Just off the transom from State GOP Communications Director Hector Barajas:

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nùñez continues his disingenuous rhetoric regarding the budget delay, even though a budget deal has been reached. Perhaps the Speaker had a lapse in memory, as he seems to have forgetten that he left California’s needy high and dry while a budget deal was still in the works. For all of his political posturing, Speaker Nùñez has failed to mention that, when he left Sacramento for his European summer vacation, he not only left the wheels of the budget process still in motion, he also consequently left thousands of Californians at risk of losing their Medi-Care coverage and hundreds of summer programs at risk of being reduced or eliminated. Upon returning to California,… Read More

There is a vibrant Republican primary taking place in the Inland Empire’s 64th Assembly District (a "safe" seat for the GOP). This district that spans from Riverside out to the Coachella Valley is currently represented by conservative Assemblyman John Benoit, who is a candidate for the State Senate. One of the front running candidates in that primary was businesswoman Rose Girard. Well, not anymore. We’ve found out that Girard has made a relatively sudden decision to end her candidacy, supposed to focus more on personal business opportunities. I’m sure that we’ll hear more about this. That said, her departure certainly leaves a vacuum in the field. But, she was also not the only candidate running. Others in the race include John Pate (Cons. Tim Clark/JohnsonClark), Kelly McCarty (Cons. Matt Rexroad/Meridian Pacific), and Angel Sanchez (Cons. Joe Giardello). I caught up to the local State Senator (and a FlashReport correspondent) Jim Battin, who told me that he felt that Girard’s departure makes Kelly McCarty the front runner in the race. In doing a little poking around tonight, it… Read More

Test… Read More

Earlier tonight in Sacramento,the Republicans beat the Democrats.

I’m serious.

No, it wasn’t on the budget, oron a floor vote, or on some legislative procedure, or anything that might’ve helped California families, businesses, or taxpayers.

But the Republicans did beat the Democrats at something else. Softball!

Last night was the annual legislative softball game – where the Republicansquad continued their dominance andextended their series lead to 6 – 1.

Orange County Republican Assemblyman Todd Spitzer put the Republicans out to an early lead with a 1st inning home run.

Freshman Assemblyman Cameron Smyth carried much of the of burden for the team through the middle innings – making two catches in center field that according to one in attendence “would’ve made Twins Gold Glove centerfielder Torii Hunter jealous.” And, as if that weren’t enough, Smyth… Read More

Should Californiansvote to withdraw troops from Iraq?

A bill to place an "advisory measure" on the February Term Limit Extension Election ballot [that the presidential primary will share] passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee today, with all of usRepublicans voting no.

The ballot question would ask voters whether the President should end the "occupation" of Iraq, and also whether the President and Congress should provide "necessary diplomatic and non-military assistance to promote peace and stability in Iraq and the Middle East."

This measure, known in bill form as SB 924,will now proceed to the Assembly floor, where it needs only a majority vote [plus a Senate vote concurring on Assembly amendments] to place it on the Governor’s desk.

Even placing this measure on the ballot in front of 37 million Californians would very likely be seen as giving aid to those whom our soldiers are fighting and a very bad signal to the confidence of those forming the fledgling new government of Iraq. Should it pass, the impact to our fighting men and women’s moralecould be even… Read More

For those of you who know John Myers of KQED, if you are happy (liberals) that I have to pospone my state budget wrap up piece until tomorrow, blame John. If you are unhappy to have to wait (normal people), you can also blame John. I had an opportunity to spend an hour on KQED radio this morning along with Myers, Senate President Don Pereta, Senate GOP Leader Dick Ackerman, and Steve Mavigilio, Deputy Chief of Staff to Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.

If you have some time to kill you can listen to the recording of the show here (Myers counsels that the program may not appear until this afternoon).

Look for my budget wrap-up tomorrow morning.… Read More

The annual Reagan Golf Classic and dinner to benefit sailors serving aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, the San Diego Navy League, and the San Diego Armed Services YMCA, will be held September 9 and 10th, The dinner will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds starting a 6:00 pm on Sunday the 9th, and will feature actor Gary Sinise’s band! The Golf Classic will start with lunch at 11:00 am the next day and begin at 12:30 pm at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course. Two winners will receive an all expense paid trip to compete in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz National Championship in Kaanapali, Maui. Hosts are Michael Reagan and Mercedes-Benz of San Diego. Details: 800-659-6145.… Read More

For those of you who know John Myers of KQED, if you are happy (liberals) that I have to pospone my state budget wrap up piece until tomorrow, blame John. If you are unhappy to have to wait (normal people), you can also blame John. I had an opportunity to spend an hour on KQED radio this morning along with Myers, Senate President Don Pereta, Senate GOP Leader Dick Ackerman, and Steve Mavigilio, Deputy Chief of Staff to Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.

If you have some time to kill you can listen to the recording of the show here (Myers counsels that the program may not appear until this afternoon).

Look for my budget wrap-up tomorrow morning.… Read More