The 2010 San Diego County Sheriff’s race was just beginning to heat up. Or, not really.

The best thing to get a race going even more quickly and earlier than anticipated? How about amid-term retirement by the incumbent, and the hopefuls all facing an appointment process, with the winner being handed the title of “Appointed Incumbent.”

Or, perhaps, the best thing to put a damper on a potential donnybrook.

If you thought last year’s San Diego City Attorney contest was a watcher, 2010 was going to be the big boy’s version, but with guns. Metaphorically, of course.

Yet, only the most naïve of political hacks in town – or the most idealistically hopeful for a major countywide contest of this caliber (there’s that metaphor again)– didn’t see this one coming a few years ago. Sheriff Bill Kolender would cakewalk to election in 2006, then announce his retirement about half-way through his four-year-term, and faced with no provision in the County Charter for aspecial election to fill the vacancy, the County Board of Supervisors would have no choice but to appoint the position.

That “was” the scenario,… Read More

Quote of the Day: "The reality is, this budget resolution – and the Republican Party’s policies – have instigated a dangerous spiral of deficits and debt that constitute nothing less than fiscal child abuse, because they will immorally force our children and grandchildren to pay our bills.” – May 19, 2006 House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

Value for Money: Back when I was in the private sector and had an honest & productive job, we were always trying to offer the customer more value for their money. If we could keep the same product and lower the price, that provided more value to the customer. Or, if we could include more product or service for the same price, that also provided more value to the customer. People like getting value for their money.

I have noticed lately that politicians try to do the same thing. They (I know I should say we, but I really hate to call myself that) want to act like they are giving you all kinds of government services and benefits for a low price…..which means taxes.… Read More

The venerable Chris Cillizza over at the Washington Post has called a recent press release by Poizner for Governor Communications Director Kevin Spillane congratulating Jerry Brown on the 40th anniversary of his election to office the best release of the week and maybe the year. After reading it left us rolling with laughter, we had to agree. Cillizza’s item and Spillane’s full release are below. You can read it and decide for yourself.

**There is more – click the link**

View Full Commentary… Read More

The venerable Chris Cillizza over at the Washington Post has called a recent press release by Poizner for Governor Communications Director Kevin Spillane congratulating Jerry Brown on the 40th anniversary of his election to office the best release of the week and maybe the year. After reading it left us rolling with laughter, we had to agree. Cillizza’s item and Spillane’s full release are below. You can read it and decide for yourself. FROM THE WASHINGTON POST

Today at 3pm, the District Office of Republican Congressman George Radanovich (R-Miraposa) was closed when an envelope was opened with a white powdered substance was found loose inside.

Turns out it was the contents of a tea bag, which had been mailed into the Congressman's office as part of a national protest of the high level of taxation and spending by our federal government.

Of course the police and fire departments responded promptly and made sure all was okay in Radanovich's office. I wish someone could respond as quickly to DC and make everything okay for taxpayers!

I should close this post by commending Radanovich who by and large has been a leader against higher taxes and big spending. Perhaps his office can forward the depleted tea bag on to Speaker Pelosi's office…… Read More

Americans for Tax Reform just posted an interesting article about the enormous salaries for CA judges. According to Tim Andrews, “more than 400 judges in Los Angeles County alone earn more than the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.” The judges get $46,000 in perks on top of their salaries.

Remember how just a few weeks ago the Democrats where complaining that they can’t cut government spending because it will "hurt Californians"? Apparently they didn’t want to cut the perks for judges who so often implement their liberal policies through judicial activism (see Prop 22). Explained Andrews, “While there were some moves to reduce these [perks], the Legislature reinstated the perks just before the budget was passed in February.” So next time you look at a receipt and see the new sales tax increase, think of the 400+ judges in LA and their $46,000 in perks.… Read More

I am pleased to offer this original commentary from longtime FR friend Ed Laning, a leader of conservatives in San Bernardino County…

A History Of Conservatives in San Bernardino County Ed Laning

I have known Anthony since 1996.Anthony and I were putting up campaign signs for Jim Lindley when he ran for Hesperia City Council at that time. We were all very idealistic.We were all CRA members and hardcore conservatives. It wasn’t just Anthony Adams but there were Bill Postmus andBrad Mitzelfelt and many others. We all worked hard to move the conservative Republican agenda forward. We began by helping elect Postmus to county supervisor in 2000. He ran against a fellow Republican who had rolled over on us and teamed upwith the… Read More

I am pleased to offer this original commentary from longtime FR friend Ed Laning, a leader of conservatives in San Bernardino County…

A History Of Conservatives in San Bernardino County Ed Laning

I have known Anthony since 1996.Anthony and I were putting up campaign signs for Jim Lindley when he ran for Hesperia City Council at that time. We were all very idealistic.We were all CRA members and hardcore conservatives. It wasn’t just Anthony Adams but there were Bill Postmus andBrad Mitzelfelt and many others. We all worked hard to move the conservative Republican agenda forward. We began by helping elect Postmus to county supervisor in 2000. He ran against a fellow Republican who had rolled over on us and teamed upwith the… Read More