Yesterday and today is the annual Western Conservative Political Action Conference in Newport Beach, California. Hundreds of people have gathered from the western states to hear from panelists on a myriad of great topics. Last night the main speakers were Congressman Tom McClintock and reknown pollster Scott Rasmussen. As I write this blog post, Bruce Herschensohn is addressing the Western CPAC luncheon. Since I want to get back to hearing his remarks, I’ll end this short blog post with some video — a short interview I conducted with McClintock last evening…

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From today’s Wall Street Journal Political Diary E-mail… … Read More

So I flicked the tv on to CNN today (doubling their market share in the Sacramento market). Boy, can you imagine the outcry if a Fox personality literally spoke in ethnic or regional accents to imply idiocy? Both Parker and Spitzer did it, more than once, and thought it was a real gas.… Read More

So I’ve been catching up on my e-mails — and had a chance to watch the creative "Bobblehead Meg" video from the Calfiornia Correctional Peace Officers Association. The state prison guard union is supporting Jerry Brown for Governor (shocking!). That said, they did up a very entertaining web video that is actually worth sharing — we love creative stuff, even if we don’t always agree with the message…

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In the midst of a re-election challenge, Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) President Arlie Ricasa is receiving significant positive name recognition from a taxpayer-funded public relations effort, paid by Sweetwater schools.

Ironically, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) confirmed yesterday it would investigate a complaint filed on September 20, 2010, against Ricasa for alleged improprieties associated with using funds raised for her current campaign to retire debt from a prior election. Ricasa was a candidate for the 78th State Assembly District two years ago, losing to eventual general election winner Marty Block in the 2008 Democratic primary contest.

The Union-Tribune ran a story about the FPPC complaint today. Attached is the full complaint.

Yet, what the FPPC complaint and UT story do not address may be even more significant, while equal cause… Read More

The Stamford Advocate of Stamford, Connecticut reported just a few hours ago that Jerry Brown spokesman, Sterling “The Liar” Clifford apparently announced to the Connecticut press that Jerry Brown will have a $5,000 a plate fundraiser Thursday (tomorrow) night in West Hollywood sponsored by Hollywood’s David Geffen. People who pay $25,000 will have a “private reception” with Brown. We herein call on the San Francisco Chronicle’s ace political reporter, Carla Marinucci, who is a Jerry Brown flunky, to demand that The Liar disclose the name of everyone attending the $25,000 private reception by 5 pm tomorrow. That way, Carla Marinucci can have yet another chance to show she is not just another Jerry Brown flunky, and actually help the public assess the Brown campaign’s finances.… Read More

Last week, I promised you an opportunity to gauge your understanding of the consequences of Congress failing to extend current tax rates before the year ends. Well, below you will find a short multiple choice quiz to assist you in testing that understanding. Good luck!

1) Currently there is no Death Tax. However, on January 1, 2011, the Death Tax will come back at a rate of:

a) 55% of all family assets over $1 million. (This is not indexed for inflation, so the "value" of that $1 million exemption will drop over time.) b) 45% of family assets over $3.5 million. (Indexed for inflation.) c) Zero, if you are a member of a government employee union; and 95% if you are not. d) Death will be made illegal, and will be punishable by confiscation of all assets of those who violate the law. e) Your tax will be inversely proportional to your global warming carbon footprint.

2) Currently, the highest individual tax rate on dividend income received from a corporation is 15%. This is after the corporation has paid 35% tax on the income before paying the dividend. So, under current… Read More

Over the last seven months since I announced my candidacy for State Controller, I have been profoundly blessed to have the support of thousands of Californians from across the state who realize we need a complete reinvention of Sacramento. We will continue to deliver no-nonsense solutions to the excessive bureaucracy that has plagued our state and resulted in billions of dollars of government waste. I am honored to have the support of Governor Romney as we fight to bring these changes to Sacramento on November 2nd.

Governor Romney said: “Tony Strickland is the kind of leader who can help get California back on track. State government is too big and bloated and far too expensive to be sustainable. Leaders like Tony Strickland are what we need to cut the waste and restore fiscal sanity. I am proud to support Tony Strickland as the next Controller of the State of California.”

We have only three weeks until Election Day. … Read More