Free Republic

SACRAMENTO — A national business group is opening a statewide ad campaign lauding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his agenda, without disclosing how much it is spending on the commercials or where the money is coming from. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, whose governing board includes major donors to Schwarzenegger's political campaigns, launched a 30-second television spot that coincides with Schwarzenegger's efforts to pass an ambitious public works plan and win a second term. Chamber official Eric Wohlschlegel would not reveal what the ad campaign costs. Money to pay for it comes from member dues, he said. The chamber does not...

These aren't your father's Republicans. Paul Makarechian, 31, showed up in jeans to host an event with Assembly GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield. That was at Fashion Island's trendy Ozumo Japanese restaurant. Another of the group's events, this one featuring a congressman, was held at Costa Mesa's hip Sutra Lounge. One of the group's board members, land broker Craig Atkins, is spending much of the year surfing the world's best waves. Makarechian, the chairman, gleefully lists the spiky hair of one favored candidate as an attribute. The group, less Atkins, flew to Vegas this month for its board retreat,...