CA Freepers Voter Guide 6/6/2006 Primary Statewide Partisan Republican Ballot

5/31/2006 | E-Mat

[Godzilla]

Voting on 6/6/06.......scary

[Wiseghy]

Poizner is a pro-business moderate in a highly liberal state. Even McClintock would agree that leadership requires a spectrum of leaders who can appeal to the complex political make up of California. Note that he is not going to be working on solar panels, but on insurance.

He is also the only one who will advance work-comp reform and move to modernize the DOI. A Dem in that spot could easily destroy this state by unraveling work-comp reform, or pushing for single payor health.

[calcowgirl]

He's as moderate as Gore and Kerry.
Given his past alliance with the VC's soaking the taxpayer, I don't think he'll watch out for the citizens.
Flat out: I don't trust him.

www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?st=CA&last=poizner

Poizner, Stephen     Gore, Al (D)                        Gore 2000 Inc                  $1,000.00   02/22/00
Poizner, Stephen L   Democratic National Committee (D)                                 $10,000.00   10/02/00
Poizner, Steve       Kerry, John F (D)                   Kerry Committee                $1,000.00   02/15/01
Poizner, Steve       Kerry, John F (D)                   Kerry Committee                $1,000.00   02/15/01
Poizner, Steve Mr.   Bush, George W (R)                  Bush-Cheney '04 (Primary) Inc  $2,000.00   06/30/03
Poizner, Steve       Kobach, Kris (R)                    Kobach For Congress            $2,000.00   07/31/03
Poizner, Steve Mr.   The Wish List                                                      $1,000.00   04/08/04
Poizner, Steve       California Republican Party/Victory 2006 (R)                       $9,952.00   06/07/05
Poizner, Steve       Santa Clara County Republican Party(Fed) (R)                       $1,000.00   02/03/06

[HKMk23]

Y'know, what your post tells me is that Mr. Poizner had some kind of personal revelation along about 2002. Up to then he'd given $13K to the Dems, but subsequently all of his political contributions -- $15K if you exclude The Wish List -- have landed on the right side of the aisle. He's either cozying up to the GOP for personal political advantage or he's truly a political convert to a more conservative philosophy of governance.

[calcowgirl]

He's either cozying up to the GOP for personal political advantage or he's truly a political convert to a more conservative philosophy of governance.

I have seen no evidence of the latter. Like I said, I don't trust him.

[HKMk23]

I'll buy your statement at face value, but let me play advocatus diaboli and press for what evidence you have to show that he's NOT become more right-leaning?

If I "follow the money" it testifies that he has; what's he doing and/or what's coming out of his mouth to convince you otherwise? Not that I'm doubting you, but please substantiate your mistrust of the man.

[calcowgirl]

Here's a couple examples.

During his 2004 candidacy for the Assembly, he refused to say whether he was supporting Kerry or Bush. At the same time, he touted his endorsement by Richard Clarke (who was busy attacking Sec. Rice and President Bush).

The Wish List traditionally supports liberal causes. He was making contributions to this fund 2 years ago.

The worst part for me, and the reason for the distrust, is his affiliation with Doerr, Khosla, et al. These people have used the initiative process to weaken constitutional protections over spending and to pass legislation from which they clearly benefit. Whether Insurance Commissioner, or Governor, I prefer elected politicians who will represent the people and do the right thing. I have a hard time believing Poizner is that guy.

That being said, I am not saying that I will vote against him in the General Election. My original comments were offered as an explanation to a post wondering why the Club For Growth had recommended voting "NO" for him.

[HKMk23]

Excellent. Thank you for the additional information. Now we are ALL more fully informed.

