Author Archive
Assemblyman Nestande to Host Education Roundtables with California Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell
RIVERSIDE- Assemblyman Brian Nestande (R-Palm Desert) will host Education Roundtables with California Superintendent of Schools, Jack O’Connell in Riverside and Palm Desert on Friday, January 8, 2010. The event will host the Superintendents, Board of Education members, Principals, and PTO Presidents of school districts in the 64th District.
“I am pleased to have Superintendent Jack O’Connell come visit with educational leaders in my district,” Nestande said. “It is important to have dialogue between Sacramento and our community.”
The first roundtable will begin in Riverside at 10:00am at the Riverside Adult School, 6735 Magnolia Avenue. The second roundtable will begin at 3:30pm at Palm Desert High School, 43-570 Phyllis Jackson Road.
Nestande is the Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, which focuses on K-12 education, certificated employees of schools, school finance, and school facilities. Superintendent Jack O’Connell’s role is to lead the California Department of Education, which oversees the state’s diverse and dynamic public school system that is responsible for the education of more than seven million children and young adults in more than 9,000 schools.
What: Education Roundtables with Assemblyman Brian Nestande and Superintendent Jack O’Connell
When: Friday, January 8, 2010
10:00am-11:30am 3:30pm-5:00pm
Where: Riverside Adult School Palm Desert High School
6735 Magnolia Avenue 43-570 Phyllis Jackson Road
Riverside, CA Palm Desert, CA
Interviews, Handouts, Visuals will be available upon request.
Assemblyman Nestande proudly serves the communities of Canyon Lake, Indian Wells, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, Temecula, Perris, Wildomar, Winchester, Menifee, Hemet, Aguanga, Anza, Idyllwild, Bermuda Dunes, Mountain Center, and Woodcrest.
Citizen Power
John Stossel / Fox Business Channel
Except it doesn’t work out that way. Union bosses are eager to make decisions — and spend members’ dues — in ways many of their members never would. Union dues are routinely used to build cozy relationships with certain favored politicians. If you disagree with the union bosses’ choice, tough.
Ron Nehring writes that unions funneling money to their cronies in government took a toll on California.
Normally only a tiny fraction of Americans choose to donate to candidates or political causes. Yet many government employee unions enjoy the power to compel virtually all of their members into supporting the unions’ advocacy, regardless of how the individual worker feels about that agenda.
Some members are fighting back. They propose a state-wide vote on what they call “paycheck protection.”
The initiative is being called the “Citizen Power Initiative.” More information and petitions are available here.
I hope it passes. Whether you want to support a candidate or a political party should be your decision. Union bosses shouldn’t get to force you to give money to causes you may hate.
Mike Reynolds and 3 Strikes Coalition Endorse Harman for Attorney General
“Three Strikes” Co-author says “Tom Harman is the only candidate for Attorney General we can count on to protect Three Strikes”
Fresno, CA – Three Strikes and You’re Out coauthor and crime victim’s advocate Mike Reynolds and his Three Strikes coalition endorsed Tom Harman for California’s next Attorney General. Reynold’s daughter Kimber was tragically murdered in 1992 and when one of the two men responsible for her murder was killed during his arrest, Mr. Reynolds looked toward just punishment for the other. When that second man was sentenced to only nine years in prison (and ultimately paroled in half that time), he took action. This became the catalyst California’s “three-strikes-and-you’re-out” law passed by voters in 1994.
“The Three Strikes law is one of the most important and effective protections law-abiding citizens have,” said Reynolds. “Tom Harman is the only candidate for Attorney General we can count on to protect Three Strikes.”
“In the past few years, we have had to fight against critics on the left that have sought to weaken the Three Strikes law. Electing Tom Harman as Attorney General is the best insurance we have to make sure the extreme criminal rights crowd doesn’t succeed.”
In the State Senate and Assembly, Tom Harman has been an advocate for tough-on-crime measures and legislation. He is a strong proponent of California’s death penalty law and in 2008 introduced SB 315 that if enacted would have sped up the long and tedious process needed to ultimately carry out justice against criminals on death row.
As California’s next Attorney General, Tom will continue to strengthen California’s death penalty law, defend Three Strikes and vigorously prosecute public fraud and corruption.
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GOP Poised for Comeback in Midterm Elections
Republicans begin 2010 with a very different political environment than a year ago. Our team leads in generic ballot tests, more Americans are identifying as Republicans, voters disapprove of Democrat policies, and the Republican base is far more energized than Democrats.
Los Angeles Times
The results could hamper President Obama’s legislative efforts as he prepares to seek reelection and reshape the political landscape for a decade beyond, as lawmakers redraw congressional and state political boundaries to reflect the next census.
All 435 House seats, 36 in the Senate and the governorships of 37 states will be on the ballot in November. Democrats are favored to retain the Massachusetts seat of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy in a special election Jan. 19.
Some of the Democrats’ most prominent figures, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, are in serious danger as they seek reelection. Both would probably lose if elections were held today.
