Free Republic

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Like the song goes, "something going on over there". What's happening in the New York 23rd Congressional District may have national significance. It's looking like a political earthquake in progress, and it has a San Francisco flavor to it....In San Francisco style, a Republican abandoned her own party's candidate and chose a liberal Democrat, saying it was the best choice for her district. (Recall the hundreds of San Francisco republicans who were strong early financial supporters of Democrat Mayor Gavin Newsom and his defunct run for California governor over the Republican candidate.) Didn't make much difference....

John McCain won the Republican primaries by running as a pro-life Reagan Republican, committed to low taxes and a strong defense. We assume that he will therefore pick a running mate who shares his positions on fundamental issues whom conservatives can support with enthusiasm. We assume, as well, that he is more interested in winning the White House than in redefining the Republican party, and will not try to make the party platform reflect each of his views. Win or lose, in picking a running mate Senator McCain will also be conferring front-runner status on a candidate for his party’s...

RICHMOND, Aug. 14 -- Anti-tax conservatives launched a revolt against the Republican leaders of the General Assembly on Tuesday, calling for GOP legislators to replace House Speaker William J. Howell and warning that the party risks steep losses in the November election unless the "abusive driver" fees are repealed. At a news conference to discuss a lawsuit aimed at abolishing the transportation bill approved in April, several anti-tax activists said they and other conservatives might sit out the Nov. 6 election because Howell (R-Stafford) and other GOP leaders are defending the fees and other aspects of the legislation. "This bill...

Members of the California Republican Assembly began arriving in Bakersfield Friday to compare notes on their unhappiness with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and endorse candidates in the June 6 GOP primary election. The CRA is the largest and most active organization of conservative Republicans in the state. "This is the destination convention for grass-roots Republicans," said Karen Norton, president of the group's Bakersfield chapter and the chief convention organizer. The group will also bash Bakersfield's moderate Republican congressman, Bill Thomas. One of the resolutions to be debated and voted on demands that Thomas retire. "We're hopeful that Bill Thomas is soon...