Meredith Turney

Meredith is Communications Director for Media and Public Affairs Strategy and a CRA Vice President.

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Time to Focus on the Budget

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
8-31-2010 2:20 pm

It's the final hours of the 2009-2010 legislative session here in California and legislators are furiously passing bills left and right to beat the constitutional deadline. Legislators did take the time today to vote down two budget proposals, but as Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said, "I feel an urgency, but not an urgency at any price, and that's really what this has come down to."

And that's the problem. Legislators seem to have no incentive to pass a budget this year. This is the second longest period the state has gone without passing a budget (In 2008, it was 85 days past due.). Some have even speculated Governor Schwarzenegger would like to hand the unpleasant responsibility of trying to hammer out a budget to the next occupant of the horseshoe. 

But just because it's hard work doesn't mean politicians can be let off the hook that easily. It's time for legislators and the governor to declare a moratorium on any legislation that isn't related to the budget process. Americans for Prosperity California is calling on the legislature to do just that:

Americans for Prosperity California Urges Legislators to Pass Responsible Budget

On last day of legislative session, AFP California urges legislators to focus on budget issues

Camarillo—Americans for Prosperity California called on legislators to reprioritize their legislative activities on the last day of the 2009-2010 session. With the state budget 62 days overdue, the Assembly and Senate are engaged in a marathon bill-passing spree. But the vast majority of the thousands of bills debated during the current session have nothing to do with California’s budget problems—other than spending more money that the state doesn’t have.

“We’re just hours away from the deadline for passing legislation, and almost two months past the constitutional deadline for passing a budget,” commented David Spady, State Director for AFP California. “If legislators want to show that they are truly serious about addressing the state’s fiscal problems, they will set aside any bills that don’t cut spending or contribute to a balanced budget.”

“One example of legislation that is actually addressing the budget crisis and its impact on taxpayers is AB 1506 by Assemblyman Joel Anderson,” stated Spady. “AB 1506 will require the state of California to accept as payments the very IOUs it issues to taxpayers. In other words, if a private company contracts with the state, and the government can’t pay that company for services rendered, then turns around and issues an IOU because there is no state budget, the company can then use that IOU to pay taxes or other debts it owes the state. This bill makes the state accountable for its irresponsible behavior in not passing a budget and expecting taxpayers to bail it out by essentially floating the government a loan. AFP California encourages Governor Schwarzenegger to sign AB 1506.”

To learn more about Americans for Prosperity California, visit www.AmericansforProsperity.org/California

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Americans for Prosperity Launches TV Ad—Starring California

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
8-17-2010 12:42 pm
The State of California has landed a starring role in a new TV ad—but it’s not a particularly flattering one. Americans for Prosperity launched an ad campaign in 11 states and 27 media markets this week exposing the outrageous expenditure of taxpayer money in the $862 billion stimulus plan. One of the projects used to “stimulate the economy” was $1.1 million to resurface Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. In light of the 2.7 million jobs lost in America, spending $1 million to repave a road in a wealthy, glamorous locale shows a shocking disconnect with the priorities of average citizens.
 
 
 
With the $4 million ad buy, AFP will actually be one of the biggest players in the 2010 election. A recent Los Angeles Times article detailed how AFP has become one of the most influential grassroots organizations in the country. And AFP is so effective, that President Obama even attacked the group by name during a speech last week in Texas. As a result of Obama’s attack, AFP’s membership has swelled and the organization is on everyone’s radar (Thank you, Mr. President!). You know you’re doing something right when the other side starts demonizing you…
 

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Breaking: 9th U.S. Circuit Court Blocks Gay Marriage Until December

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
8-16-2010 3:20 pm

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court just ruled that Proposition 8 will remain the law in California until appeals are heard in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case. The court issued the ruling after Judge Vaughn Walker's recent ruling found Proposition 8 unconstitutional and would have permitted gay marriages to be performed as early as this week. 

Today's decision means that until an appeal is heard, Proposition 8's protections will remain in place. The Sac Bee is reporting that an appeal could be heard in December, meaning Proposition 8 will remain intact until at least 2011.

