Former FR Managing Editor Nicholas Romero and I are heading out soon for Ventura County. First to the Americans for Prosperity Summit where yours truly will be introducing Hugh Hewitt. Then we are on to stop #2. We are credentialed to cover the Presidential Debate later today at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. That said, there is a ton of stuff on our main page. On two closing notes — for those who are trying to follow the Presidential election, I recommend Real Clear Politics as a good site, and finally I want to thank FR Friend Michelle Malkin for the shout out this morning.

Care to read comments, or make your own about today’s Daily Commentary?

Just click here to go to the FR Weblog, where this Commentary has its own blog post, and where you can read and make comments.… Read More

Nick Romero and I have finally made it to the “spin room” here at the Reagan Library. The security here is pretty hardcore, but somehow Nick and I have our names on the media list as “credentialed journalists” – go figure. We had to park off site, and shuttle over with a bunch of real reporters. Now that we’re here, we’ll go see how many reporters bash on Republicans when they “think” no one is listening.… Read More

Measure D is ascheme on the February ballot that "updates" the utility tax in Pasadena to include email, digital downloads as well asInternet and cell phone use. Freedomworks run by former Congressman Dick Armey have targeted the tax for defeat.

The tax effort comes as Pasadena continues to have a huge ballot surplus. Godspeed Freedomworks.… Read More

Tonight Senator John McCain won big in Florida. It is obviously the big story.

The story that should stand out to political observers is the impact Florida Governor Charlie Crist is having in his state. Crist stepped up to endorse McCain a few days ago. He helped shape the outcome of the race for President.

The key thing is that Crist is not just celebrating a victory for McCain tonight. He is celebrating a huge victory at the polls tonight as his state just voted in favor of a $9 billion property tax cut.

California state government faces a deficit of at least $18 billion. Florida meanwhile just passed tax CUTS totaling half of that. Imagine. I predict that we will see a tax increase considered in Sacramento before the end of the summer.

Look for Florida Governor Charlie Crist to be a regular name mentioned when Vice-Presidential… Read More

UPDATE: Thanks to FR Friends Michelle Malkin and Doug Bandow for linking to this post.

Once we get past California’s Presidential Primary, we’ll be able to devote a lot more attention to the goings on in Washington, D.C.

That said, we did want to take a moment to pass along a hearty THANK YOU to four California Republicans and one California Democrat for voting against the so called Bush-Pelosi "Stimulus" Package in Congress.

For FR readers, you need not look past the main element of this package to scratch your head and wonder how so many Republicans could vote for it.

The center piece of this package is a huge "tax rebate" to Americans — it’s like $600 for a single individual, $1200 for a couple, and an additonal $300 per child. Without getting into the question of how a bit "bonus check" for Americans is going to substantively "stimulate" the economy, you… Read More

They’ve called Florida for John McCain. He’s ahead of Romney by about four percentage points. Giuliani is way behind. Drudge is even reporting that Rudy may drop out as soon as tomorrow, likely endorsing McCain.

Congratulations to the Arizona Senator and his supporters. Now on to Super Tuesday…… Read More

Nothing. Nil.… Read More

Today’s Los Angeles Times editorial opposing completion of the 241 tollroad led me to wonder if a) they let California Coastal Commission staffer Mark Delaplaine ghosted the editorial for them or b) they have ever actually been to the San Onofre State Beach.

For example, the editorial states:

As planned, the toll road would cut through a wilderness preserve in eastern Orange County and then traverse the length of a narrow, pristine canyon that makes up most of San Onofre State Beach, one of the most popular California state parks.

Most Southern Californians have never been to San Onofre State Beach, so if they were to rely on hysterical editorials they can be forgiven for thinking completing the 241 entails paving over paradise.

For those who haven’t seen the "pristine" ""wilderness preserve" park the LA Times rhapsodizes about, I’ll post some pictures.

Here’s a pristine stand of old growth power lines along the proposed route of… Read More