Posted on 08/18/2010 11:30:56 AM PDT by Ben Mugged
Voters along California's Central Coast on Tuesday turned back a Democratic attempt to gain more power in the state Legislature, electing a Republican to fill a vacant state Senate seat.
The win by state Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee denies Democrats the opportunity to consolidate their power in the Senate and come within one vote of claiming the two-thirds majority needed to pass budget plans and tax increases.
The special election drew interest from around the state, both in endorsements and campaign donations. Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman campaigned for Blakeslee, while President Barack Obama endorsed the Democratic candidate, former Assemblyman John Laird of Santa Cruz.
Obama compared the stakes to what he faces in Washington, where a Republican minority attempts to block his priorities.
Blakeslee, of San Luis Obispo, said voters appeared to have picked the candidate who vowed to cut spending in Sacramento.
(Excerpt) Read more at kcoy.com ...
So, how is Blakeslee viewed? RINO? Non-RINO?
http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=28759
I live in the district.
John Laird is a carpetbagger.
He fraudulently rented a room from a political supporter to qualify for the election, a criminal offense that two Democrats recently got indicted for.
John Laird represents 30 years of liberal failure on every single front. He is the Barney Frank of California politics.
There is not one redeeming quality about him. Laird presided over the Assembly budget committee when California went into meltdown mode.
Sam Blakeslee is a Rino, for sure, but better to have a Rino than somebody who despises America and embodies the values of Lenin and Marx.
There are many of us here in Santa Cruz County breathing a huge sigh of relief for finally being rid of Laird. I couldn’t vote against him......not in the right district I am told. WooHoo............Laird is gone!!
Eggs, isn’t Santa Cruz a fairly liberal county? Do you think this Republican win gives any indication of how Californians in general may vote in November?
I’ve been sensing the libs here gradually losing their clout for the last few years. Seriously hoping to see that accelerating as time goes on.
>Obama compared the stakes to what he faces in Washington, where a Republican minority attempts to block his priorities.
Yeah? Well, if Mr. Obama was that concerned then he should have stayed home & not given another kiss of death to one of his party members.
Hubris I suppose...
Adios John Laird!
YAY!
Yay! Be seein ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya, John Laird!!! (almost misspelled his name Lard!!!
Laird loses twice and he’s still making excuses.
Sad when they can’t exit the stage graciously.
I’ll never forget how he rammed through the Sierra-Nevada CONservancy bill for Arnold to hurriedly sign! (spit)
I knew you wouldn’t - I won’t either. That was the beginning of my education on conservancies.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.