This election cycle voters will be treated to a lot of pieces of political mail — but it is safe to assume that the most memorable mailing this cycle will be a piece by Axiom Strategies on behalf of Van Tran for Congress, printed by the Monaco Group.

Entitled "Scent of Washington" the mail piece (see below) actually has a "scratch and sniff" feature that, when scratched, smells like terrible, putrid trash. The substance is so noxious that Vince Monaco (yes, the guy who gave me the nickname "Flash") said some of his employees got physically ill applying it to the mailer. No doubt it took some convincing to get the post office to even deliver it. "If you look at Sanchez’s record of greed, corruption and failure there is no doubt she stinks as a politican," said FR friend Ryan Clumpner of Axiom. "This mail piece will help emphasize to voters exactly how bad the stinks…".

It must’ve been the music.

Conservatives from across California crowded into a ballroom in Anaheim Saturday afternoon, entertained by a rousing rock band, a stirring patriotic anthem in the middle of the program, and even an original song from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, but the sweetest sound for the gathered faithful was hearing Sarah Palin predict “soon, we’ll all be dancing.”

The former vice presidential candidate was greeted with a cheer that was heard as far away as Nancy Pelosi’s house and she responded with another stemwinder of a speech in front of more than 2,000 supporters at a Republican National Committee rally at the Anaheim Marriott, one of two “Sprint to the Finish” events scheduled with Ms. Palin in the final weeks of the 2010 midterm campaign.

As if she weren’t already beloved by the thousands present, Ms. Palin opened her speech by referring to a familiar image on California’s state flag. “There’s no way… Read More

UPDATE: The 2nd of these pieceshitour rural Nor-Cal mailbox this morning. Still has same positions that the Republican Party opposes, including multiple Prop 20 and 27 placements again. see below… Oct. 13. CA Voter Guide in today’s mailbox, has a "Voting Guide For Republicans" that lists several NON-Republican recommendations to watch out for. Top of the list is State Treasurer which lists BILL LOCKYER for treasurer over our own Senator Mimi Walters…how is this a guide for Republicans?

On the Propositions, it recommends the Democrat backed gerrymandering return that Prop 27 advocates, [basically repealing Prop 11], and seeks a NO on 20 which adds the Congressional seats to Prop 11’s redistricting responsibities. [The panel to do the work of Prop 11 is in the process of being seated right now. Prop 27 seeks to toss out the voters will before it’s even tried once]

CA Voter Guide asks Republicans to vote for a park tax on DMV fees via Prop 21, which is also against the state CA Republican Party… Read More

Yesterday and today is the annual Western Conservative Political Action Conference in Newport Beach, California. Hundreds of people have gathered from the western states to hear from panelists on a myriad of great topics. Last night the main speakers were Congressman Tom McClintock and reknown pollster Scott Rasmussen. As I write this blog post, Bruce Herschensohn is addressing the Western CPAC luncheon. Since I want to get back to hearing his remarks, I’ll end this short blog post with some video — a short interview I conducted with McClintock last evening…

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From today’s Wall Street Journal Political Diary E-mail… … Read More

So I flicked the tv on to CNN today (doubling their market share in the Sacramento market). Boy, can you imagine the outcry if a Fox personality literally spoke in ethnic or regional accents to imply idiocy? Both Parker and Spitzer did it, more than once, and thought it was a real gas.… Read More

So I’ve been catching up on my e-mails — and had a chance to watch the creative "Bobblehead Meg" video from the Calfiornia Correctional Peace Officers Association. The state prison guard union is supporting Jerry Brown for Governor (shocking!). That said, they did up a very entertaining web video that is actually worth sharing — we love creative stuff, even if we don’t always agree with the message…

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In the midst of a re-election challenge, Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) President Arlie Ricasa is receiving significant positive name recognition from a taxpayer-funded public relations effort, paid by Sweetwater schools.

Ironically, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) confirmed yesterday it would investigate a complaint filed on September 20, 2010, against Ricasa for alleged improprieties associated with using funds raised for her current campaign to retire debt from a prior election. Ricasa was a candidate for the 78th State Assembly District two years ago, losing to eventual general election winner Marty Block in the 2008 Democratic primary contest.

The Union-Tribune ran a story about the FPPC complaint today. Attached is the full complaint.

Yet, what the FPPC complaint and UT story do not address may be even more significant, while equal cause… Read More