California Republicans appear divided over Bush prospects

Bakersfield Californian ^ | 8/7/04 | Jim Wasserman - AP

[snooker]

I think it's more complicated than you describe. I have been involved in doing this successfully before.

Just guessing here ... But what is likely the case is that Auhnold is surrounded by old entrenched lackeys. You need to find a way through the barricades. Most governors have forums and meetings where you can approach the Guv. Some even have e-mail.

It's tough to identify the leaders you need, but stay away from the hard edged conservative ones(that's a trap) and go for the center. If you can, go to some meetings or forums the Guv has. Get involved, bring your friends. Before long maybe you get a seat.

You can always choose some local rep to back. Radio is a good way to run cheap support ads and it's easy to set up your own political group to do that. Get involved. Just remember, driving is much better than just riding.

One step at a time, don't go for the whole loaf at once, not in CA.

[mabelkitty]

Since he wrote it off in 2000, the headline should read, "Republicans optimistic by 50% for Bush's prospects in California"

[Euro-American Scum]

The Republican party has the most registered Republicans in one state in our entire nation, and yet they can't come up with any leaders who people could want to follow.

That's true. But it's a little misleading. We're poorly organized, poorly motivated and poorly led. I thought Arnold would prove to be a galvanizing factor, but I doubt that will pan out.

Bush doesn't stand a chance out here. And he knows it. His entire strategy is predicated on winning without California and New York. That's an awful lot of vigorish to give away right up front, but it worked in 2000, if just barely.

I'll be surprised if Bush shows up here so much as one time before November. He's a great one for not pursuing lost causes.

[A CA Guy]

I'll take the smart ones who use their humor and wit as a weapon every time.
California needs charmers.
Emails of governors are answered and read by interns most often.
It is tough, but thick skulls finally have to get it as they find they never win.

Our state suffers the other party using the treasury to grow their power and people who all vote their wallets to keep Democrats in office.

It's a real tough one.

When you have those who don't want to be replaced guarding the hen house, there needs to be some inventive fumigating.

[A CA Guy]

What I said in another post was we have hacks with little talent who are beyond their ability to go further, but they will NOT make it easy for good people with the stuff to surpass them.

It's a selfish career thing IMO!

[Spook86]

Some 527 group needs to approach Admiral Martin about appearing in a TV ad...his message is just as powerful as the one from Swift Boat Veterans for the Truth. Hearing an ex-POW tell how he was tortured to write letters to John Kerry makes me--and a lot of other veterans--very, very angry. Sadly, most of America will never hear Admiral Martin's story....

[Gunder]

"California and it's 55 electoral votes..."

Can this paper not afford editors??

[goldstategop]

There are more Democrats than Republicans in California's electorate and they won't go for a Texan. That's just a Golden State fact of political life. Kerry will win here in a walk and Californians will re-elect ultra-liberal Democratic U.S Senate Babs Boxer.

[claudiustg]

As long as the people of California think the main question is, how can the government better serve their needs, the problem will not be fixed.

[Amerigomag]

Outside of Arnold, what other great cards have we to play that are popular in your opinion?

If you both are Republicans then you you both need to look inward to address the problems in the California GOP. I agree that leadership is the issue but look at who you both are apparently favoring as a leader. Schwarzenegger. Only a starstruck, desperate, loyalist would not recognize him for what he is. A liberal businessman who has conveniently attached himself to your party.

My God gentlemen, to date he has both outspent and out taxed Davis. He is increasing taxes/fees at a rate much higher than Davis ever did and he has proposed, negotiated and approved the largest spending package in California's history to say nothing about what he's done to California's indebtedness. And all he had to do on November 17, 2003 was freeze spending and then reduce it across the board by 9%. But he didn't because he wanted to save "our programs", the blossoming, Utopian social programs that he helped create (Prop 49).

Wake up. Look in the mirror and realize what's wrong with your party before it's too late.

[snooker]

...and your proposal is???

[Sabertooth]

Too many girlie men, and manly girls in California. The place is a wreck.

President Bush is the cause of many of his troubles in California. He helped lead the GOP retreat here by opposing Prop #187, leaving us with over $50 billion in expenses caused by the Illegal Aliens he refuses to prosecute, and now wants to Amnesty.

There is no good reason for me, as a Californian, to vote for President Bush.

So, when I vote for him in November, it will be as an American.

BTW, I wonder how enthusiastic he'll be about helping Bill Jones defeat Boxer, since Jones has criticized his Amnesty. I've read where Republican candidates nationwide have again been told to lay off the Illegals or they'll get no help from the RNC.

[jwalsh07]

No argument from me. My post was simply levity.

[John Lenin]

The real problem with CA is that illegals vote, you don't need an ID to vote here. I have a feeling if voter fraud were taken out of the equation the RATS wouldn't even be a liable party anymore.

[Amerigomag]

and your proposal is???

For starters here are three suggestions for Republicans in California

1) Identify and cultivate candidates with conservative or moderately conservative credentials and core beliefs. Don't champion candidates who are clearly liberal.
2) California's three major problems, all interconnected, are a) fiscal irresponsibility, b) an attempt to build a Utopian state and c) illegal immigration. Support candidates that are fiscal conservatives, socially conservative to moderate and oppose illegal immigration in any form and who would refuse to tolerate any legislation that promotes or mitigates the negative consequences of illegal immigration.
3) Actively work to correct the nightmare that was created by both Republicans and Democrats when they approved redistrictying legislation in both 1998 and 2001. If your candidate won't support a redistricting fight but would rather go along to get along drop him, work actively against his reelection and contribute both your time and money to a candidate who will.