So I was a bit ahead of the Fresno op ed page on this one. The shameless and ridiculous decision of the Fresno Police Officers Association to endorse Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown for Attorney General over Fresno’s own State Senator Chuck Poochigian has drawn the ire of the Fresno Bee editorial Board blog page. You can read their blog here. Once again, public safety unions put pensions and Workers’ Comp ahead of actual public safety.… Read More

Today in my commentary (a few posts below), I try to shine the light on a horrible little ‘poison pill’ that was placed into the May Revision of the Proposed State Budget — tens of millions of dollars to provide heathcare for the children of criminal aliens.

If any FR readers (especially those in the capitol) are aware of other items in the proposed budget, or that are being talked about for insertion by Democrats, that should be aired on this site, please drop me an e-mail or send me an anonymous top. Both links to do so are in the upper right hand corner of this site.… Read More

Last night, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay officially retired after 22 years of service in the House of Representatives. He delivered an eloquent farewell speech that reminded all of us still serving in the House why we are here; he defined what in means to be conservative or liberal (the description on which clearly made many liberals uncomfortable); he defended partisanship as being central to the foundations of our republic; and he gave one final plea for action on the issue most important to him – the protection of foster children. I was impressed and so were many of my colleagues, even a few on the other side of the aisle. Here are a few excerpts of his remarks…

Mr. Speaker, Political careers tend to end in one of three ways: defeat, death, or retirement. And despite the fervent and mostly noble exertions of my adversaries over the years, I rise today to bid farewell to this House under the happiest of the available options.

Last night, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay officially retired after 22 years of service in the House of Representatives. He delivered an eloquent farewell speech that reminded all of us still serving in the House why we are here; he defined what in means to be conservative or liberal (the description on which clearly made many liberals uncomfortable); he defended partisanship as being central to the foundations of our republic; and he gave one final plea for action on the issue most important to him – the protection of foster children. I was impressed and so were many of my colleagues, even a few on the other side of the aisle. Here are a few excerpts of his remarks…

Mr. Speaker, Political careers tend to end in one of three ways: defeat, death, or retirement. And despite the fervent and mostly noble exertions of my adversaries over the years, I rise today to bid farewell to this House under the happiest of the available

PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FOR THE CHILDREN OF CRIMINALS? There is no doubt that the budget process in Sacramento is all messed up. When I was in Sacramento this week, I expected to find an institution filled with lots of hearings and activity surrounding the important public work of reviewing the Governor’s proposed budget, and making observations, proposing changes, etcetra. Of course, with Democrats controlling both houses, I was sure that my blood would boil at most of their tinkering.

That said, what I found was a lot of NOTHING going on, relative to legislators and the budget. A visit with Senator Tom McClintock was helpful as "Professor Tom" tutored me on how the budget process has really become a streamlined process, that jumps from what was the beginning of a budget process (subcommittee hearings) all of the way to, in essence, a final vote on a ‘conference committee report’ that is really a vote on a package negotiated by the "Big 5" (Governor, and the four top legislative leaders). Of course, this package… Read More

PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FOR THE CHILDREN OF CRIMINALS? There is no doubt that the budget process in Sacramento is all messed up. When I was in Sacramento this week, I expected to find an institution filled with lots of hearings and activity surrounding the important public work of reviewing the Governor’s proposed budget, and making observations, proposing changes, etcetera. Of course, with Democrats controlling both houses, I was sure that my blood would boil at most of their tinkering.

That said, what I found was a lot of NOTHING going on, relative to legislators and the budget. A visit with Senator Tom McClintock was helpful as "Professor Tom" tutored me on how the budget process has really become a streamlined process, that jumps from what was the beginning of a budget process (subcommittee hearings) all of the way to, in essence, a final vote on a ‘conference committee report’ that is really a vote on a package negotiated by the "Big 5" (Governor, and the four top legislative leaders). Of course, this… Read More

Be careful what you ask for. In this case, an endorsement.

There’s buzz going around about whether or not Gov. Schwarzenegger will endorse Dick Mountjoy for U.S. Senate against incumbent Senator Dianne Feinstein. Why is it even a question, you ask? How could Arnold even consider not endorsing the entire ticket? If you’re genuinely asking yourself those questions, get over it.

No doubt Schwarzenegger feels a great deal of gratitude to Feinstein for helping him pass Props 57/58 in 2004. (Phil Angelides, as he was eviscerating his rival Steve Westly for endorsing Props 57/58 with Arnold, conveniently forgot that his campaign co-chair Feinstein appeared in campaign ads encouraging voters to pass 57/58.) Feinstein helped the governor realize a political victory in ’04. I’m not sure what Dick Mountjoy has ever done for the governor.

No matter how dirty and backstabbing politics can be, though, there is a certain code, I suppose.

“GOP consultant Wayne Johnson said a Feinstein endorsement ‘would be a mistake.’

“‘We have a two-party system with two broad philosophies about government,… Read More

Be careful what you ask for. In this case, an endorsement.

There’s buzz going around about whether or not Gov. Schwarzenegger will endorse Dick Mountjoy for U.S. Senate against incumbent Senator Dianne Feinstein. Why is it even a question, you ask? How could Arnold even consider not endorsing the entire ticket? If you’re genuinely asking yourself those questions, get over it.

No doubt Schwarzenegger feels a great deal of gratitude to Feinstein for helping him pass Props 57/58 in 2004. (Phil Angelides, as he was eviscerating his rival Steve Westly for endorsing Props 57/58 with Arnold, conveniently forgot that his campaign co-chair Feinstein appeared in campaign ads encouraging voters to pass 57/58.) Feinstein helped the governor realize a political victory in ’04. I’m not sure what Dick Mountjoy has ever done for the governor.

No matter how dirty and backstabbing politics can be, though, there is a certain code, I suppose.

“GOP consultant Wayne Johnson said a Feinstein endorsement ‘would be a mistake.’… Read More