In the Golden Pen column today, our own Mike Der Manouel, Jr., lays out some sobering numbers about how state government spending is increasing at a pace vastly exceeding the growth of California’s population. Here is an excerpt from Mike’s piece: According to the Legislative Analyst, 10 years ago, the budget presented by Gov. Pete Wilson proposed the following spending: general fund, $50.3 billion; special funds, $14.3 billion; total, $64.6 billion; reserves, $553 million. Ten years later, the 2007-08 budget proposes: general fund, $103.1 billion; special funds, $27.7 billion; total, $131 billion. The increase in state spending over 10 years? A whopping 202%. During this same 10-year period, according to the Census Bureau and California’s… Read More

Just off the transom from Team Rudy – a release stating that they will be openin a state headquarters in Glendale in Los Angeles County, and that their California Leadership Team consists of: California State Chair Bill Simon, Former California Republican Gubernatorial Nominee California State Co-Chairs Mary Bono, United States Congresswoman David Dreier, United States Congressman Jerry Lewis, United States Congressman Devin Nunes, United States Congressman George Radanovich, United States Congressman Ed Royce, United States Congressman Curt Pringle, Mayor of Anaheim Greg Aghazarian, State Assemblyman Ted Gaines, State Assemblyman Sharon Runner, State Assemblywoman Cameron Smyth, State Assemblyman Chuck Poochigian, Former State Senator Mike Antonovich, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Los Angeles County Supervisor John Herrington, Former State GOP Chair Robert Naylor, Former State GOP Chair Frank Visco, Former State GOP Chair Michelle Steel, Board… Read More

Because it is sometimes hard to discern what any Republican says about things when viewed through the filter of the main stream (liberal) media, here is some information from the office of Congressman John Doolittle making clear his position on the War in Iraq:

Congressman Doolittle has been a strong supporter of the war on terror and has not changed his position on the need for US military action in Afghanistan or Iraq. The Congressman fully supports the mission of our troops. Congressman Doolittle wants to see the Iraqi government become responsible for their own country more quickly. This situation is not a matter of being at odds with the President. In fact, Congressman Doolittle is sure the President would like to see the same result. We must face reality. Iraq is a region… Read More

As we reported earlier this year, the communucations team from the Arnold Re-elect split up, with former Communications Director Katie Levinson moving into a similar role for the campaign of Rudy Giuliani, and former Arnold Deputy CD Matt David went over to the McCain Campaign. (Two two are pictured to the right.) Well, with the nuclear blast last week at the center of the McCain campaign operation with the campaign manager Terry Nelson and senior consultants leaving, the reverberations of that are still taking place. It is now being reported that three senior press operatives, Brian Jones, Danny Diaz and the above-mentioned Matt David have turned in their walking papers. Now I haven’t spoken with Levinson, but I suspect she would be willing to find a great landing spot on Team Rudy for her former Arnold-colleague,… Read More

Okay, I stepped out and returned to over 40 emails in just 45 minutes asking how particular board members voted. Since our vote took place at a public meeting, and not in closed session, I don’t think any of my colleagues would mind if I post this. Again, all are invited to use this blog as a forum if they would like to elaborate on their vote cast. The resolution: The Board of Directors of the California Republican Party supports our current rules that require that you must be a registered Republican to cast a ballot in the Republican Presidential primary in February, 2008. Senate Leader Dick Ackerman – YES National Committeewoman Barbara Alby – YES Pres, County Chairs Assoc. Keen Butcher – NO Regional Vice Chairman Doug Boyd – YES Regional Vice Chairman Paul Bruno – YES Regional Vice Chairman Luis Buhler – NO Treasurer Keith Carlson – YES Vice Chairman Tom Del Beccaro – YES Regional Vice Chairman Jon Fleischman – YES… Read More

The CRP’s Victory ’06 effort that funded much of the Governor’s effort is still $4.6 millionin debt. Seeprevious posthere. Despite the promises of the Governor and past party chair Sundheim, the Governor has raised hardly any of the promised money towards erasing the obligation.

The good news is that whileputting his vast economic and scientific expertiseto use in Florida, he helped the Florida Party raise $1.6 million.See here.… Read More

One of the major fallacies in the budget commentary I have readon the 2007-08 State budget is that "Republicans have to show their hand" on spending "cuts" necessary to balance the budget.

No, they don’t.

The responsiblity of Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villines and Senate Minority Dick Ackermanis simply this: oppose tax increases, clearly state the conditions under which sufficient GOP votes will be available for passage of a final budget plan and amendments.

Contrary to what the popular pundrity is saying, the GOP has no duty, no responsiblity whatsoever, to suggest spending alternatives. Leave it to the Democrats and the Governor to come up with those adjustments. For too long, the GOP has surrendered the premise that we must suggest alternatives. Clearly, this is the responsiblity of the majority and the Governor. It comes with being in the majority.… Read More

Last Friday at a meeting in Orange County, the Board of Directors of the California Republican Party voted to affirm current party rules that state that you must be registered as a Republican in order to cast a ballot in California’s Presidential Primary this coming February.

As many FR readers know, last February I was elected by CRP delegates in the southern part of California to serve as their regional Vice Chairman on the Party’s Board of Directors. Along with my board colleague, Vice Chairman Tom Del Becarro, we jointly introduced a successful, one sentence resolution opposing any change in our current rules.

My decision to co-author this important statement from our Board came in light of news from National Committeeman Tim Morgan that if this current rule were to change, and non-Republicans were allowed to vote in the Presidential primary, it would likely not cost California any delegates (even though a change at the upcoming September convention would be after the deadline for states to submit their delegate selection process to the RNC).

The reasons for preserving a Republican-only primary are thus: