I planned to write today’s commentary on the state budget, but then I read Assemblyman Chuck Devore’s e-mail to his supporters that Nicholas Romero posted yesterday afternoon and realized that there wasn’t much to say beyond what DeVore wrote (or the San Diego U-T or the OC Register).

But I do have a few thoughts on the matter.

While the Legislature and the Governor can campaign this year as having passed and signed the state budget into law before July 1 as required by the state’s constiution, no one should be throwing a party.

Sure, this year’s budget is not disastrous for the state. But neither is it responsible. How can any legislative body approve a budget that runs a deficit in a year when the state had an unexpected windfall of money?

I must say that the Republicans in the Legislature did the best they could–without the help of any major muscle flexing by the governor, a fellow member of the GOP. One can’t help wondering what the budget might have been like if Gov. Schwarzenegger had participated in the budget negotiations before the Legislature voted (it makes this Republican think fondly on… Read More

Here’s another roundup on the June Primary, this time with an emphasis on those who helped make victories possible in a number of key races – specifically those who were the lead strategists and pollsters and ground teams. Complete results are available here.

On the Assembly side, kudos go to JohnsonClarkAssociates (who by the way won 11 of 12 contests in which they were involved statewide) for helping Anthony Adams,formerDistrict Director for San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Postmus,to a solid win in the 59th A.D. The 59th isan evenly split L.A. County/San Bernardino County seat that’s being vacated by termed-out Dennis Mountjoy. High-fives are also in order for Drew Mercy for managing the ground campaign. Mercy has a strong track record, having also been the ground guy for Sharon Runner’s lopsided victory over former Assemblyman Phil Wyman for the 36th A.D. in 2002 as well as having served as on-site manager for Assemblymember Guy Houston’s re-election in 2004. Congrats also go to general consultant Steve Presson for his… Read More

I planned to write today’s commentary on the state budget, but then I read Assemblyman Chuck Devore’s e-mail to his supporters that Nicholas Romero posted yesterday afternoon and realized that there wasn’t much to say beyond what DeVore wrote (or the San Diego U-T or the OC Register).

But I do have a few thoughts on the matter.

While the Legislature and the Governor can campaign this year as having passed and signed the state budget into law before July 1 as required by the state’s constiution, no one should be throwing a party.

Sure, this year’s budget is not disastrous for the state. But neither is it responsible. How can any legislative body approve a budget that runs a deficit in a year when the state had an unexpected windfall of money?

I must say that the Republicans in the Legislature did the best they could–without the help of any major muscle flexing by the governor, a fellow member of the GOP. One can’t help wondering what the budget might have been like if Gov. Schwarzenegger had participated in the budget negotiations before the Legislature voted (it makes this Republican think fondly on… Read More

I got ahold of these last night but didn’t have an opportunity to post them until early this morning. From the godfather of fiscal prudence:

"Here is the great paradox of the budget before us: despite a 23 percent increase in revenues in the last three years, we’re running the biggest deficit in California’s history.

"Let’s review the numbers.

"Income: $94.4 billion

"Spending: $101.3 billion

"Deficit: $6.9 billion

"We’ve enjoyed astounding 23 percent revenue growth these past three years – thanks in large part to the Governor’s determination to roll back the… Read More

Hey, all you budget spinners out there: enough of the BS, okay? Despite one of the greatest surges in revenue in State history, the budget isn’t balanced and we continue to throw money at programs and departments that cannot justify additional spending based on performance and efficiency.

Let’s call it what it is – a "get out of town budget" designed to help the Governor’s re-election. There was an alternative you know: balance the budget and then explain why it’s important. Anyone think of that out there besides the Republicans who voted no? Balanced budgets are an understandable, mainstream position. Anyone think the wrath of the unions will be any less because their priorities received more money?… Read More

The Strickland (for controller) Campaign has released the results of a new statewide poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (POS) showing Strickland leading Democrat Chiang by 3-points.

There is no runaway victory waiting for Strickland but this does mean that if the election were held today, one of the down-ballot GOP candidates would win.

Conventional wisdom says that the Governor AND McClintock AND McPherson AND Poizner must win for a candidate like Strickland to have a shot. While that scenario is exciting to think about, I believe Strickland’s campaign is unique in that he has better name ID than most other statewide candidates (Schwarzenegger and McClintock excluded) and Strickland has an excellent ballot title: Taxpayer Organization President

When looking only at voters most likely to turn-out in November, the POS poll shows Strickland’s lead grows to 31% over Chiang’s 23%.

Don’t get me wrong, I have not drank the kool aid, I know a statewide win for a Republican is a huge up-hill battle. But to start with an advantage shows Strickland may be able to rally Democrat votes if he has the resources to wage a… Read More

Here’s an email that Assemblyman DeVore sent out to constituents and supporters (as I am both a constituent and a supporter, I thankfully receive these):

A Big Government Budget Last night the California Legislature approved the budget for 2006-07. Compared with the approved budget from the current year, it grows government by $11.3 billion – $90 billion to $101.3 billion in the General Fund, $131 billion overall including even more State employees than the record number under former Gov. Gray Davis. I voted “no” as did 23 of the 31 Republicans in the Assembly, with only 8, the minimum needed, voting to approve the budget. Last year, by contrast, almost… Read More

As promised, here’s the list of Republican Senators’ votes on Assembly Bill 1801 (Laird), the Budget Act of 2006:

Ayes

Dick Ackerman (R – Tustin) Roy Ashburn (R – Bakersfield)

Jeff Denham (R – Merced)

Bob Dutton (R – Rancho Cucamonga)

Chuck Poochigian (R – Fresno) * 5 TOTAL

Noes

Sam Aanestad (R- Nevada City)

Jim Battin (R – Palm… Read More