I think that everyone acknowledges that there is a division of opinion in America (and in California) on what the long-term strategy for the United States should be relative to our military engagement in Iraq. As one who subscribes to the Governor Schwarzenegger’s press releases, a pained look comes to my face every time he laments the passing of another American soldier for whom California their home. One candidate for the Presidency feels that our presence in Iraq is a vital component to an overall War on Terror that America must fight, or else be subjected to more attacks like we had in New York City, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. John McCain believes strongly that anyone who would commit acts of terror against American or its people should live in fear that if they ever tried to do so, the consequences would be unfathomable.

The other candidate for the Presidency is part of the “U.S. Out Of Iraq Now” crowd – who sees little benefit to the United States in having troops on the ground in Iraq.… Read More

AB 2716, a bill requiring paid sick leave for employees, which would accrue at 1 hour per 30 hours worked, passed off of our floor by a 43-25 vote with only Dems voting Aye, and 24 Reps and 1 Dem voting No.

This bill clearly will add a new burden, especially to small businesses. In this economy it shows how tone deaf to the business atmosphere this body can be. As predicted, when mandatory unpaid leave first was proposed and then required, we now have the paid mandate.

Asm. A. Adams said it best in his floor speech, when he mentioned that across the street at lunch ceremoniestoday, when legislators of both parties celebratetheir designated small business [victim?] of the year from their district, we can let them knowof the good news of this bill passing!… Read More

Middle-aged and older FR readers will remember when Fonzie of Happy Days fame "jumped the shark" — we’ve included that video below for the uninitiated. Actually, that plot line was so bad that the phrase "jumped the shark" is now used to describe when a story’s plot-line has crossed over into the ludicrous and lame.

That said, Fonzie has nothing former FlashReport Beltway Correspondent Jason Roe. Instead of "jumping the shark" Roe actually jumped ON a shark – a real shark – or at least he tried. The Hill newspaper is reporting that Roe, while out on a fishing trip, was reeling in a large shark when his pole broke. Roe’s reaction? He grabbed a knife and dove in after the shark. Fortunately the shark swam away, and didn’t eat Jason.

According to the article, Jason’s wife was… Read More

Last Sunday I got to be one of those ‘talking heads’ on Sunday morning news television. I had the opportunity to appear on NBC’s political interview program, News Conference, which comes on right after the Chris Matthews show.

I appeared opposite two lefties — State Democrat Party Chairman Art Torres, and John Emerson of the Hillary Clinton campaign (who says the media isn’t fair and balanced?).

Anchor Laurel Erickson had the two Democrats doing most of the talking, but I got to make some salient points.

If you have a few minutes, and want to check it out, the links are below to the video from the KNBC website:

Segment One (approx 7 min.) Segment Two (approx 9 min.) Feedback is welcome (private feedback can be sent … Read More

An exclusive commentary from State Senate Republican Caucus Chairman George Runner:

As I have stated in the past, I am not a fan of the California State Lottery. Quite simply, I don’t believe California government should be in the business of gambling and state employees should not earn a living off the backs of the poor, who tend to be the majority of Lottery players.

However, the voters spoke loud and clear in 1984 when they passed Proposition 37, which created our current state-operated Lottery… Read More

As a Regional Vice Chairman of the California Republican Party, I take seriously my commitment to stay out of contested Republican primaries for partisan office. As such, it has been difficult for me to sit on the sidelines during the epic battle in the 4th Congressional District, because that primary is really all about defining the heart and soul of the GOP. I will leave it to the Republican voters in this large Congressional District in North Eastern California to decide for themselves whether they want to elect former Congressman Doug Ose or State Senator Tom McClintock.

All that said, I feel that I do need to weigh in a bit in response to former Governor Pete Wilson’s spurious attack on conservative Tom McClintock. Wilson and McClintock did not get along. Why? Because, like today, Tom consistently stands up against increasing the size and scope of state government.

Wilson was furious with McClintock and other… Read More

As a Regional Vice Chairman of the California Republican Party, I take seriously my commitment to stay out of contested Republican primaries for partisan office. As such, it has been difficult for me to sit on the sidelines during the epic battle in the 4th Congressional District, because that primary is really all about defining the heart and soul of the GOP. I will leave it to the Republican voters in this large Congressional District in North Eastern California to decide for themselves whether they want to elect former Congressman Doug Ose or State Senator Tom McClintock.

All that said, I feel that I do need to weigh in a bit in response to former Governor Pete Wilson’s spurious attack on conservative Tom McClintock. Wilson and McClintock did not get along. Why? Because, like today, Tom consistently stands up against increasing the size and scope of state government.

Wilson was furious with McClintock and other conservative legislators… Read More

2nd UPDATE: After the first vote was expunged days ago, this bill came up again today and got out with41 Aye Votes and 33 No

UPDATE: The call was lifted and the vote count actually went down to 38-34 before the record was then EXPUNGED of the vote…never happened.

Marijuana in the bloodstream would no longer be cause for an employer to terminate or not hire, a person that claims use for medicinal purposes. This would occur under AB 2279 that was up today on our floor. As I write, the bill is "on call" without enough votes, 39-33, to get it out. The bill has vague exceptions for what jobs may be seen as "safety-sensitive" but that I’m sure would require the joy ofmuch litigating to iron out.Industries, like trucking, that have required drug testing, will they be exempt or not?In all or just certain related jobs?

Stats show among users that there are 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, and a 75% increase in absenteeism.

I had something else I was going to write aboutthis but I forgot…but I do… Read More