FLASHREPORT

THE NEW MAJORITY - BUILDING ON SUCCESS

An exclusive column penned for the FlashReport by Tom Tucker, the Chairman of the New Majority of California.

Continuing to build upon the recent success it has enjoyed with the 2006 elections, the New Majority is now turning its gaze towards new goals – this time in the area of policy, as well as to candidates.

The New Majority has enjoyed enormous success for itself. It has become a force to be reckoned with in state politics. From the 1999 to 2006 elections the New Majority and its membership of over 300 were able to raise approximately $40 million dollars to aid Republican candidates all over the state of California. The highlights of the New Majority’s successes in 2006 included aiding Governor Schwarzenegger’s re-election.

Now with the elections past, the New Majority is turning its attention to its policy goals: redistricting, health care, and energy independence.

Redistricting reform is a top priority for the New Majority. Taking the drawing of political boundaries out of the hands of the politicians will create fairness and competitive districts and therefore force elected officials to better serve their constituencies. Redistricting would bring meaningful reform to the way California is governed. It would also hold elected officials more accountable to their constituencies.

Another crucial issue that is facing California is health care. The New Majority has been taking steps to fully analyze the current proposal made by the Governor and will be prepared to play an important role in the ongoing healthcare policy debate.

Energy independence of the United States is a foremost concern to the members of the New Majority. This is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed by business leaders across the country. Under the leadership of Committee Chair, Hadi Makarechian, New Majority Orange County has organized a taskforce, which will examine the issue of energy independence. There will be an energy summit in late fall so that members can take an opportunity to learn more about energy and the New Majority is sending out policy papers and pertinent articles to members of the New Majority on energy independence.

While there is a new focus on policy issues, the New Majority continues to believe that there are many qualified individuals who would make excellent public officials – they just need to be found.

In order to aide in this goal, the New Majority started a Growing Republican Opportunities to Win Committee (GROW). GROW just completed its first year and continues to identify quality Republican candidates, with an emphasis on bringing diversity into the Republican Party. Newly elected Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen was identified early in the program as an up-and-comer in the Republican Party. Over the next year, GROW Chairwoman Caroline Beeson will work to identify and encourage quality candidates to run for state legislature and statewide offices. As its next step, GROW is planning a training program for candidates in open Republican and targeted general election races.

We will also continue working with Assembly and Senate Republican leaders to ensure that we support them in their quest for winning Republican seats in 2008. We have an excellent working relationship with Senator Dick Ackerman and Assemblyman Mike Villines.

The New Majority has set out many ambitious goals for itself. But that is not usual for this group. As in the past, the New Majority is convinced that doing what is right and what is necessary is rarely easy. Yet it has set out such ambitious goals before and spectacularly achieved them. This time will be no different.
_________________________________________________________________________

Thomas E. Tucker is the Chairman of the New Majority of California and has been involved in the organization since its creation. He is a private real estate developer / investor.  He has resided in Orange County since 1951. Tucker is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. In 1982, Tucker founded the Pennhill Group of Companies, a homebuilding company and land developer that was one of America's largest privately held homebuilders. His current investment companies, Pennhill Properties and JenStar Capital develop real estate and fund businesses. He resides with his wife of 37 years, Joyce in Newport Beach , California.  He has two grown daughters; Saralyn a tax attorney, and Jennifer a PhD candidate for the fall semester of 2007.

You can contact Tom Tucker, via the FR, here.
You can visit the New Majority website here.