Low voter turnout and large campaign contributions could give a powerful service employees union huge influence over races for Fresno mayor and Fresno County supervisor next month.

The Service Employees International Union and its affiliated local unions have more than 15,000 local members and a history of aggressively backing chosen candidates with both money and campaign workers.

SENATOR McCAIN - THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR HISPANICS



Carly Fiorina
May 5, 2008

Mexican Americans have contributed to the cultural fiber of the United States in so many ways - and today we celebrate those contributions as well as our common visions. It's important that we continue this rich combination by electing a president who is the best choice for Americans and who will share their values and interests.

We mark the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla by celebrating the hope and courage of an outnumbered band of Mexican soldiers. Under the leadership of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza, these soldiers fought and won in the name of freedom for their people. That same spirit is very much alive today in our Armed Forces - in which many brave Latino Americans serve - whose great sacrifices are very much appreciated by Sen. John McCain. Though we are fighting a very different war, we do so under the banner of freedom that led Gen. Zaragoza's troops as well.

As the largest minority group in the U.S., many Hispanic Americans have followed the American Dream, an ideal Sen. McCain highly believes in and endorses. It is also worth noting Sen. McCain's strong leadership on immigration issues. He wants to bring our country forward, providing opportunity for all who are willing to achieve this dream.

As I've said before, the American Dream starts with a home and a job - with the proper tools, everything else will fall into place. To get started on that mission, Sen. McCain has proposed a number of initiatives to put an end to the current housing crisis and make sure it doesn't happen again by targeting predatory lenders and creating transparency in the lending system. His HOME plan will bring targeted relief to families affected by the current housing crisis. Under the plan, all deserving homeowners will be able to trade cumbersome mortgages for a manageable loan comparable to the home's market value.

Sen. McCain also has made innovative proposals to improve the economic climate for small businesses to succeed. With over two million Hispanic-owned businesses generating nearly $300 billion annually for the economy, there is potential under Sen. McCain's economic plan for these businesses to grow even stronger.

The pro-growth tax agenda that Sen. McCain endorses is very much in line with the needs of many Hispanic-American families. His plans to keep taxes low, cut taxes for middle-class families, and free up more money for hardworking Americans. You see, Sen. McCain believes that power and choice should be in the hands of the people, not the government. It is the American people, not the government, who work hard to earn their paychecks and deserve to manage their money without government influence.

To ensure that our children are able to continue our legacy and be afforded opportunities we weren't, our education system must provide them with the skills to succeed. As the achievement gap continues to narrow, we must hold our schools to the highest standards and push for continued improvements.

Sen. McCain is the right choice for all Americans because he will keep their best interests at heart - in the business sector, in the classroom, and at the dinner table, because he shares similar values. That's why it's important that John McCain has the support of the Latino community, because they have his support.

Carly Fiorina - RNC Victory Chairman and Economic Advisor To Sen. John McCain

Erin Fugere and her kids are just a few of the hundreds of conservative faithful who packed Warnor's theatre in Downtown Fresno, to see and hear two of the stars of conservative media, Oliver North and Sean Hannity.

"It's important to us, the things the Republican Party stands for," Erin Fugere said.

Outside, North signed copies of his book for the Fugere and hundreds of other fans.

WASHINGTON — The differences couldn't be more striking _ and they go well beyond older, white and Republican vs. younger, black and Democratic.

John McCain, more spontaneous and accessible, and Barack Obama, more disciplined and remote, are two unconventional presidential candidates, each with styles all their own.

Contrasts on the campaign trail run the gamut, from the way they stage events and draw crowds to how they court voters and handle reporters.

The two men even carry themselves differently.

The Supreme Court on Monday upheld Indiana's law requiring voters to present government-issued picture identification at the polls, validating Republican efforts to impose a law they say will cut down on voter fraud.

Sen. Barack Obama's platform is his politics of "understanding." Obama has been careful not to define the issues upon which he runs; rather, he explains that it is time to "move forward," to discard "ideology," to reach a new "common ground" built on an "understanding" of broad-based values. Of course, this is pure Grade A pap, since Obama fails to define those values, except in broad generalities. Yes, he's for the flag (but not against burning it – he voted against the flag-protection amendment), motherhood (as long as taxpayers foot the bill for day care and abortion on demand remains legal) and apple pie (he has not had to vote on apple pie). But where does he stand?

John McCain is an experienced conservative leader in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. He is a common sense conservative who believes in a strong national defense, a smaller, more accountable government, economic growth and opportunity, the dignity of life and traditional values.