This is good news for the protection of traditional marriage and fair to all parties involved. After all, it would be unfair to allow a brief window of gay marriages as when Proposition 22 was overturned just months before Proposition 8 was passed. Gay marriages performed during that period left couples in a legal limbo. Until this legal process is completely exhausted, the will of the people should stand as the law of the land. 

Read more here.

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Conservative RightOnline Conference Hits the Jackpot in Vegas

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
7-27-2010 11:45 am

Las Vegas in July. Not exactly the "coolest" place to be during the summer. But last weekend it was definitely the place to be for political Internet activists. The two biggest conferences for the Left and the Right were held on opposing sides of the Vegas Strip: the conservative RightOnline Conference at the Venetian and Netroots Nation at the Rio. 
 


Founded five years ago, Netroots Nation heralded the Left's investment in new and social media. Their investment paid off, with an unprecedented new/social media campaign that propelled Barack Obama's 2008 candidacy towards victory. But conservatives weren't too far behind and RightOnline was launched three years ago by Americans for Prosperity.
 
In the three years it has gone head-to-head with Netroots (literally—it always goes to the same city on the same dates) RightOnline has grown in size every year. This year, more than 1,100 bloggers, social media experts, policy wonks and activists joined together for training, networking and planning. With the election just three months away, the excitement was palpable. Accounts from across the street reported a lot of discontent amongst liberals disappointed in the President they helped elect.
 
A strong delegation of Californians attended the conference, all of whom are fired up about their chances of taking out Barbara Boxer and even taking back some Congressional seats. During a special breakfast for the California delegation Saturday morning, the Wall Street Journal's John Fund mentioned at least three seats that could switch parties this November—including Loretta Sanchez in Orange County. 

 
Attendees of RightOnline heard from some outstanding conservative leaders, including Fox News Channel's Judge Andrew Napolitano, Congressman Mike Pence, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann and radio talk show hosts Herman Cain and Roger Hedgecock. But aside from the inspiring speeches, the real benefit of the conference is the breakout sessions every day. The training ranges from Twitter 101 to more advanced classes on how to use video editing for effective political messaging. 

 
I participated in a panel discussion of state fiscal policy and what the grassroots can do to restore prosperity. Joined by Vincent Vernuccio of the Competitive enterprise Institute and Patrick Gleason of Americans for Tax Reform, we discussed the trouble facing California. As bad as things are in California (it's referred to as the new Greece), there are things grassroots can do to expose problems and hold government accountable.
 
One example is the scandal regarding the exorbitant pay for the city manager in Bell. Local grassroots activists can uncover such corruption and waste and then draw attention to it via social and new media. A two-minute YouTube video or a blog can go viral on Facebook or Twitter. Americans for Prosperity of California is already producing weekly vlogs (video blogs) to discuss state policy and inform our members.
 
RightOnline's rapid growth is proof that conservatives recognize social and new media are powerful tools for reaching voters. The mid-term elections are just around the corner, and if the excitement and commitment on display at RightOnline are any indication, it's going to be a very good year for conservatives.

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Union Hypocrisy

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
7-16-2010 4:15 pm
The front page of the Wall Street Journal today featured a great article exposing the hypocrisy of unions. The title says it all: "To Protest Hiring of Nonunion Help, Union Hires Nonunion Pickets." 

According to the story, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters is hiring people (who are neither carpenters or in unions) to protest against nonunion companies. The union's excuse? They claim "it's really difficult to have [union members] come out, either because of parking or something else." Really? If finding parking is the biggest deterrent to protesting against companies using nonunion workers, then maybe it isn't a big priority for union members—just their power-greedy leadership. 

Even better, the union asserts it's helping the unemployed by paying nonunion picketers. I'm sure President Obama would approve of this job growth calculation.  

California unions and interest groups are also participating in the rent-a-mob hypocrisy. "In California, one group is offering to pay $10 and up per hour to activists to hold signs in demonstrations against foam cups and plastic bags."

Next time you're at a Tea Party event, ask anyone of those in attendance how much they were paid to be there. Apparently union darling Nancy Pelosi was speaking from experience when she accused tea parties of being "Astroturf," not true grassroots, protests.

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The Monolithic LA City Council

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
7-15-2010 4:29 pm
The LA Weekly blog is reporting the Center for Governmental Studies just issued a report showing the LA City Council votes unanimously 99.993% of the time. That's an astounding statistic. I can't think of any other major voting body with that kind of voting record. 