[BillyBoy]

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RECOMMENDATIONS - CALIFORNIA 2006

GOVERNOR: Robert Newman II - Psychologist, Farmer & 2003 Governor Candidate

LT. GOVERNOR: Tom McClintock - State Sen., Ex-State Assemblyman, 2003 Governor Candidate

SECRETARY OF STATE: Bruce McPherson - Incumbent

ATTORNEY GENERAL: Chuck Poochigian - State Sen., Ex-State Assemblyman & Attorney

TREASURER: Claude Parrish - State Board of Equalization Member & Ex-L.A. County Insurance Commissioner

COMPTROLLER: Tony Strickland - Ex-State Assembly Minority Whip & Anti-Tax Activist

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER: Jay Burden (write-in)

SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION Diane Lenning - Educator, Businesswoman & 2004 Community College Trustee

U.S. SENATOR: Dick Mountjoy - Ex-State Sen., Ex-State Assemblyman & 1998 Lt. Governor Candidate

PROP 81 - NO!

PROP 82- NO!

(Gee, they managed to get propositions on the REGULAR ELECTION ballot WITHOUT WASTING zillions of dollars on a "special election", are you listening Mr. "Fiscal Conservative" RINOLD SCHWARTZEKENNEDY?)

[calcowgirl]

Hey, you get an "A+"!

Tell us about Jay Burden.

[hsalaw]

I'd be on the fence on 81

I'm leaning against 81 - I too don't want any extra bonds and can't see this dem-controlled legislature doing any reallocation. Libraries, IMHO, are on the way out anyway thanks to the internet.

[bellas_sister]

bump for later

[Wiseghy]

Well, I just met Poizner at an industry event. I can assure you that compared to his Dem Opponent, Cruz Bustamonte, he is a regular dreamboat. In a state that is dominated and ruthlessly ruled by Dems, I feel it is difficult to measure political loyalty strictly according to donation records. Saints like McClintock are simply hard to come by and usually don't have any money like Poizner does. Poizner is refusing all insurance industry donations and largely funding this run himself. Keep in mind that Insurance Commissioner was originally an appointed, nonpartisan position and Poizer will be working to make it that way again.

The Busmiester will work hard to shatter work comp reform, mandate single payer health care, destroy insurance consumer choice, piddle away earthquake reserves and spend his time grandstanding for another shot at Governor. A Dem in that spot is a disaster for the state, period the end. Waiting around for perfect candidates will keep this party out of power in this state indefinitely.Sorry if this looks like a flame, but I see all the wasted opportunity we had under Garamendi and it just makes me upset that consumers were not better served by that egomanical fool. Continuing that regime would be a continuation of a sad tragdy for consumers and employers in the state.

[HKMk23]

I wasn't trying to find reasons NOT to vote for Poizner, but I DO want to go in with my eyes open as to what kind of candidate he really is.

Look, the viable alternatives are pretty thin. Neither the Libertarian candidate, Dale Ogden, nor the American Independent candidate, Jay Burden, even bothered to submit a candidate statement. That, to me, speaks VOLUMES, as to the sincerity with which they are approaching this, and it says NOTHING good.

So, functionally speaking, Bustanut and Krafty the Dems are out, the Green candidate is out, the Independent, Libertarian and American Independent candidates are out; there's nobobdy left but Poizner. Love, like or loathe him he's gotta get the backing of Conservatives, if not in this Primary, certainly in November, because he has to have the horsepower to overcome all other-party challengers down the stretch.

Hold your nose, if you must, but vote for him if for no other reason than that a vote for him as a vote against everyone else vying for the office.

[Burlem]

There is much to be desired with Arnie, but he is all we have, the two fighting it out for the democrats are both basically on the same page, I find them appalling.
The other republican candidates do not have name recognition, if we vote for those people we will have one of the democrats as governor.
McClintock is our "Star" (in my opinion) I will cast my vote for him and anyone he endorses.

[dalereed]

I've known Mountjoy personally for over 40 years and until someone brought up the bastardazation of his name on FR i've never heard anyone suggest it or for that matter it had never crossed my mind.

[Burlem]

That comment is over the top, His name is Richard, he chooses to be called Dick which is a nickname for Richard.