As the Clintons enter their 17th year at the center of the national stage, some Washington pundits are running out of patience with them. My condition is more desperate. I am running out of jokes about these two perennial college kids. History will eventually remember them as the reincarnation of Warren and Florence Harding. For now they come off as two undergraduate BS-ers on a protracted spring break. Hillary BS-es about her indispensability to the first Clinton Administration. Bill agrees with her and BS-es about everything under the sun.

"Leadership today means something different than it did in the years after the second world war, when Europe and the other democracies were recovering from the devastation of war and the US was the only democratic superpower. Today, there is the powerful collective voice of the EU, India, Japan, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey and Israel, to name just a few of the leading democracies. And there are the struggling young democracies, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon, that need and deserve help -- more, in fact, than we have been giving. ... This is not idealism. It is the truest form of realism. It is the democracies of the world that will provide the pillars upon which we can and must build an enduring peace."

-- John McCain

"Oedipus is funny -- that's the structure of funny," Alan Alda's character declares in the film Crimes and Misdemeanors. "'Who did this terrible thing to our city?' 'Oh my god, it was me.' See? That's funny."

Judging by such a standard, the staggering news that ethics-crusader New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has shattered his political career because he couldn't resist the allure of a high-priced hooker, is high comedy indeed.

THE PRESIDENT: Glenn, thanks for the kind introduction. Thanks for giving me a chance to speak to the Economic Club of New York. It seems like I showed up in a interesting moment -- (laughter) -- during an interesting time.

The videos of Barack Obama's pastor of 20 years, Jeremiah Wright, surpass Saturday Night Live parodies. As his congregants are hopping up and down like hyperactive children and fellow pastors are clapping him on the back, a sashaying Wright allows himself a range of rancid and conspiratorial musings that might even give Cynthia McKinney pause.

On Tuesday, February 19, 2008 the Republican of Fresno County voted to endorse Jerry Duncan in his run for mayor. When asked to comment on the endorsment, Duncan stated, "this hard working group of elected members and volunteers is the heart and soul of the local Republican party. They are the ones that make things happen locally for the Republican party and their endorsement for the office of Mayor of Fresno is a great personal honor."

Duncan also received an endorsement from, California State Senator, Dave Cogdill. Senator Cogdill represents the 14th State Senatorial District and is widely respected for his work on valley water issues as well as his support for small business. This now means that with Assembly member Mike Villines, two of our local state legislative leaders have endorsed his candidacy.

California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring today issued the following statement following the election of the new incoming Senate Republican Leader:

"Senator Dave Cogdill is a strong advocate for putting Republican ideas into action in Sacramento. As leader, I'm confident he will work diligently to protect taxpayers, promote an agenda of reform, and put government on the side of average Californians.

"Being a strong Senate leader requires being solid on both policy and politics. As we look to re-elect our Republican incumbents and make progress against the Democrats and their liberal allies, Senator Cogdill will bring a high level of tenacity, political savvy, and strength to this mission.

BOSTON (AP) - Republican campaign dropout Mitt Romney endorsed John McCain for the party's presidential nomination and asked his national convention delegates to swing behind the likely nominee.
"Even when the contest was close and our disagreements were debated, the caliber of the man was apparent," the former Massachusetts governor said, standing alongside his one-time rival at his now- defunct campaign's headquarters. "This is a man capable of leading our country at a dangerous hour."

"Primaries are tough," said McCain, referring to their earlier rancor. "We know it was a hard campaign and now we move forward, we move forward together for the good of our party and the nation."

The two met privately before appearing together at a news conference. McCain had campaigned in Vermont and Rhode Island but added a flight to Boston to accept the endorsement.

McCain effectively sealed the nomination last week when Romney withdrew from the race; only former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and libertarian-leaning Texas Rep. Ron Paul remain. But neither has a chance to catch McCain in the convention delegate hunt.

A recent string of primary victories have all but assured that Sen. John McCain will be the Republican nominee for president. However, many conservatives, especially here in the Valley, are reluctant to embrace him. The common complaints are that he has commingled with liberals too often: campaign finance reform, immigration reform, and his opposition to the Bush tax cuts are often cited as cardinal sins against the doctrine of conservatism.

Yet a detailed evaluation of McCain's record in Congress shows the opposite: he has been a consistent tax-fighting, fiscal hawk who has challenged pork barrel projects and been in line with conservative thought on practically every major issue we care about. We must remember his conservative record on judicial appointments: he has supported conservative justices from Robert Bork in 1987 through Samuel Alito. His pro-life record is solid. And he was a lone voice calling for more troops in support of the mission in Iraq.

