Next week I will be penning an entire column for the Capitol Weekly on where Republicans go from here, in light of the tragic results of yesterday’s election. Fortunately, this gives me a little time to contemplate the results, and what it all means. I’ll have the benefit of reading a lot of different points of view on this in the coming days – as a matter of fact, I’ve already read a lot of great stuff this morning (including from the FR bloggers).
One thing I will say is that when you get close to an effort — and I got very involved in trying my hardest to see these much-needed reforms get the approval of voters — you really built up a high level of respect for the people you work with — as months, becomes weeks, becomes days, and then the election is here. So I want to salute all of those hard working grassroots activists who walked precincts, emailed friends, made advocacy phone calls and who, like me, engaged in public speaking on behalf of these measures. Also a big thank you to all of the donors, big and small, that gave from the heart for these important measures.
In e-mailing with my friend Mitch Zak late last night, he reminded me that we are all a part of a team. I agree with him. And our team didn’t win this game, but there is a new season coming up. Now comes the critical analysis of what needs to happen to make out team "world eries worthy" — which means a thorough review of our performace. An honest one, that pulls no punches.
We also need to acknowledge the the special interests (primarily organized labor) have a strangehold on state governmeent. Without the passage of the "70’s" measures, California will continue down a path of out-of-control spending, with no fiscal restraint. Governor Schwarzenegger is going to have his hands full as he attempts to reach out and work with a legislature that is going to be emboldened, and unlikely to want to forge any kind of bi-partisan cooperation – unless ‘cooperation’ becomes the monikor for giving in to the special interests.
I will add, as an Orange Countian, congraulations are in order to Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriff’s and others who overwhelming trounced Measure D, an ill-conceived attempt to shift sales tax revenues from law enforcement to fire protection. Kudos to former State Senator John Lewis, Matt Holder and Chris Jones, the successful "No on D" consulting team!
Well, I am sure that I will have a lot more to say on all of this.
Enjoy lots of analysis today on the main page and on the FR blog.
Aloha!
Jon
P.S. On a closing note, I will say ‘welcome back to the Governor’s office (from the campaign) to CoS Pat Clarey. Since running my story yesterday about her likely departure from the role, I have had even more very reliable sources assure me that changes are being seriously explored. As to when that occurs, well, it wasn’t yesterday…