“It all adds up to a pretty bad year for the party in power,” said Jennifer Duffy, an analyst with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. “How bad? I’m not sure we know yet.”
Full story
Dem Recruits Continue to Head for the Exits
The Hill
Democrats have lost yet another touted recruit, this time in Kansas.
State Sen. Laura Kelly (D) just announced her withdrawal from the race to face Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.). She becomes the fifth formidable recruit to bow out in recent weeks.
…
Kelly joins several recent dropouts, including businessman Jack McDonald, a well-funded challenger to Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) who announced last week that he wouldn’t run. The others are Ohio state Rep. Todd Book, who was running against Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio); former Tennessee Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers, who was running for Rep. Zach Wamp’s (R-Tenn.) seat; and Solana Beach City Councilman Dave Roberts, who was running against Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.).
Looking Ahead to the New Year
Happy New Year from everyone at the California Republican Party!
As we begin the new year, we’re presented with an incredible opportunity to set the state, and the country, on the right track as we elect more of our fellow Republicans who will carry the torch for the important issues that have brought us to politics.
Working together this year we made great progress, with the result that our party enters 2010 far stronger than it entered 2009.
More Americans are again identifying with our party, we lead in generic ballot tests, and the public is rejecting the liberal agenda of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi.
Much has been accomplished, and much more needs to be done.
The Republican Party that takes the gavel back from Speaker Pelosi will be a stronger and more disciplined one than the party that gave it to her, and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have become active in politics this year are a big reason why.
We know that Republicans are elected not simply to hold office, but to use the authority of those offices to put ideas into action.
Looking forward to 2010, I’m reminded of what Leadership Institute President Morton Blackwell has long observed: that the winner of a political contest, over time, is ultimately determined by the number and effectiveness of those engaged on each side of the contest.
We already know our ideas are the right ones for California, and America.
To put these ideas into action, we will need your help.
In the months ahead, you’ll be asked to be a key part of the Republican campaign by becoming the Republican Party’s representative in your precinct, to help register new Republican voters in your community, to donate to the campaign, or to help in recruiting new volunteers to this cause that is greater than each of us.
History shows us that the party that does not hold the White House has gained seats in Congress and state legislatures in 10 of the last 12 mid-term elections. Combined with a President and a Congress out of touch with the American people, we have the opportunity to elect an army of Republicans to office to put our solid ideas into action.
Thank you for your leadership in the Republican Party, and for the opportunity to work with you toward victory in 2010.
On behalf of the leadership, elected officials and staff of the California Republican Party, we wish you all the best in this new year,
Ron Nehring
CHAIRMAN, California Republican Party
Score Card 2009: GOP Consolidates Behind Tom Harman for Attorney General
Sacramento, CA- Republican Attorney General candidate Tom Harman ends 2009 with strong GOP support from across California. Tom Harman has earned the support and respect of his fellow Californians due to his tough, “public safety first message,” his commitment to strengthening our Three-Strikes law, his legislative efforts to streamline the death penalty process and his commitment to vigorously defend the will of the voters expressed in their passage of Proposition 8.
Harman’s endorsements include:
Former Governor George Deukmejian
Former Secretary of State and co-author of 3-Strikes Bill Jones
Former Secretary of State Bruce McPherson
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Simon
Congressman Kevin McCarthy
Congressman Buck McKeon
Congressman Ed Royce
District Attorney Tony Rackauckas
District Attorney Gary Woolverton
Sheriff Lee Baca
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens
Sheriff William Lutze
Sheriff Brian Muller
Jane Barnett, Chairwoman – Los Angeles County Republican Central Committee
Former Senate Minority Leader Jim Brulte
Bill Leonard, Member – Board of Equalization
Michelle Steel, Member – Board of Equalization Former California Republican Party Chairman Mike Schroeder
Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe
Orange County Supervisor Patricia Bates
Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen
Michael Antonopoulos, Chairman California College Republicans
Austin Dragon, Chairman Southern California Republican Club
Benjamin Lopez, former Chairman Young Republicans Federation of California
Lauryn Picciano, President Orange County Young Republicans
Andrew Lund, Chairman San Diego Young Republicans
Shawn Fago, Immediate Past President Orange County Young Republicans
Mike Harris, Former Chairman Sonoma County Republican Party
Paul Cummings Jr., Former Chairman Republican Party of Alameda County
Gary Aminoff, President San Fernando Valley Republican Club
California Republican Veterans Association
Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys
Newport Beach Police Officers Association
Collene (Thompson) Campbell – National Crime Victim Advocate
Former Assembly Republican Leader Robert Naylor
Over 38 Republican members of the California Legislature
(partial list)
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Paid for by Friends of Tom Harman for Attorney General 2010
2150 River Plaza Dr., #150 Sacramento, CA 95833
CRP Chairman Ron Nehring Responds to Radanovich Announcement
SACRAMENTO — California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring issued the following statement in response to the announcement by Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) that he will not seek re-election in 2010 in order to tend to pressing family issues:
“Californians have been incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding representative in Congress fighting for them in Rep. George Radanovich. Throughout his 15 years in the House, George has been a thoughtful, passionate, and committed advocate on the issues facing California’s Central Valley including water, agriculture, and jobs.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with George, his wife Ethie and their son.