It’s fun to watch the Democrats desperately trying to spin how everything is so wonderful for their team as we head into the thick of this general election campaign. Lest we allow the pixiedust to have too much of an effect, let’s take a look at some of the major forces that are moving our way in California and nationally.

Something clearly happened on Senator Clinton’s trip to her coronation as the Democrats’ nominee for President. The limo wheels have come off, and the campaign is in turmoil as managers are fired and new people brought into try to save the day. Barack Obama, a first term Senator from Illinois who only won his seat when the Republican candidate dropped out in 2004, continues to give the Senator a run for the money.

Meanwhile, National Journal just rated all 100 Senators and found the most liberal to be: Barack Obama. Now, with Ted Kennedy in the Senate that’s a tough title to claim, yet somehow Obama managed to get to the left of the Massachusetts Senator. Left wing activists have managed to pull both Obama and Clinton so far to the extreme that primary voters in the remaining states have a choice between the far left and the very far left.

"I must now stand aside, for our party and our country," Romney told conservatives.

"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror," Romney told the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington.

(CNN.com)

Statement By California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring Congratulating Sen. John McCain in the CA Republican Presidential Primary

(San Diego) - California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring today issued the following statement congratulating Senator John McCain in the California Republican Presidential Primary today:

"Congratulations to Senator McCain for his victory across California today.

"Based on the results reported by the Secretary of State, Senator McCain has triumphed in every part of California, from the Oregon border to San Diego.

"California Republicans know how to win in our state, as Governor Schwarzenegger and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner demonstrated in 2006.

"While the contest for the Republican presidential nomination appears it may continue, we're confident the issues of this campaign - the economy and keeping America on offense in Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism - will be those where Republicans have demonstrated consistent strength."

Please click "Read More" to view the results.

Republican Presidential & Primary Election is Tuesday, February 5, 2008.

Polling places are open from 7:00 am to 8:00pm. To find your polling place, please click "Read More" or contact us and we'll help you find your polling place.

Absentee ballot can be handed in to any polling location. They must be in by 8:00pm Election Day. (POST MARKS DO NOT COUNT)

To see the California Republican Party positions on the ballot propositions, please click "Read More".

Once the polls have closed, the Republican Party of Fresno County and fellow Republicans will gather to watch the Presidential Primary returns come rolling in from California and 21 other States.

SUPER TUESDAY
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
8:00pm
B.C. Pizza and Beer
1315 Shaw Ave, Clovis
(across from Sierra Vista Mall)

All are invited to attend!

STATE OF THE UNION EXCERPTS

"The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our Nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. And let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time."

On trusting and empowering the American people:
"From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we have made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done. In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our Nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history...So in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free people to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives and their futures."

With the New Year comes a slate of new laws. Below is a list of the most significant legislation that you should know about.

Minimum Wage Increase
Another increase brings the State's minimum wage to $8 an hour, up from $7.50 last year and $6.75 in 2006. With this increase, California is now tied with Massachusetts for the second highest minimum wage rate in the country. Although the increase may be welcome news to some workers, many businesses, especially small businesses have stated that the increase could threaten their economic viability.

Smoking in Vehicles
New legislation makes it illegal to smoke in a car carrying a minor child. The legislation applies to vehicles that are moving or parked, and the fine for a violation will cost up to $100.

Cell Phones in Vehicles
Two new laws geared at reducing cell phone use by drivers have received much attention. One makes it illegal for any driver to use a handheld phone unless there is an emergency. The other makes it illegal for drivers under 18 to use any phone, even hands-free phones, as well as other mobile devices, while behind the wheel. Please note - these laws do not going into effect until July 1.

California begins 2008 facing a severe budget deficit and a host of serious challenges that will surely impact the lives of hard-working Californians.

As lawmakers return to Sacramento, Republicans stand ready to roll up our sleeves and tackle our state’s major problems before they spiral out of control. Defending taxpayers, we will be advocating for the necessary reforms required to get our state back on track.

Everything we do this year will be overshadowed by a $14 billion deficit that grows larger by the day. Republicans believe lawmakers must come together to reject new spending and new programs and better prioritize current spending. We must live within our means. We will work with the governor to evaluate existing programs to find possible spending reductions and will extend our hand across party lines to find consensus on the difficult choices required to get the deficit under control.

