Quiet and sleepy Dana Point, California, occupies some of the most beautiful, and conservative real estate in the entire country. All of the Republicans in this left coast port town act as a symbolic counterbalance to Newport, Rhode Island, on the right coast.

With a town so Republican, it may come as some surprise that there is one Democrat on the City Council, Steve Weinberg – but he is more than offset by four card-carrying GOPers – Lisa Bartlett, Joel Bishop, Lara Anderson and Diane Harkey (who is off to Sacramento in December as a new member of the legislature).

With the conservative credentials of this Council, you have to ask yourself how, a week ago Tuesday, the first reading of a city ordinance passed that would increase the stipend (pay) of council members by 30% and provide taxpayer funded health care for… Read More

Leaving SDCTA is Hard to Do… I absolutely detest when I have the info before the “other media,” yet can’t do anything with it. San Diego County Taxpayers Association board member first, blogger second, and good soldier all the way around, apparently. My venting now out of the way…

In the wake of former CEO and President Lani Lutar’s fairly recent departure from Taxpayers, the organization has announced a replacement. Lani Lutar.

From SDCTA Chairman John O’Neill:

We are pleased to announce that Lani Lutar will be rejoining the Association as president and chief executive officer in early November … As our CEO, Lani demonstrated her ability to bring objectivity and intelligence to our analysis of issues. She provides important continuity as we scrutinize whatever steps local governments take in response to the international fiscal crisis … A comment from a recent communication to me from Lani says volumes: "There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m prepared to roll up my sleeves and do what the Taxpayers Association does best –… Read More

Over at the Sacramento Bee website, they are featuring a story that highlights the fact that State Senator Tom McClintock has had no legislation signed into law in the last two years. They go on to point out that he is the principal author of only two pieces of legislation that have become law in eight years in the State Senate.

There are two major reasons why the conservative Senator, who is an icon to many of us for his steadfast commitment to limited government and individual liberty, has not passed many bills. The first is that the California legislature is dominated by ultra liberal majorities in each chamber. The second is that McClintock spends his time in support of substantive and real reforms that, simply put, don’t have a prayer of passing. What kinds of bills are these? You can probably guess — tax cuts, regulatory relief, etcetera.

Because McClintock is passionate about shrinking the size and scope of state… Read More

Over at the Sacramento Bee website, they are featuring a story that highlights the fact that State Senator Tom McClintock has had no legislation signed into law in the last two years. They go on to point out that he is the principal author of only two pieces of legislation that have become law in eight years in the State Senate.

There are two major reasons why the conservative Senator, who is an icon to many of us for his steadfast commitment to limited government and individual liberty, has not passed many bills. The first is that the California legislature is dominated by ultra liberal majorities in each chamber. The second is that McClintock spends his time in support of substantive and real reforms that, simply put, don’t have a prayer of passing. What kinds of bills are these? You can probably guess — tax cuts, regulatory relief, etcetera.

Because McClintock is passionate about shrinking the size and scope of state… Read More

Manuel Perez, the Democrat nominee in the 80th Assembly District, is locked in a fierce battle with GOPer Gary Jeandron. Apparently money must be tight for Perez. I conclude this because Perez is being sued in small claims court for $700 — for failing to pay the bill for… an Elvis impersonator!

Sound unbelievable? Check out the story in the Desert Sun newspaper here.… Read More

Apparently when headed out on the campaign trail, integrity and consistency are a couple of traits that Joan Buchanan, the Democrat candidate for State Assembly in the highly competitive 15th Assembly District, leaves at home.

In a classic case of how advancing technology really makes it hard for shifty candidates to say one thing to one group on one day, and the opposite to another group on another day… Check this out…

Let’s frame this up. Buchanan told the audience at a candidates’ debate last Wednesday that she would support construction of a Peripheral Canal. This is a controversial project, that would divert waters around the Sacramento Delta and move it to Southern California (where I can use it to overwater my lawn).

While as an Orange County resident, I appreciated Buchanan’s stated position on the canal, apparently she must have taken a lot of grief from her… Read More

“At what point does a baby get human rights?” It’s a philosophically profound question, but for those who truly support human rights, it’s an easy one to answer. When Pastor Rick Warren asked this question of the presidential candidates during the Saddleback Civil Forum in August, their responses provided a distinctive contrast between the two.

Barack Obama tried to tiptoe around the political landmine by pleading compensation-capped ignorance: “it’s above my pay grade.” Knowing he had to kowtow to the radical abortion supporters while not offending the many pro-life Democrats or undecided voters, Obama took the easy way out—something a president is not able to do. John McCain’s response was clear and direct: “At the moment of conception.” Whether you support abortion or you’re pro-life, such honesty is refreshing and necessary in a leader.

So I give props to 4th Congressional District candidate Charlie Brown for his equal candor in a debate with fellow candidate Senator Tom McClintock earlier this week. Asked when life begins, he responded, “At birth.”

… Read More

A John McCann TV spot, up heavily on broadcast and cable….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NFQc1gjdCw… Read More