It’s that time of year when we highlight which Republicans running for statewide office, Congress, State Senate and Assembly have signed the Americans for Tax Reform No New Taxes Pledge. This is NOT about playing "gotcha" though, or catching that candidate who would have signed but hadn’t thought about it.

So this is actually a "last minute warning" alert — we’ve been in touch with Americans for Tax Reform’s staff who are going to compile and send our way a list of those who have signed the form. When they do, we’ll be publishing that list along with a list of those candidate of whom we are aware, that have NOT signed the pledge.

The best way to make sure you don’t end up being questioned for not signing the pledge, if you would like to sign it, is to go to www.atr.org and download the pledge form, sign it, and fax it in.

Of course if you can envision a scenario where you, as a candidate, might vote to raise taxes, perhaps you should do everyone a favor — own up to it and don’t sign the pledge.… Read More

I am sure that Democrats look to their legislative leaders to produce a review and summary of the Governor’s proposed budget because, well, the Governor is, after all, from the "other" party. Why trust his documentation?

Here’s a little secret. Republicans also to look to their legislative leaders to produce a review and summary of the Governor’s proposed budget because, well, he’s "Post-Partisan" as he likes to say, and is sponsoring a ballot measure in June with the express purpose of minimizing the role and influence of political parties.

So, for the consumption of conservatives, the State Senate Republican Caucus under the leadership of Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth has prepared a pretty length document going over the Governor’s budget. While I’ve only scanned it, it appears to be pretty comprehensive, yet digestible even for non policy wonks.

Below is a summary of the prepared document, and below it a link to the .PDF file. Thanks to Senator Hollingsworth, and especially to the Senate Republican budget and fiscal staff who clearly poured a lot of time and energy into the… Read More

California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring was on Foxs News this morning talking about the announcement by the ACORN folks in California were going to split off from ACORN National and become their own entity. Check out this clip…

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Highest bidder was Bidder #6 represented by Craig Realty Group at $56.5 million. Auction is closed.

The high bid will now be taken to Sacramento for consideration and authorizing legislation. The time frame for state evaluation and action begins immediately and may extend into March, with a potential executed sales agreement in April. If the sale falls through, the next highest bidder becomes the high bid and will be evaluated.… Read More

Thus far — now adjourning for 15 minute break.

Bidder # 1$6.5 Million

Bidder # 2 represented by Advanced Real Estate Services $17 Million

Bidder# 3 Tel Phil Enterprises $1,000 (yes, just $1,000)

Bidder # 4 represented by Facilities Management West $55 Million

Bidder # 5 represented by Anaheim Sports Holding $20 Million

Bidder # 6 represented by Craig Realty Group $42.5 Million

Bidder # 7 represented by Ford and Molrich $2 Million

Following the break, active bidding begins.

The current high bid document will be announced (Bidder 4 at $55 Million), then state will ask bidders if they want to increase bids.

More later.… Read More

Below is a video of Tom Campbell talking about why he is running for the United States Senate (again — third time’s a charm?). Needless to say he doesn’t spent much (read: any) time talking about why he is no longer running for Governor. In a release this morning, Campbell announces that former U.S. Secretary of State George Schultz will serve as his Campaign Chairman. Enjoy…

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The U. S. Supreme Court today stopped any broadcasting of the zoo of a trial in Federal court in San Francisco on the constitutionality of Proposition 8’s ban on gay marriage. Opponents to the initiative wanted the trial broadcast wherever it could be, namely on YouTube. Supporters of the ballot initiative enacted by the People of California by majority vote, argued that a broadcast of the trial could open the door to intimidation of witnesses, and proffered evidence of harassment of supporters of Prop. 8, including boycotts, threatening calls and anonymous mailing of "powdery substances" to supporters. The liberal trial judge supported, a la Judge Ito, broadcasting of the trial, but Prop. 8’s keen legal team took the matter all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and today won a 5-4 victory against the anti-Prop. 8 harassment teams. The ruling will reduce the rings of this circus of a trial from three to just one. It is fairly clear now that the appellate courts will have the final word on Prop. 8.… Read More

Though we already blogged last week about Senator Bob Dutton having the votes to be the next GOP Leader (after Hollingsworth), today the actual vote took place. No date was set for the handing off of the batan.

Congratulations Senator Republican Leader-Elect Dutton!… Read More