Who are they?

-Carly Fiorina, former HP CEO

-Meg Whitman, former eBay CEO

-Rosario Marin, CA Agency Second’y, former U.S. Treasureer

-U.S Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Platform Comm. Chairman

-State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth

-State Senator Abel Maldonado

Of course, we’ll see if the latter two go to the convention. There’s no “deal” that would get Hollingsworth’s vote — but undoubtedly Maldonado would be in the thick of one — if one comes about.… Read More

The headline above is from the Sac Bee’s Capitol Alert, and the headline pretty much says it all. Check it out here.… Read More

Finally, a movie worth seeing. I think. Watch the trailer….

http://www.americancarol.com/… Read More

In response to my commentary yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger’s office sent over a list of what they felt were "inaccuracies" in my piece. Immediately below, in burgundy, are the critiques I received. Immediately below that, in green, are my comments on their input. I appreciate the Governor’s office taking the time to respond, and hope that you will take some time to review this dialogue…

FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE… **There is more – click the link**

View Full Commentary… Read More

In response to my commentary yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger’s office sent over a list of what they felt were "inaccuracies" in my piece. Immediately below, in burgundy, are the critiques I received. Immediately below that, in green, are my comments on their input. I appreciate the Governor’s office taking the time to respond, and hope that you will take some time to review this dialogue…

FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE "…his plan will still leave California with a $7 billion deficit next year."

INACCURATE: The Governor’s proposed budget compromise leaves the state… Read More

As a staunch conservative, attending the largest Democratic Party event has been quite an experience. There’s the obvious hostility towards John McCain and all Republicans. But there’s also a shocking amount of ignorance about important issues like national security. It’s actually quite sad to engage in discussions with people so close-minded that even broaching issues perceived as conservative or Republican elicits vitriolic reactions.

But apart from the clash of worldviews, there are many lighthearted, humorous occasions that accompany every political convention. For instance, running into the “Nader’s Raiders” in front of the capitol and being invited to their party this week. Nader for President sponsored the huge liberty bell balloon advertising his plea to be included in the upcoming presidential debates.

No political convention would be complete without a vast variety of paraphernalia, many very clever and funny.… Read More

Demonstrating a complete lack of engagement in what should be a hands-on negotiating process towards a state budget, John Laird, the Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee is partying up in Denver.

I guess Laird figures, as an ultra-liberal, that he is not going to support more cuts — I’m sure he’s ready to fly home to vote for a tax hike (don’t worry, there aren’t votes for one).

If Laird wants to avoid being booed in Denver, he’d best keep it quiet that he is, “that nut from California that wants to massively increase taxes on beer…… Read More

I’m sure many of you have heard of the colloquial expression, “That is a false choice…”

For those who haven’t heard of the expression, a “false choice” is when you provide two options, insisting that you have to choose one of them, when there are other viable options.

A false choice is what is being presented to Californians in the current budget debate when saying that to solve the budget crisis, we either need to raise taxes, or we need to raid special funds.

The painful reality for Democrats is that the other choice — the obvious choice — are more cuts — the kind of cuts that require a serious look at eliminating state departments or agencies, eliminating bureaucracy. Serious reduction in state spending means eliminating expensive state jobs.

The false choice must be discarded, and all of the pressure in this budget debate must be placed on more shrinking of a state government that has increased in size by 40 percent in just five years.… Read More