Tomorrow, the Assembly Republican class of ’07-’08 will be gathering for what I understand is a traditional post-election lunch. Some years, this meal ends up being a ‘last supper’ for an Assembly Leader who loses seats — other years it is has been a triumphant feast. There has been some ‘chatter’ and ‘behind the scenes’ swirling about whether or not the current Assembly Republican Leader, George Plescia, is going to be dealing with a potential challenge to his post tomorrow. Maybe he will or maybe he will not. But I am firing this post onto the FR Blog because I have gotten so many e-mails from people asking me about it, and also because of the taunting, baiting posts over at the CMR (Democrat) website, where they have a vested interest in throwing stink-bombs into the GOP tent. I made a specific decision of my own NOT to blog about any of these goings-on before the election, and have decided that I really have no desire to talk about it now. I have spoken with over a dozen Assemblymembers or Assemblymembers-elect over the past few days on a myriad of issues, including those pertaining to caucus… Read More

For too long we have held our Members in Congress in too high of esteem. And for what? Their collective lack of leadership, self governance and accomplishments are the core reason for GOP losses yesterday. Well funded primary challengers are welcome for 2008. Richard Pombo, a fine man, fine leader, and ethically straight member went up in flames for a number of reasons, but let’s not ignore this – his strong suits of ag, water, natural resources and endangered species reform are a great fit for a Central Valley District, but they are Tier 2 issues that don’t motivateconservative turnout. Federal deficits, lack of immigration reform, new entitlement spending are all issues that must be worked on concurrently with District specific issues in order for a member in a marginal District to survive.Let’s put our pedestals away and rightfully ask – what are you doing about the big issues in our country?, before we re-elect anyone to Congress.… Read More

How does one expain the loss of McClintock And McPherson? It can’t be ideology as these two thoughtful law makers have differing views on many issues. Both have run statewide and McPherson was an appointed respected incumbent.

One thought. In blue state California you need at least two things. A lousyDemocratic opponent (Angelides or Bustamante) and lots of cash (Arnold and Poizner). That is one threshold that for this cycle at least was very clear.… Read More

As quick as he declared his candidacy for re-election to the House Leadership as Conference Secretary, today Congressman John Doolittle (CA-04) pulled the plug.

House Republicans definately need to change out their top leadership who sailed them into stormy seas — as to whether ‘top leadership’ extends down to the minor leadership post held by Doolittle… I couldn’t say. But apparently the Congressman has made the decision about whether he deserves re-election to the spot moot.

His release:

Congressman John T. Doolittle (R-CA) made the following statement this afternoon:

"I’m very thankful for the opportunity to return to Congress and represent the fourth district of California. I’m grateful to the voters for sending me back to Washington, and I… Read More

Proposition 83 has already been blocked by a federal judge who said that thelaw was" punitive by design and effect." Wasn’t that the point? See update here.… Read More

The Riverside County Registrar website has turnout at 35.35%. It will probably be revised upwards when all the counting is done,but it certainly wasn’t good overall. It showed in the depressed win percentages of the "safe" seats. They usually garner in the low 60 percentile, most came in just below 60%.

Bonnie Garcia pulled it out 51% to 49%. Steve Clute’s handlers are challenging it. Stay tuned. Myprediction is Bonnie stays as winner. Steve Clute was an Assemblyman and since leaving office has run against Sonny Bono for Congress, Jim Battin for Assembly, and now Bonnie. He lost them all.Give it up, Steve.

All Republican Congressional and State Assembly Republicans won handily. Mary Bono’s race was proven to never have been close, despite the Coachella Valley press trying to sell papers by hyping it.

Lyn Daucher clings to a narrow margin over Lou Correa in the 34 SD, and Danny Gilmore lost a close one by 4 points to Nicole Parra in the 30th AD. That was significant ,since former Highway Patrol Commander Danny was recruited and mentored throughout the race by our Assemblyman John J. Benoit, himself a… Read More

It is going to take some time to properly digest all of the results from yesterday’s elections and figure out what it all means. That having been said, I will share some general thoughts about the evening. Let’s see – on the the "good news" side of the ledger for the GOP: The healthy re-election of Governor Schwarzenegger, the election of Steve Poizner as Insurance Commissioner, and over on the State Legislative side of things, the fact GOP didn’t lose any seats, and looks poized to actually pick-up the 34th State Senate seat in Central Orange County with the election of Lynn Daucher. I suppose Republicans can take some satisfaction out of the defeat of the tax measure (86, 87, 88, 89) on the ballot, too. On the "bad news" side of things: the loss of Congress and the probable loss of the U.S. Senate, with the exception of Poizner the defeat of all down-ticket GOP candidates, the passage of 40 billion plus plus in ill-advised bond measures, and the defeat of Propositions 85 and 90. You’ll have to wait a day to get a more comprehensive analysis from me on what I think this all… Read More

As I wrote about earlier, the City of Diamond Bar yesterday faced a decision on a new tax for a second library in their town.

In their earnest to get the measure passed, the City even forked over more than $20,000 on a survey that showed 75% initial support for Measure L.

However, as it required 2/3 support for passage, opponents decided to at least put up token opposition. Carefully written ballot statement… a few slates… token campaign gestures.

But towards the 11th hour, Assemblyman Huff – a strong opponent of the Library Tax – decided he wanted to go for broke and see if he couldn’t get a majority voting against the feel-good idea, despite the fact that it enjoyed well-funded support.

He was successful. Measure L failed.

Doing some of the mail and slate buys for the Assemblyman, I can tell you that we need more guys like him, who take ownership of what happens on their turf. Too… Read More