Some could argue that LA politicians have figured out how to get along and therefore vote consistently. But one look at LA's $485 million deficit and anyone could tell that if every council member for a city as large as Los Angeles is voting in one accord, they are probably not representing the best interests of their constituents.
 
The LA Weekly blogger, Gene Maddaus, writes, "The report suggests that the council members are experiencing a form of peer pressure. That is, they don't want to vote against a colleague's idea for fear of having the favor returned." 

Okay, so they're working out their differences before the votes are taken. But just because they come to some sort of resolution before a vote doesn't mean they're reaching the right solution. The LA City Council may be voting unanimously, but as commentator Stephen Kruiser tweeted, they're also voting "wrongly."

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California vs. Colombia

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
6-26-2010 11:05 pm
It's no secret Sacramento Democrats will take any and every opportunity to pontificate about issues outside their purview. Their most common means of expressing their opinions about national or international matters is the joint resolution.
 
As Assemblyman Chuck DeVore pointed out via Twitter on Monday, the Assembly passed AJR 27, a resolution urging Congress to oppose a free trade agreement between the United States and the South American country Colombia. The resolution reads like it was written by labor union apologists, not unbiased evaluators of America's relationship with Colombia.
 
The day after AJR 27 passed the Assembly (it now needs Senate approval), the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board published an article about the importance of such a trade agreement with Colombia, urging its approval. Now when it comes to pretty much any issue, I'll side with the intelligent, educated experts over at the Wall Street Journal over the short-sighted Progressives infesting the state capitol.
 
What happens in Colombia is of special interest to me right now because my brother recently moved to the country to study Spanish and learn more about the culture. From his reports, Colombia is a nation that is recovering from its violent, drug-cartel past and is actually much safer than some American inner cities. Granted, the FARC still causes some problems, but for the most part the country is stabilizing through democratic governance and more engagement in international trade. The recent presidential election was a great success, with limited interference from those wishing to disrupt democratic activities.
 
One of the most encouraging signs about Colombia is the enemies it's making. Colombia's democratic and capitalist strides have earned the contempt of neighboring country Venezuela and its Obama-loving dictator Hugo Chavez. Most of the Colombians my brother has interacted with cannot stand Chavez and see him as a real threat to peace in South America. It's safe to assume any enemy of communist Chavez is a great American ally.
 
California liberals are on a boycott tear right now, with Arizona the latest victim of their politically-correct chest-thumping, and now Colombia has drawn their ire. Legislators should ask themselves whether stopping free trade with an ally in South America will help America or Colombia in the long run. Of course, in a legislature that sympathizes with communists, that may be a question they don't want to answer.

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Republican Unity?

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
6-15-2010 6:30 pm
It's been one week since Meg Whitman soundly defeated Steve Poizner in the Republican gubernatorial race. Tonight Poizner sent an email message to his supporters thanking them for their work on behalf of his campaign (posted below).
 
But most notable in the email was the lack of conciliation. Still harping on the fact he was outspent "four-to-one", Poizner goes on to intimate that Republicans sold out their principles by voting for Whitman—a "hollow victory."
 
John Myers, the Sacramento Bureau Chief and Political Reporter for KQED Public Radio, even tweeted about the "defiant" missive from Poizner.
 
It's understandable that Poizner would still hold some resentment considering the bruising nature of the governor race, which was particularly tense in the closing month. But at some point Republicans need to unify behind their candidate to beat the alternative: Jerry Brown. For California and the Republican Party's sake, I hope Poizner's wrong and Whitman will uphold conservative values. We need them now more than ever.
 
Dear Supporter,
 
During this campaign, I was gratified by your unwavering support and steadfast commitment to my campaign.  Please take pride in knowing that friends like you were the heart and soul of this great cause. 
 
Running for governor has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.  Even though we were outspent four-to-one, I know that this campaign was an overwhelming victory for our solutions, values, and ideals.  I believe that being a Republican must be about more than just winning an election.  When we surrender our ideals—and the principles we hold dear in the name of victory—that victory is hollow.  Our task is to press ahead, fighting for these principles, to ensure that they one day prevail.
 
