UPDATE: 845am – Associated Press is also now carrying this story. Congressman John Doolittle is holding a press conference at 10:30 a.m. this morning, and it has been widely speculated that he will be announcing his retirement from Congress at the end of the year.

That said, David Drucker over at Roll Call has decided to "call this one early" through sources, with the story that Doolittle, is in fact, hanging up his political shoes.

Here is the story: California Source: Doolittle to Announce Retirement Today Thursday, Jan. 10,… Read More

Later today, the Governor is going to unveil is proposed 2007-2008 budget. Based on the portions of his State of the State Address from earlier in the week, it sounds like a budget proposal that our readers will like.

Although the State of the State left us in a doubt as to the Governor’s reasons for proposing pretty heavy cuts in state government (we here at the FR feel that significant cuts in state government levels would be a good thing whether the state had enough tax income or not — because we also think that taxes are too high in the Golden State), we are pleased that for very pragmatic reasons, the Governor has pulled out his red pen.

In order to spend more time heaping anticipated praise on the Governor’s proposed budget, I thought I would take a little bit of time to focus some sharp criticism on one small part of the Governor’s plan — a proposal to tax property insurance premiums for every policy, residential and commerical in the state. This proposal would increase the size of state government by over a hundred million bucks a year, said moneys to go towards helping the state’s efforts to fight… Read More

Later today, the Governor is going to unveil is proposed 2007-2008 budget. Based on the portions of his State of the State Address from earlier in the week, it sounds like a budget proposal that our readers will like.

Although the State of the State left us in a doubt as to the Governor’s reasons for proposing pretty heavy cuts in state government (we here at the FR feel that significant cuts in state government levels would be a good thing whether the state had enough tax income or not — because we also think that taxes are too high in the Golden State), we are pleased that for very pragmatic reasons, the Governor has pulled out his red pen.

In order to spend more time heaping anticipated praise on the Governor’s proposed budget, I thought I would take a little bit of time to focus some sharp criticism on one small part of the Governor’s plan — a proposal to tax property insurance premiums for every policy, residential and commerical in the state. This proposal would increase the size of state government by over a hundred million bucks a year, said moneys to go towards helping the state’s efforts to fight… Read More

The California State Budget — some thoughts…..

In general, I think the Governor has made a respectable effort to implement a 10% cut to state agencies – a level of cut that should have been taken years ago to eliminate the structural deficit.

There are fewer gimmicks than previous budgets – which is good,but because he has included$430 million in revenues from the2007 Tribal compacts, it is critical that these compacts go into effect this year and that the voters approve Props 94 – 97. And speaking of Indian gaming, I am flat stunned that the Governor would fail to include any funding for local gaming mitigation grants from the Special Distribution Fund. This is a… Read More

To add to Doug’s brief comment’s below, I would add a few thoughts. First and foremost, we will have more comprehensive coverage of the Governor’s Budget Proposal tomorrow, including an exclusive column from the Governor’s DIrector of Finance, Mike Genest (who has penned several columns for the FR). If you are overanxious, and want more detail on the budget proposal right now, the Governor’s office has set up a website on his budget proposal, which you can go to here.

The very briefing 30,000 foot summary — in order to bring down state spending, the Governor is proposing an across-the-board cut of 10% from every state agency, department and program that is financed via the state’s general fund (some large areas such as transportation, get their funds from other sources). The Governor’s idea is that it is better to "spread the pain" than it is to cut too much from any one area.

While this strategy makes sense from a marketing point of view, since it is rather easy to explain (I just did it in one paragraph), it is a controversial approach because it… Read More

California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring commented, after the results of the New Hampshire primary tonight that, “It’s clear following tonight’s results that Californians will vote before it’s clear who will carry each party’s banner into November. As a result, Californians have more influence over the ultimate result of this primary contest than at any time in recent memory.”

This is very true. As we get closer to the February 5 Super Duper Tuesday voting where California along with 23 other states will be holding their primaries, it becomes more and more likely that no candidates will have a real lock on their respective party’s nomination.

Before I pen some thoughts about the GOP Presidential primary, I want readers to know that as an elected officer of the California Republican Party, I have neither endorsed nor do I support any individual candidates in the race for the nomination…

As I reflect on the GOP results in the Granite State with John McCain coming in first place, nearly six points ahead of… Read More

It’s interesting to read around the internet the various responses, especially from legislators, to the Governor’s speech. For the most part, you have Republicans applauding the Governor’s commitment to spending reform, and to tackling our state government’s deficit through cuts in spending – and most notably not through increasing taxes (see below for a reminder that the Governor does want to raise taxes, just not for the budget shortfall).

In the meantime, Democrats are thrashing the Governor, throwing in their class-warfare rhetoric (as pointed out by Assemblyman Anthony Adams a few blog posts down).

For a little bit, I wondered if perhaps I was being a bit off-message as my early critique of the speech was that I found it to be, from a conservative perspective, a mixed bag. So I re-read the speech.

Given the four-alarm fire that is the condition of our state finances, it is clear that the portion of his speech that dealt with this issue was the central part, and the area that (rightfully) has garnered the most comment, and media attention. I am really looking forward to the Governor introducing his first budget draft on Thursday. Based… Read More

California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring commented, after the results of the New Hampshire primary tonight that, “It’s clear following tonight’s results that Californians will vote before it’s clear who will carry each party’s banner into November. As a result, Californians have more influence over the ultimate result of this primary contest than at any time in recent memory.”

This is very true. As we get closer to the February 5 Super Duper Tuesday voting where California along with 23 other states will be holding their primaries, it becomes more and more likely that no candidates will have a real lock on their respective party’s nomination.

Before I pen some thoughts about the GOP Presidential primary, I want readers to know that as an elected officer of the California Republican Party, I have neither endorsed nor do I support any individual candidates in the race for the nomination…

**There is more – click the link**… Read More