[dufekin]

So now I see why California is self-immolating. And I'm glad, as a non-Californian, that Bush will NOT make me pay the bills. And it's a good political strategy, too. What are the Democrats going to say? "Bush wouldn't save California." Bush replies, "How many of you want to bail out California's mismanagement?" He loses California's 55 electoral votes, which he wouldn't get anyway. But he gains respect in EVERY OTHER STATE.

[oceanview]

they could create a financial flashpoint in the state that could ripple into the markets in general. also, imagine the daily media coverage of the "sick and the poor" not getting their benefits, schools closed, tens of thousands of government employees protesting. there could even be riots and civil disobedience. in short, it could get VERY ugly if the government there simply throws up their hands and lets everything implode. that type of scenario could be very bad for Bush.

to be honest, the state republicans there should just pass any and all tax increases the Dems want to avoid this scenario. as you say, Bush will never win California anyway and there is near zero chance of defeating either of their senators, so why allow that state to become a national issue? its not worth it, the business and people who can and want to leave CA have plenty of places to go.