I cannot thank you enough for your support and commitment to the cause. I am confident that California's best days are still ahead of us. 
 
Let's fight on.
 
Your friend,
Steve Poizner

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Prop 14 Means More Sestak Scandals

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
6-7-2010 11:22 am
Survey USA just released poll results that show Proposition 14 is "positioned to pass" tomorrow. I know the Flash Report contributors have been vocal about the dangers posed by Proposition 14 and its "top two" primary system. Although the measure is being sold as way to lessen the influence of "special interest"—especially the political parties—Proposition 14 will actually create even more of the backroom political deals that voters despise. 
The latest political scandal creating headlines is the allegation by Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak that the White House privately pressured him to end his challenge against incumbent Arlen Specter. Amazingly, Sestak actually rebuffed the emissary sent by the White House: former President Bill Clinton. In the end, it worked out pretty well for Sestak when he defeated Specter in the Pennsylvania Democrat primary. Voters are tired of this type of "dirty politics"—where party bosses mettle and try to control the outcome of races. But what California voters need to realize is Proposition 14 will create more of these types of scandals. 
A Sacramento Bee article last week pointed out, Washington State's open primary system penalizes parties for putting forth several qualified candidates:
 
That scenario created "an incentive for the major party organizations to discourage 'too many' candidates from entering the primary contest for a particular office with that party's label," economists John H. Beck and Kevin E. Henrickson wrote.
 
This means Republicans and Democrats will have fewer options when they vote to send their best candidate to the general election.
 
Washington State Democrats Chairman Dwight Pelz said that dynamic created "more backroom politics" in a system proponents said would bring more openness to primary politics. "I, as party chair, have to go and talk people into not participating, and I think that's really unfortunate," he said.
 
When they go to the polls tomorrow, California voters should consider whether they want Democrat and Republican party leadership choosing their candidates for them. In our current primary system, we can have lively competitions where voters get to truly choose, not party bosses. 

Don't buy the arguments that Proposition 14 will end party influence; it will actually end our opportunity to choose from a larger field of qualified candidates. If Proposition 14 wins, voters lose.  

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McClintock for President

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
6-4-2010 1:38 pm
It wasn't too long ago that Tom McClintock supporters started a Draft Tom movement to encourage the then-state senator to run for Congress. Now, McClintock's faithful supporters have dusted off the Draft Tom campaign—but this time it's to encourage the Congressman to run for a far loftier office than Congress or governor; the goal is the White House.
 
Yesterday I received a message from Sacramento Republican activist Steve Macías informing me of his involvement with the Draft Tom McClintock for President Committee. The web site for the committee features the viral YouTube video of McClintock denouncing Mexican President Felipe Calderón for attacking the Arizona immigration law in his address to Congress last month. With over a million views, McClintock's defense of America has resonated with average voters throughout the country.
 
The 2012 presidential race is already in full swing, with a diverse field of Republicans jockeying to prevent President Obama from serving a second term. With such a wide open race, even congressmen have a shot at gaining some traction.
 

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The Best Campaign Ad Ever

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
6-1-2010 5:47 pm
This election season, we've seen some pretty interesting campaign ads, including the Fiorina campaign's viral "demon sheep" ad. But perhaps the most popular ad this year comes courtesy of Dale Peterson, the Republican running for Alabama Agriculture Commissioner. With almost 1.4 million views, it's definitely a viral hit. The ad is so popular, that Peterson's campaign web site has a page dedicated to its creator, Ladd Ehlinger Jr. If you're one of the few who haven't seen the ad yet, check it out:



 
Then, head over to this web site and purchase your Dale Peterson t-shirt. Whether Peterson wins the Republican nomination today or not, you'll have one of the hippest political t-shirts out there...

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Americans for Prosperity of California Issues Statement on Budget Revision

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
5-14-2010 3:55 pm
Americans for Prosperity of California, part of the national grassroots taxpayer advocacy organization, issued its own statement about the Governor's revised budget today, which I have posted below. One of the key budget points for taxpayer protection groups is the Governor's commitment to cutting spending. 