“While the California Republican Party must remain neutral in Republican primaries, the emergence of State Senator Jeff Denham as a candidate to succeed Congressman Radanovich is important and demonstrates Republican strength in holding this seat. I am confident we will not only send a new Republican representative to the House for the 19th district in 2010, but we will add to California’s Republican delegation as well.
QUICK FACTS ON THE 19th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
2008: McCain 52%, Obama 46%
2004: Bush 61%, Kerry 38%
2000: Bush 57%, Gore: 38%
WALL STREET JOURNAL ON THE GOP HOLDING THIS SEAT
“The eight-term lawmaker’s retirement should not pose a major threat to the GOP’s chances of holding on to his district-Radanovich ran unopposed in 2008 and John McCain bested Barack Obama in his Fresno-based district by six points, 52%-46%.”
California Rep George Radanovich to Retire, WSJ, 12/29/09
Reception and Meeting Featuring Rod Pacheco and Stan Sniff
“DRIVE TO VICTORY 2010”
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Cordially Invites you to a Reception and General Membership Meeting/Presentation Featuring
Rod Pacheco,
Riverside County District Attorney
And
Stanley Sniff
Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner
ON
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Reception: 630pm, Meeting: 7pm
AT
The Historic Mission Inn
3649 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA. 92501
HELP US ATTAIN VICTORY IN 2010!
All Registered Republicans Attend At No Charge
Light Refreshments, No Host Bar
For questions about the event or for information on The Republican Party of Riverside County:
Riversidegop.com
Boehner: Senate Dems Have Put Their Votes ‘On the Auction Block’
By Michael O’Brien – 12/23/09 12:00 PM ET
Senate Democrats have put their healthcare votes “on the auction block,” House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) asserted Wednesday.
As the Senate prepares to move forward with passing its health bill tonight and tomorrow, the top House Republican decried “sweeteners” in the upper chamber’s bill to win votes, and vowed not to give up fighting the Democratic-led reform efforts.
“Senate Democrats have sunk to plenty of new lows to jam through this government-run health monstrosity, but putting their votes on the auction block tops them all,” Boehner said.
His office pointed to a Quinnipiac poll released this week showing a majority of voters in opposition to the Senate health bill. Opposition to the Senate bill has ticked downward slightly in the past two weeks, though Boehner’s office suggested that anger toward the anger toward the bill is growing as people learn more about sweeteners for senators included in the bill.
$1.2 billion was included in the latest iteration of the health bill to restore some Medicaid funding in Massachusetts and Vermont, as well as in Nebraska, where Sen. Ben Nelson (D) secured $100 million for his state’s Medicaid obligations. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) also managed to get $100 million for the University of Connecticut’s hospitals. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) also managed $100 million in disaster relief funds for her state before agreeing to vote with Democrats to begin debate on their health bill.
“Americans want lower health care costs, yet Senator Reid’s payoffs, kickbacks, and sweetheart deals prove once and for all that Democrats cannot be trusted to deliver on their behalf,” Boehner said, joining Senate GOP colleagues who have blasted the Senate’s sweeteners as “sleazy,” among other adjectives.
The House minority leader also vowed to keep fighting the bill, while urging opponents of the bill to do the same.
“My message to the American people is now is not the time to give up,” Boehner said. “Now is the time to speak out, more loudly and clearly than ever, against this government takeover of health care.”
Democratic Representative Griffith to Switch Parties
December 22, 2009
Bloomberg
“I have become increasingly concerned that the bills and policies pushed by the current Democratic leadership are not good for north Alabama or our nation,” Griffith said today at a press conference at his home in Huntsville. “More importantly, they do not represent my values and my convictions.”
Griffith said he would immediately join the House Republican Conference. Even with his switch, the Democrats hold a 257-178 edge in the House. Republicans, who had targeted Griffith for defeat in next year’s election, welcomed their newest member. “Parker Griffith is a dedicated public servant who has consistently put the best interests of his constituents first, and it is in that spirit that Republicans welcome him,” said House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio. House Republican Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia said Griffith’s switch was a rebuke to Democratic policies such as the $787 billion stimulus package and the proposed expansion of health care to cover those without insurance. “When a member of Congress decides to leave a 258-seat majority to join a deep minority, it is a sure sign that the majority party has become completely disconnected from working families in America,” Cantor said. Medical Doctor A medical doctor who won with about 51 percent of the vote in 2008, Griffith kept the northern Alabama district in Democratic hands following the retirement of nine-term Representative Bud Cramer. He was one of seven Democrats to vote against the stimulus and he opposed the party’s health-care overhaul and its legislation to curb global warming. He has been a member of the Blue Dog Coalition of House Democrats who pushed for spending cuts and a smaller federal deficit.
