I would like to get your thoughts on how Deukmejian was able to get elected as governor for 2 terms after Jerry Moonbeam had been elected for 2 terms.The gun control issue--there was a ballot proposition that would have imposed very strict controls on handguns--got Deukmajian elected in 1982. He was competent, so he got reelected in 1986.
This state is a LOT more liberal than it used to be. Sorry, but them's the breaks. You can only turn a state this big around v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y.
I take it from your response that you would agree that California statewide elections turn on voter turn out. When the California Republican Party is able to get its base out, then conservatives are perfectly capable of winning.