As noted in the press release below, Democrats are simply returning to an already-dry well by demanding more and higher taxes. This is a short-sighted plan that will only serve to worsen California's dwindling tax base. It may seem like inverse logic to Democrats, but cutting taxes in the short-term will actually lead to increased tax revenue in the long-term as businesses and taxpayers thrive and the tax base grows.

AFP CA Applauds Governor's Budget Cuts
But taxpayer advocate organization sees more long term budget problems
in absence of plan to draw businesses back to state
 
CAMARILLO -Americans for Prosperity-California applauds Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts announced today in his May budget revision. Facing a budget shortfall of $19.1 billion, the Schwarzenegger administration announced $12.4 billion in cuts to state spending as part of the overall plan to cover the nearly $20 billion deficit.
 
"It's simple mathematics that you cannot spend more than you take in," explained Peter Foy, Chairman of AFP-California. "Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking a step in the right direction by cutting government spending and calling for pension reform to deal with the pension tsunami that threatens our state's financial future."
 
"While we applaud the Governor's cut to state spending, we note that cutting is only half of the solution," stated David Spady, State Director of AFP-California. "The state needs to increase revenue by increasing the tax base. The way to do that is by creating a climate that attracts businesses back to the state, rather than imposing policies that drive businesses away. As long as we have onerous laws such as AB 32 on the books, and Sacramento continues to increase taxes, we cannot expect businesses, or the revenue they generate, to return to the state."
 
In a press conference following the Governor's budget revision announcement, Senate Leader Darryl Steinberg and Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Denise Ducheny both attacked the proposed budget. Instead of agreeing that government spending must be reduced, they called for higher taxes on businesses and oil production, and extending last year's outrageous tax increases on Californians.
 
"As usual, Sacramento politicians look for the easy way out of the problems they have created," stated Spady. "They refuse to deal with the fact state revenues are falling in large part due to the mass exodus of businesses and taxpayers tired of trying to survive in one of the highest taxed and regulated states. Tax cuts and fewer regulations would mean long term economic prosperity for California."
 
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 1 million members, including members in all 50 states, and 30 state chapters and affiliates. More than 60,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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Some California Candidates Energized by Bennett Defeat in Utah

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
5-11-2010 10:47 pm

Although they still hold a huge advantage in elections, 2010 is certainly the year of anti-incumbency fever among the electorate. With the surprising defeat of Utah Senator Bob Bennett last weekend, those challenging incumbents in primaries are feeling especially energized with just a few weeks to go before the June 8th primary. 

Earlier today, congressional candidate Phil Liberatore held a press conference outside Congressman Gary Miller's office, whom Liberatore is challenging in the primary, to discuss Miller's campaign tactics. Apparently Miller's campaign paid for some signs dubbing Liberatore a tax fraud. In his comments to reporters, Liberatore honed in on recent underdog victories fueled by the anti-incumbent attitude of voters.

"After Scott Brown there was Chris Christie, who ran for Governor of New Jersey and won in a state with a liberal majority. Then there was Bob McDonnel in Virginia who trounced his Democratic opponent by 18 points even though they had been evenly matched a few years back. And most recently there was Robert Bennett the Senator from Utah who was defeated despite his years of distinguished service in the U.S. Senate. Why: Because he began to vote with the Democrats-including for the TARP bailout bill-sound familiar?  Yes, the same voting pattern as Gary Miller. And now it's time for Gary to join Bennett on the sidelines."

Obviously, beating an incumbent is never easy. But in a year full of surprising political twists, even Barbara Boxer has admitted no seat is safe--not even in California.

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New Survey USA Poll Shows Poizner 2 Points behind Whitman

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
5-10-2010 12:14 pm

The Poizner campaign is trumpeting a new Survey USA poll that shows Steve Poizner just 2 points behind Meg Whitman, 37% to 39%. Here's a TV report with the story:

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U.S. Senate TV Debate Airs Sunday

by Meredith Turney - State Capitol (bio) (email)(print)

 
5-8-2010 11:35 pm
Thursday evening I had the opportunity to attend the taping of the U.S. Senate Republican primary debate. The hour-long debate will air on ABC affiliates throughout the state on Sunday, May 9th. As far as I know, this is the only scheduled television debate with all three candidates before the primary election on June 8th.

