If you are in politics you need to have a HIGH RESOLUTION digital picture of yourself available on the Internet for easy access.

This is just one of those things I’ve have come to realize after dealing with independant expenditures every election cycle.

EXAMPLE: You are a city council member running for re-election. You are waging a decent campaign but could always use some extra help. Some key business leaders do a poll and find that while you are leading in the polls, you could use some support. Since I did the poll, they ask me to spend $50,000 on your behalf (a few mail pieces, buy some slates, perhaps some paid precinct walkers).

If your photo is not readily available I have a problem.

For that same reason, you should always have a current web page with your most recent CV and even some news clips and quotes on key issues… Read More

I am profoundly disappointed at the announcement made today by Arnold Schwarzenegger that he is opposed to Proposition 90, the Save Our Homes Initiative. All of those I know who have been supporting and working hard on the Governor’s reelection are strongly supporting 90. I’m sure they will all be equally dismayed. Some things just make you go, “Huh?”

That’s all I will say for now… As someone said (my mom?), if you don’t have something nice to say…… Read More

Fox’s Hannity and Colmes featured Prop 90 heroine Mimi Walters on their focus on property rights and victims of private property takings abuse by government the other night. See an excerpt of Prop 90 State Chair, Assemblywoman Mimi Walters at the www.90yes.comhome page.… Read More

I don’t know if there are any more seats available for what will certainly be a ‘must see’ event in Sacramento tomorrow — but FR Publisher Jon Fleischman will be one of three participants on a panel about the Big Bang Bonds package entitled, "California’s Future: What’s At Stake This November" — the other two panelists – Assembly Speak Fabian Nunez and Maria Alegria, the President if the League of California Cities. Nunez, of course, supported all of the bonds and voted for them — Alegria’s League of Cities has endorsed the entire infrastructure package as well. Moderating the ‘discussion’ will be Mark Baldassare of the Public Policy Institute of California, which is co-sponsoring this event along with the New America Foundation (longtime FR friend Dave Lesher is their California guy). The event is at the downtown Sacramento Sheraton from Noon – 1:30pm, and here is a link to the info. MEET THE… Read More

So John Kerry’s defense of his reprehensible comment today is that he was really talking about the President’s education. Riiiiight. Let’s see, the President has a degree from…….oh yeah…..Yale! SoKerry means that a degree from Yale constitutes an inadequate education? Or did he really mean what he said?… Read More

Wow – there’s spinning spinmeisters that shamelessly spin, and then there’s Steve Maviglio. He’s the master of trying to make really bad and embarrassing things that any Democrat does sound benign. He works really hard at it – facts be damned. Look at all he did for Gray Davis…..er, nevermind……the people of California saw through Steve’s hapless spin then and recalled his boss (How embarrassing for a spinner – wonder if that’s on his resume? He is pictured above to the left on the deck of the HMS Titanic.) Well, enough about how over the top Steve is, we all know he doesn’t have a real strong grasp of how things actually are because he’s blinded by partisanship. It’s his charm. It’s why we read his stuff. ‘Cause its funny.

Let’s look at one of his latest attempts at making lemonade out of lemons. Let’s call this the “Walt Ingalls was delightful company” spin.

As has been reported on the FlashReport,… Read More

We’ve been following the donnybrook out in California 80’s Assembly District, where incumbent Republican Bonnie Garcia is battling off a stiff challenge from long-retired Democrat Assemblyman Steve Clute. If case you needed a reason (or a few) to oppose Clute’s candidacy, check out this television spot… … Read More

OK, so as a member of Congress, I don’t often write about local city council races. But, I cannot sit by and watch my city councilwoman Christina Shea (pictured to the right) be so unjustly attacked by the left.

As a resident of Irvine for over 28 years, I can tell you that Christina has represented this city with honesty,integrity and dedication over many years. She has no agenda other than to serve Irvine’s residents ably in the future as she has in the past. She has been too often a lonely but needed voice for integrity and reason in the operation of Irvine’s government. A voice that some powerful interests seem determined to silence.

I’m going to vote for her. If you live in Irvine, I hope you will too.… Read More