Pennsylvania Boy

The writer behind the blog "PA for Hizzoner, Rudy Giuliani" put the best possible spin on the results of this weekend’s presidential straw poll at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, a key barometer of GOP activist sentiment in the state. The headline was "Rudy Leads All Presidential Candidates," but the blogger had to confess the headline "may be a little deceptive," since the former mayor actually got 16% and tied for second with Newt Gingrich, who spoke at the conference. The winner was non-declared candidate Fred Thompson, who "slaughtered the field" with 35% of the total vote.

Mr. Thompson was a non-candidate on a roll this weekend. He also came out on… Read More

Atthe annual CRA Convention,delegates to vote in a "straw poll" for president. Thompson won, Hunter and Romney ties for second. Just a note a candidate needs two-thirds at our endorsing convention in order to win a CRA endorsement. The results:

Fred Thompson (25%) Duncan Hunter (19%) Mitt Romney (19%) Ron Paul (12%) Tom Tancredo (8%) Newt Gingrich (7%) Rudy Guiliani (7%) Sam Brownbeck (3%) Mike Huckabee (0%) Tommy Thompson (0%)

[Publisher’s announcement: The ever-humble Mr. Spence neglects to tell readers that he was re-elected to yet another two-year term as President of the CRA! Congratulations!! Publisher’s Question: I presume McCain also got no votes? Publisher’s note: Giuliani is probably the big winner of this survey. If the CRA can’t solidify behind a single conservative in the primary, the socially moderate former New York Mayor gets a walk… Flash]… Read More

The flurry of thousands of pieces of legislation flying around the State Capitol this time of year (hold on to your wallets and purses!) continues to allow the FlashReport to bring our readers into the building to take a closer look at individual pieces of legislation.

Today we’re taking a moment to look at Senate Bill 1000, introduced by Republican State Senator Tom Harman of Orange County. PROPERTY RIGHTS Before I delve into the specifics of this legislation, let’s have a short little primer on property rights. This has been a big issue lately, especially since the United States Supreme Court in their (terrible) Kelo v. New London decision cleared the way for government to come in and take someone’s private property through eminent domain if the government deems that a different use for that property would further ‘economic development’ in the area. This has lead to a… Read More

Today the California Republican Party has has re-launched its website, www.cagop.org, and it is definately worth a visit!

As you can see from the graphic to the left, the new website has a great look, and a main page that will allow you to easily navigate the site (don’t worry, you won’t actually have to see Senator Harry Reid’s face every time you go to the site).

Things to see on the site:

Below is a capture of the page of the site that allows you to easily drill-down to your own County GOP leadership, with contact information and a map on how to get to your local GOP County HQ. You actually just click on the graphic of the county that you are from, and up comes the information! CRP Chairman Ron Nehring is blogging over there, so you’ll want to check out the California Republican Blog. The CRP is posting its latest releases and statements in an online Newsroom. A calendar of events to let you know what is going … Read More

The flurry of thousands of pieces of legislation flying around the State Capitol this time of year (hold on to your wallets and purses!) continues to allow the FlashReport to bring our readers into the building to take a closer look at individual pieces of legislation.

Today we’re taking a moment to look at Senate Bill 1000, introduced by Republican State Senator Tom Harman of Orange County.

PROPERTY RIGHTS Before I delve into the specifics of this legislation, let’s have a short little primer on property rights. This has been a big issue lately, especially since the United States Supreme Court in their (terrible) Kelo v. New London decision cleared the way for government to come in and take someone’s private property through eminent domain if the government deems that a different use for that property would further ‘economic development’ in the area. This has lead to a national trend of local measures to protect… Read More

As a personal follow-up to Fleischman’s "Lord Save Us from the Press Releases of GOP Legislators," some additional input.

Those constituent newsletters and other communications where folks tout how much media attention they’re getting….OK, we know that’s the real reason some go to Sacramento, but do they have to admit it?

If a legislator’s newsletter goes out with any media mentions, it’s preferable to not have headlines such as, “Assemblyman Jones Gets More Press Coverage.” The goal is the legislation – or blocking the bad legislation – not the press coverage.

Sure, if the media coverage assists in achieving that goal – or even in giving the legislator more credibility and more clout – then great. But, the press coverage should be ancillary to the foremost goal of getting the bill passed or the effort concluded. The press coverage should be referred to as a means of showing that the media are focused on the legislator’s efforts, not as a means of proving how much press one is… Read More

I am pleased to present this "Guest Cartoon" from FR friend Kevin O’Neill. We’re thinking about including cartoons from Kevin, on California political issues, as a regular feature on the site. Let us know what you think about that, either by commenting below, or e-mailing me – Flash … Read More

California Congresswoman Juanita Millander-McDonald has passed away today, according to a report from the Associated Press. As we reported last week, McDonald had taken a leave of absence from the House and was battling cancer. Our prayers go out to her family and friends over this horrible loss.

At some point when it is appropriate, the Governor will have to call for a special election to fill out the remainder of her term. That will all be about Democrats, no GOPers need apply in that district.… Read More