Held at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, the debate was moderated by Los Angeles ABC anchor Mark Brown. Since readers can watch the debate themselves this weekend, I won't go into detail about what took place. Although, I live tweeted the entire debate that evening. I will offer a few insights on the general response from the audience (mostly filled with campaign supporters for the respective campaigns), and share some of the feedback I encountered immediately following the debate.

Each of the candidates stuck to their strengths as they squared off. Tom Campbell, ever the professor, provided detailed policy answers to each question. I heard those around murmuring about how knowledgeable he is, and how he always comes across as an expert on technical policy issues.

Chuck DeVore provided lots of red meat conservative responses to questions, and was able to really shine on matters relating to foreign policy and the military, mostly due to his experience in that field.

Carly Fiornia was the most eloquent of the three, speaking in clear, concise sound bites that sliced through complex policy jargon and displayed a breadth of knowledge on key policy matters.

Unsurprisingly, all three camps have claimed victory for their candidates' performance. I think each candidate was able to deliver on their respective strengths. However, each performance should be analyzed based on each candidate's ability to win not only the primary, but the general election.

I would never support Tom Campbell in a Republican primary if I had a choice of someone more conservative, which both DeVore and Fiorina obviously are. This was most clearly elucidated when the candidates were asked whether they support someone listed on the no-fly list being allowed to purchase a firearm. Campbell immediately responded, "No." While DeVore and Fiornia affirmed their belief in the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the due process of law (those on the no-fly list haven't been convicted of a crime). Taken aback by his peers' response, Campbell retorted, "It seems somewhat unusual to take that position, except perhaps in a Republican primary." Republican primary voters won't miss this slap at their conservative, Second-Amendment-supporting reputation.

On a side note, it may be a personal prejudice, but I'm still bothered when candidates jump from one political race into another simply because their chances are better. Campbell jumping from the gubernatorial race to the senate race halfway through the campaign season looks like political opportunism, instead of a real desire to seek the senate seat for the public's good.

While more and more conservative leaders—such as Sarah Palin and numerous pro-life groups—are throwing their support behind Carly Fiorina, dispelling Chuck DeVore's contention that he is the only conservative in the race, there is no disputing DeVore's conservative credentials. He is among the most conservative votes in the State Assembly. And he's been a Republican activist for years.

DeVore immediately went on the attack during the debate, repeatedly insisting that any conservative stances by Campbell or Fiorina were merely instances of them "joining" him in his long-held positions. One of the most bizarre moments of the debate came when DeVore responded to a question about America's presence in Afghanistan. In the last breath before his time ran out, DeVore stated, "We have to prepare for the next enemy. It's not Afghanistan. It's the People's Republic of China." Immediately, a buzz went up amongst the audience as they tried to make the connection between the question and DeVore's seeming non sequitur of an answer. At his next opportunity, he did clarify that he views China as a greater threat because Afghanistan lacks the infrastructure that exists in China.

When it comes to their positions on key conservative issues, it seems that there isn't a real distinction between Fiorina and DeVore. Of the three candidates, Fiorina is by far the most polished and camera ready. Her years in the board room at a Fortune 20 company have obviously prepared her for the rough and tumble of politics. Because she speaks in sound bites, media love to quote her and viewers will be able to quickly understand and relate to her.

Fiorina immediately differentiated herself from her fellow candidates by reminding viewers that she has never run for public office before and is not a career politician. A key difference between Fiorina during the debate was her laser focus on Barbara Boxer, referring to her as a "failed senator." While she did take a few barbs at Campbell and DeVore, Fiorina is obviously focusing on the candidate anyone would love to run against: a very unpopular, liberal, career politician who hasn't accomplished anything for her state.

With the election less than a month away, voters are just now beginning to pay attention to candidates. The senate race has been overshadowed by the far more expensive governor race. Polling numbers show Campbell neck-and-neck with Fiorina, and DeVore trailing both. But there is still a large group of undecided voters. As conservatives begin to examine the positions of each candidate, they will immediately rule out Campbell and begin focusing on the other two candidates. When it comes to conservative positions on major issues, DeVore and Fiorina are both appealing. It then becomes a matter of who can beat Barbara Boxer in November. Based on Democrats' attacks on Fiorina during the primary season, it looks like Boxer would rather not face Fiorina this November.

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