I had an interesting interview today. After the reporter and I covered my views on the current budget standoff we started talking about the impact the internet is having on campaigns and public policy making.

YouTube, blogs, insta-web sites, email campaigns – –– it’s a whole new day.

I, for one, am all for it. The internet brings instant communication. Instant impact. And – apparently – it can instantly set some off. Case in point is today’s interview KCRA-TV had with Senate Pro Tem Don Perata. Watch it and you’ll find Senator Perata is rather put out by the Senate Republican Caucus. He calls our unwillingness to vote for an unbalanced budget "guerrilla tactics" and seems to especially be annoyed that we "blog each other and other right wing whackos" (ouch). He says we are "terrorizing" California by standing firm (it’s interesting to note the word "terrorize" was first used in a left wing whacko blog the other day – maybe Don’s been reading them – hmmm…..something to… Read More

It’s 9:14am and the Senate Chambers are a ghost town. The much awaited introduction of the Senate Republican budget reforms were not brought up this morning. Senate President Perata made some announcement about the State Department of Finance needing to review this or that (blah, blah), and "presto!" — the Senate is rececessed for 24 hours.

How many times have the Democrats brought up items and the Republicans have no time to respond? Well, I guess with the majority comes the ability to do this — get the info from your political opponents and then delay so you can have time to prepare your response.

I guess I don’t blame Perata, but it is a bit anti-climactic.… Read More

Did you know that the budget being pushed by the Democrats (the one approved in the Assembly) includes SIX MILLION DOLLARDS TO TRAIN UNION ACTIVISTS AND CREATE PRO-UNION PROPAGANDA? It’s true. Fortunately, among other items being slated for jettison from this proposed budget by Senate Republicans is particularly noxious item.

Read more about it here.… Read More

The LA Chapter of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse is launching a new radio show on Saturday, August 4 at 7pm on KRLA 870 AM.

"The Broken Gavel" will feature co-hosts Peter Blysma, executive director of the LA CALA and local radio host Lores Rizkalla.

Likely the only radio program of its kind, the show will focus on Americans With Disabilities Act abuse, lawsuit abuse, lawsuit impacts on our medical system, employment lawsuits and harassment, lawsuit impacts on our schools, jury service reform, lawsuit impacts on the building industry.

Sounds like loads of fun. I will be sure to listen, at least to the first show.… Read More

Matt Drudge has penned a short, funnyblurb (sorry, he doesn’t provide individual urls for these) currently featured on his site exposing Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, for nitpickingCalifornia Republican Congressman Gary Miller about his wardrobe of a Hawaiian shirt, linens, and slippers:

SUMMER FASHION: Republican Lawmaker Rebuked For Striding Onto House Floor In Hawaiian Shirt, Slippers Wed Jul 25 2007 10:35:30 ET

Granted, it is summer, when dress codes tend to get a little looser in the face of Washington’s starched-shirt- wilting heat. But a slipper-clad Rep. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) apparently took the summer casual look a little too far and he got a dressing down for, well, dressing down!

ROLL CALL reports: During a House vote at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Miller strode onto the floor wearing a look better suited to a backyard cookout than the House chamber: a loose-fitting Hawaiian shirt, linen pants and slippers.

The sartorial faux pas even prompted Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), who was presiding over the… Read More

Just in from State Senator Dave Cox… It is well written, and speaks for itself.

Some things should not be tolerated! Referring to California State Senate Republicans as "terrorists" is absurd and it must stop right now.

In an effort to help get the State Budget passed, I thought that I could assist the leadership in the Democratic Caucuses by showing them a photo of Osama Bin Laden. I did this during a Senate Republican Caucus press availability to outline our modest budget corrections that will help to get the State of… Read More

For all of you FR readers who want to be able to personally review the proposals by Senate Republicans, we are pleased, in working with Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman’s office, to provide links directly to some very helpful documents (all will download in .pdf format).

You can join the FlashReport in a fun game — what does the media do with these? They have the same source documentation that you have available to you. Let’s see if they manage to write any kind of balanced stories about the important fiscal reforms being championed by Senate Republicans…

Republican Budget: Specific Reductions This spreadsheet enumerates specific State Budget reductions proposed by the Senate Republicans that will ensure a balanced spending plan for California.

Republican Budget: Trailer Bill Information This document briefly describes the problems with two Budget Trailer Bills and the solutions proposed by the Senate Republicans.… Read More

Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian has received the unanimous endorsement of the Senate Republican Caucus in his race to succeed term-limited democrat Senator Mike Machado.

Aghazarian continues to build momentum in what promises to be the hottest Senate race of the cycle. With a history of running in targeted seats and a strong record of accomplishment, Aghazarian decided to run in the open 5th district and give the GOP it’s best shot at claiming this seat. Aghazarian also brings a battle hardened political team to the table in a race without a strong Democrat candidate.

"Greg is positioned very well for this target seat," said Aghazarian Spokesman Tim Clark. "He has shown a strong ability to win votes from independents and swing Central Valley Democrats. And, he also has the advantage of not having an incumbent to run against."… Read More