Posted on 02/18/2009 7:40:54 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
The game of chicken in Sacramento just claimed its first victim, one that has to send a chill down Democratic spines. Republicans in the state Senate ousted their leader, the man who crafted a deal with Democrats to resolve the budget standoff with massive tax increases as part of the package. The GOP has apparently accelerated their car, and the Democrats will have to decide whether to swerve or crash:
A state budget deal to close a $41 billion shortfall has been put further into question early this morning after Senate Republicans ousted their leader who had helped negotiate the long-awaited plan with other top lawmakers in California.
The unusual action occurred as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic lawmakers tried for a fourth night in a row to persuade at least one more Republican senator to cast the deciding vote on the budget, a move officials said is necessary for the state to avoid insolvency.
Speaking to reporters outside his office, the ousted Minority Leader Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, said, “It’s a shame it ended like this.”
Cogdill was one of the four legislative leaders who negotiated the emergency budget deal with the governor. Their compromise budget package, reached after three months of negotiations, contained nearly $16 billion in program cuts, $11 billion in borrowing and $14.4 billion in tax increases. The most contentious debate has been over the proposed tax hikes.
Republicans selected Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Murrieta (Riverside County) as their new Minority leader. Hollingsworth is part of the conservative wing of the Senate Republican caucus and he has been adamantly against raising any taxes.
I’d call that a statement. It certainly sends a message to party leadership that the California GOP will not willingly follow along with more tax increases in a state that already has become one of the worst for tax burdens in the nation. California did not get into its financial crisis through low taxes, and higher taxes won’t provide anything more than a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.
The budget needs more than just $16 billion in cuts. California needs a real austerity program, one that sheds government workers and government programs. The Golden State also needs to stop borrowing money, which comes from the massive spending. How massive? The governor’s office claims that they have kept spending level at $105 billion per year, but even at that rate, they spend more than 20 times what Minnesota does while only having about six times the population. (And we spend too much as well; we’re facing a $7 billion biennial budget deficit at the moment.)
Until the legislature gets serious about budget cuts, higher taxes only provide a junkie’s fix to addiction. The Republicans just signaled a cold-turkey approach, and they’re willing to throw their own leadership under the bus to get it. They look serious about fixing the real problems. Will the Democrats get serious, too, or go tharn in the headlights?
Multiple threads on this...but I like to hear from a conservative opinion writer.
I hope more follow suit, and start throwing out the RINOS.
Superb action— it is about time, but too bad they did not throw out Schwarzenkennedy too. RINO bastard.
“Damn....Good Move... “
I’m stunned - speechless!
Has the CA GOP lost their minds?
/
Is there intelligent life in Sac?
Hard questions.
Very good move.
Hope this encourages the rest of the Republicans in other states to get a backbone.
We change the U.S. from the bottom up.
We should have done this to Newt when he backed down to Clinton.
"Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, could provide the crucial 27th vote necessary to pass a budget package that has been stalled since Saturday. In a lunch meeting with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maldonado asked for ballot measures to create an open primary system, prohibit legislative pay raises in deficit years and stop legislators from receiving salaries if they do not pass a budget on time."
Democrats considering firm offer for budget deal
If Maldonado caves, for whatever reason, Ashburn may also cave.
Republicans always play better when they are in the minority. Darndest thing...
I like his take on it as well!
Wow - I like these kinds of Republicans not the slimy scummy RINOs like Snowe, Graham, Spector, Collins, Crist and Juan McCain.
Reagan would like these kind of fellow CA real Repubs.
But it hasn't ended, dufus. Your role in it may have ended but I guess that's all that is important to you.
Dennis Hollingsworth is the most excellent of men! His IQ will twist most of those libbys in a pretzel. He will not put up with the liberal's crap. OH!! I LOVE THIS!!!
“the ousted Minority Leader Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, said, “It’s a shame it ended like this.”
But it hasn’t ended, dufus. Your role in it may have ended but I guess that’s all that is important to you.”
Astute observation ladyjane - ever thot about running for office?
Absolute BUMP!
But Newtie remains a staple on FOX and elsewhere; like he'd learned a lesson or something.
I think it's because it's what they are used to.
Very good move.
Can you imagine running for office? It’s hard to understand why people do. Years ago it was for love of country, now it’s about money and power.
If only the Congress critters would do something like that to the three traitors.
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