[Publisher’s Note: After the defeats suffered by the Republican Party in the General Election, we have reached out to some California leaders to ask them to reflect on this question, "What must the GOP do to once again be the majority party?" We are pleased to bring you this column from one of our own FR correspondents, Dan Schnur – Flash] After last Tuesday’s elections, there are twenty-one Republican governors in the country. Because of constitutional restrictions, only twenty of them are thinking about running for president in 2012. But it’s always better to be a mile outside of hell heading out, and as the GOP looks to rebuild itself, as it did after the 1976 and 1992 elections, the political, policy and intellectual firepower for that effort will come from the states.

The Republican leadership on Capitol Hill seems resigned to fighting a series of rear-guard actions to watch for likely Democratic overreaches. John Boehner is one of the best political minds in the party. Mitch McConnell is one of the ablest legislative tacticians in either… Read More

[Publisher’s Note: After the defeats suffered by the Republican Party in the General Election, we have reached out to some California leaders to ask them to reflect on this question, "What must the GOP do to once again be the majority party?" We are pleased to bring this you column from FR friend and esteemed political consultant Frank Schubert, who contributes weekly to this website. Most recently, Frank along with his business partner, Jeff Flint, managed the successful Yes on 8 campaign – Flash]

I’m a lifelong Republican and I want to root for the home team. Problem is, I look out on the field of battle and I can’t tell which team is wearing the white uniform.

What do Republicans stand for anymore? The GOP leadership in Congress has virtually destroyed the Republican “brand” and turned it into something of value only to white, well-off conservatives. They have vastly expanded federal government spending and influence. They’ve turned… Read More

Tom McClintock’s lead over Charlie Brown is now 1,248. Even though this is 35 fewer votes than yesterday, McClintock’s lead really hasn’t diminshed despite Nevada County votes reported today. Nevada County is one of the few remaining counties still tabulating votes and it’s supposed to be a strong county for Charlie Brown. But McClintock’s Election Day GOTV was so strong that he’s maintaining his overall lead. McClintock’s campaign is to be congratulated for their Election Day work, which is now paying off.… Read More

From today’s Sacto Bee:

"Scott Eckern, artistic director for the California Musical Theatre, resigned Wednesday as a growing number of artists threatened to boycott the organization because of his $1,000 donation to the campaign to ban gay marriage in California."

What is they call it when someone is punished professionally due to their political beliefs — especially in the arts?

I remember now: McCarthyism!

I expect we’ll see prominent liberal defenders of free speech and artistic freedom leaping to Mr. Eckern’s defense any moment now,angrily denouncing the intolerance of those who cannot abide contrary opinions.

And if there is silence, that will speak loudly, too.… Read More

Early last week the Dow Jones Industrial Average was above 9,200. It has declined over 1,000 points in the last week, after Obama’s election,and settled at a little over 8,200 today with over a 400 point loss. Are we paying attention? Since the LA Times and Time magazine are caught up in selling commemorative editions, I guess not.… Read More

It may not be quite as significant as, say, Chuck DeVore announcing for US Senate, but many GOPers wondered this morning if termed-out 75th AD Assemblyman George Plescia was truly thinking about a run for County Party chairman after receiving an anonymous email touting a recruitment effort. Kurt Bardella then posted the contents of the email at Red County SD.

Rumor is rumor and anonymous emails are just that. It may not be as fun as the alternative, but sometimes it’s best to operate on substance. So, I had a unique thought: Ask him. The resulting response from Plescia:

I am flattered that some might think of me being chairman as a good thing, however I am not running. I am looking forward to seeking paid employment since I believe in taking personal responsibility for my mortgage and other bills, not having "spreading the wealth" take care of it.

Ok, let’s move on to the next rumor.… Read More

Today at 1pm PST, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore will announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination for United States Senate. I have known Chuck for two decades now, and can tell all FR readers that he is a fine conservative — a man of integrity and honor.

You’ll be able to check out DeVore’s announcement speech live right below. So check back to this blog post (or go to www.chuckdevore.com at precisely 1pm to see his live announcement…

Let the 2010 election cycle begin! … Read More

[Publisher’s Note: After the defeats suffered by the Republican Party in the General Election, we have reached out to some California leaders to ask them to reflect on this question, "What must the GOP do to once again be the majority party?" We are pleased to bring you this column from FR Correspondent Mike Spence. Spence is President of the California Republican Assembly – Flash]

If you want to meet people who are mad at the Republican Party you can go to MoveOn.org, you can go to San Francisco, or you can go to a meeting of local Republicans. Any meeting: Republican Women, Congress of Republicans, California Republican Assembly, it doesn’t matter. You will find people are just plain mad about the Republican Party.

How can this be? The people who have toiled in the vineyard and given of their treasure to GOP candidates are mad?

Almost twenty years ago at a conference, Paul Weyrich, a founder of the Heritage Foundation and the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation said, and I paraphrase, that… Read More