they should be doing is making the case that they feel the spending cap in 1A is strong enough to justify extending tens of billions in taxes on Californians.

Another example of this "don’t fully disclose and discuss the pros and cons of… Read More

As we mentioned previously, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has filed a lawsuit asking a judge for relief because the state legislature and the governor are in the midst of a deceptive effort to cause Californian’s to consider whether to support or oppose Proposition 1A without having all of the information about the measure readily available to them — there is no mention in the title or summary of this measure that mentions that the passage of it would extend a boatload of taxes for years! Below we have linked the legal documents filed with court for those who would like to read them.

This "keep all of the facts from the voters" campaign extends beyond the omitting of information in the official voter guide pamphlet (though that omission is the most egregious) — it seems that proponents of Proposition 1A literally don’t want to even mention the taxes. Of course, what they should be doing is making the case that they feel the spending cap in 1A is strong enough to justify extending tens of billions in taxes on Californians.

Another example of this "don’t fully disclose and discuss the pros and cons of… Read More

This coming May, California voters will be asked to vote on a half-dozen different ballot measures placed before them by the state legislature.

Over the coming weeks, I will be taking a look at each of those measures – analyzing them and giving FR readers my take on them. The first one that I am going to tackle is the last of the six on the ballot – Proposition 1F.

1F is a pretty straight forward measure to describe – if California has a deficit in a given year, then the independent commission that reviews the salary of the Governor and State Legislators is directed to not give any raises to these politicians for that year.

On a first-pass, it sounds pretty reasonable. But the policy objective behind this measure, upon closer examination, is quite… Read More

By an estimated 60-40 margin, voters in the City of Clovis tonight roundly rejected a proposed 1% sales tax increase. Despite having the support of Republican City Council members Nathan Magsig, Lynn Ashbeck and Jose Flores. The lone GOP council member in opposition was Council President Bob Whalen, who is planning on running for Assembly District 19 in 2010 when incumbent Mike Villines is termed out.

The Measure was flawed from the beginning, with no sunset clause and no direction for the funds except the general fund.

The Fresno County Republican Party and Lincoln Club of Fresno County came out in early opposition to Measure A, and a consortium of conservative groups held a press conference this week opposing the measure.

Ironically, the tax increase deal brokered two weeks ago in Sacramento probably hurt the cause of Measure A. The tax increase was brokered by Mike Villines, whose District includes the City of Clovis.… Read More

This coming May, California voters will be asked to vote on a half-dozen different ballot measures placed before them by the state legislature.

Over the coming weeks, I will be taking a look at each of those measures – analyzing them and giving FR readers my take on them.

The first one that I am going to tackle is the last of the six on the ballot – Proposition 1F.

**There is more – click the link**

View Full Commentary… Read More

For those following such things, a mini-controversy had erupted in SoCal over a scheduled fundraising event that Assemblyman Anthony Adams had coming up (this week, if I recall) featuring Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, whom Adams has endorsed for Governor.

KFI’s John and Ken got a hold of the invite and devoted a lot of air time to the subject.

The subtext of course is that Adams is one of the "Quisling Six" GOP legislators that sided with all of the legislature’s Democrats to foist upon Californians the single largest tax increase in the history of any state ever. Add to this Steve Poizner’s strong opposition to that vote, and you get perfect drive time radio drama.

Well, predictably, the Poizner event for Adams was scrubbed. But stepping up to raise money for Adams’ reelection is the most famous tax-advocating GOP flip flopper of them all — Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Since this just became public, I am sure it will make for even more entertaining fodder for John and Ken. I guess look for Arnold to be headlining events soon for Senators Maldonado, Ashburn (for BOE), and Cogdill — and for… Read More