Tonight was the must-attend OC Republican Party Annual Flag Day Dinner fund raiser. Tonight’s event was bigger than ever–over 1100 attendees. The dinner also raised about $400,000 for the County Party.

Governor Schwarzenegger was the keynote speaker. He did a good job. He told some funny stories and worked the crowd–two things he has always been good at. He mostly avoided talk about present day public policy issues–a smart move on the part of his staff.

Then came the red meat–talk show host and syndicated columnist Dennis Prager kept the entire crowd in their seats and silent (except for applause) for a 45-minute passionate speech about conservatives vs. liberals and he explained the meaning behind so many things in the news today. At almost any event, especially political dinners the crowd thins as the hour gets later. Not tonight–every one of the 1000+ attendees were eyes front and listening to every word Prager said.

All the statewide GOP nominees (except for McClintock) were in attendance as were most of Orange County’s legislators.… Read More

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER ’06 STEVE POIZNER – A STRONG OPPORTUNITY FOR THE GOP Last election day, John Kraft received 617,443 votes. Who is John Kraft? No this isn’t a takeoff from my favorite Ayn Rand novel. John Kraft was a Democratic candidate for State Insurance Commissioner. Kraft received nearly a third of the votes for this office as a virtually unknown candidate who, according to the Secretary of State’s webpage, didn’t even raise the funds required to file a campaign report — which is like $1,000. Well, the real story behind Kraft is not who is he — but rather, who he is… Read More

With speculation swirling around a possible Arnold endorsement of Democrat Dianne Feinstein, Retired State Senator has decided to let the Governor know he is willing and ready to "….fight the liberal policies of Dianne Feinstein, Phil Angelides and others of the far left. "

The Governor should be embracing every nominee of the party. After all aren’t a "Big Tent"?

Read the Mountjoy letter below.… Read More

Last week, when flying from Sacramento to Orange County on a SWA flight, I reported on the ‘notables’ on the flight.

Today’s flight has a different group of interesting characters, though no less notable. Flying with my fiance, Maureen, and me are… State Senator Chuck Poochigian, Assemblyman Chuck Devore, Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher, State GOP Chairman Duf Sundheim, former GOP Chairman Mike Schroeder, Republican Insurance Commissioner Nominee Steve Poizner, and from the Governor’s campaign team – Julie Soderlund and a discovery, that the son of my friend Rich Galen (www.mullings.com), Robert, is working for the Governor’s campaign.

With all of these GOPers, I shouldn’t leave out our token Democrat “VIP” – Assemblyman Tom Umberg.

Somehow I don’t think Umberg is going where the rest of us are headed – the Orange County GOP’s big annual Flag Day dinner (with special guests Arnold Schwarzenegger and talk show host and columnist Dennis Prager, of whom I am a huge fan, and whom I am introducing).… Read More

In what will be great news for liberals far and wide, I will be leaving on vacation to Great Britain tomorrow morning to return just in time to celebrate America’s birthday on July 4th! The good news is that during my absence, the FlashReport will continue to bring you all of the latest and greatest news on California politics. Nicholas Romero, whom you have seen as a guest editor for this site has been promoted and is now the Managing Editor of the FlashReport. Nick will be editing the main page of the site for the next few weeks, as well as joining the FlashReport Weblog with his own observations and analysis. Congratulations, Nick! I am also pleased to announce that many of our regular contributors from the Weblog have agreed to step up and make sure that this Daily Commentary page updated each and every day, starting with our Central Valley Correspondent, Mike Der Manouel, Jr., who will be posting on this page tomorrow. I’ll still be monitoring my emails (somewhat… Read More

In what will be great news for liberals far and wide, I will be leaving on vacation to Great Britain tomorrow morning to return just in time to celebrate America’s birthday on July 4th! The good news is that during my absence, the FlashReport will continue to bring you all of the latest and greatest news on California politics. Nicholas Romero, whom you have seen as a guest editor for this site has been promoted and is now the Managing Editor of the FlashReport. Nick will be editing the main page of the site for the next few weeks, as well as joining the FlashReport Weblog with his own observations and analysis. Congratulations, Nick! I am also pleased to announce that many of our regular contributors from the Weblog have agreed to step up and make sure that this Daily Commentary page updated each and every day, starting with our Central Valley Correspondent, Mike Der Manouel, Jr., who will be posting on this page tomorrow. I’ll still be monitoring my emails (somewhat… Read More

Before I get started on the FR Blog, I would like to thank Jon for continuing to show great respect for young people in politics. He doesn’t provide lip service like others. He creates opportunities for those of us just getting starting (relatively speaking) to get our feet wet. I was honored that he asked me, of all people, to join him compiling and editing the site. I am honored further to be in the company of some truly great political professionalsin the FR Blogpen.

Now on to this first post. It takes me back to earlier, sunnier days.

In my morning reading, I came across a sad story in the Orange County Register about a young boy who drowned yesterdayoff ofHuntington State Beach between towers 6 and 7. He and another boy were brought in from 150 to 200 yards off shore (1 and 1/2 to 2 football fields), a considerable distance in ocean terms (in a pool, that’s nothing), indicative of the conditions (South to Southwest swell, strong winds out of the West to Northwest). Two to four foot surf, as it was reported, is, again, nothing on a calm… Read More

Last Thursday the Lincoln Club of Orange County hosted a fundraiser for Lynn Swann, the Republican candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania. The All-Pro wide receiver of the Pittsburgh Steelers, USC All-American and T.V. sports commentator was greeted by 175 Lincoln Club members and USC alumni invitees for a lunch in Newport Beach. The guest list included a number of USC‘s athletic hall of… Read More