Unfortunately, Democrats continue to add to the problem. Last month, they passed a government-run health care scheme with $14 billion in higher spending that will result in $8.5 billion in higher taxes. Their reckless spending over many, many years has brought us to the brink of financial ruin, and it’s time we take responsible action before California sinks into bankruptcy.

However, instead of proposing cuts and living within our means, Democrats now want taxpayers to pay for their continued overspending. On top of higher health care taxes, they are pushing $500 million in higher taxes on purchases made over the Internet and a $6 billion car tax hike. They also want to eliminate the mortgage interest tax deduction, a $5.3 billion tax increase that will cause significant pain for many families.

CRP Positions On February 5th Ballot Propositions

PROP 91: TRANSPORTATION FUNDS – NO POSITION

PROP 92: COMMUNITY COLLEGES. FUNDING - OPPOSED

PROP 93: LIMITS ON LEGISLATORS’ TERMS IN OFFICE - OPPOSED

PROP 94-97 - SUPPORTS

"I Think Recent Days Have Been A Moment That The Country Can Be Proud Of"

"I'm Instructing Budget Director Jim Nussle To Review Options For Dealing With The Wasteful Spending In The Omnibus Bill"

"We Have A Great Deal Of Work In The Months Ahead"

"One Of My Priorities … Is To Make Sure [Congress Does Not] Run Up The Taxes On People"

When Democrats took control of Congress in January, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) pledged to jointly push an ambitious agenda to counter 12 years of Republican control.

Now, as Congress struggles to adjourn for Christmas, relations between House Democrats and their colleagues in the Senate have devolved into finger-pointing.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) accuses Senate Democratic leaders of developing "Stockholm syndrome," showing sympathy to their Republican captors by caving in on legislation to provide middle-class tax cuts paid for with tax increases on the super-rich, tying war funding to troop withdrawal timelines, and mandating renewable energy quotas. If Republicans want to filibuster a bill, Rangel said, Reid should keep the bill on the Senate floor and force the Republicans to talk it to death.

Reid, in turn, has taken to the Senate floor to criticize what he called the speaker's "iron hand" style of governance.

Democrats in each chamber are now blaming their colleagues in the other for the mess in which they find themselves. The predicament caused the majority party yesterday surrender to President Bush on domestic spending levels, drop a cherished renewable-energy mandate and move toward leaving a raft of high-profile legislation, from addressing the mortgage crisis to providing middle-class tax relief, undone or incomplete.

Please join the Republican Party of Fresno County at the annual Christmas and Auction celebration.

This year we will be honoring Marge Orender with the first annual Barbara Farris Volunteer Award!

Will will have many fun and exciting auction items for bid, so come prepared to do some silent bidding...

This holiday season, Move America Forward will collect 100,000 Christmas, Hanukkah, and Holiday Greeting Cards to lift the spirits of our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and remind them that back home, America supports and appreciates them. The “Honoring Heroes at the Holidays Tour” visits 40 cities around the country and collect cards all along the way. We hope to reach 100,000 by the time of our final rally in New York City on December 16th and deliver all Christmas cards before Christmas Day.

The final batch of cards will be delivered in person when Move America Forward sends a delegation to Baghdad, Iraq where we will personally hand out a portion of the cards collected to troops stationed at Camp Victory. We will be writing about our interviews with the soldiers and reporting back to the nation exactly what the troops serving overseas have to say about the progress that has been made since The Surge began earlier this year.

Please aid us in this historic effort, help bring our message to the troops and we’ll bring their messages back with us!

2:30 PM Fresno, CA Pro-Troop Rally
Fresno Convention Center
848 M Street, Fresno, CA

CA Republican Party Chairman Nehring's Thanksgiving Message

On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.

Thanksgiving is an American holiday that usually brings to mind families and friends gathered around a table and enjoying a roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, while catching a glimpse of the NFL game. This is a holiday rooted in human struggle, courage, and commitment to the freedom to practice one's faith. As did the pilgrims, today we express our gratitude for the blessings we enjoy in both times of calm and challenge.

Thanksgiving is a day we remember the less fortunate among us. We remember the courageous firefighters and the families affected by the recent fires, and our neighbors who recently experienced massive floods and the loss of life.

This can be a challenging time for our men and women in uniform. Our liberty and freedom do not come without cost, and sacrifice. We ask that God look over our valiant members of our Armed Forces, at home and abroad. May they be given the strength and courage to carry out their mission of defending peace.

On this Thanksgiving Day, we remember the sacrifices of so many, so that we may enjoy the freedom to share this day with our families and friends.

Last night the Republican Party of Fresno County held their first annual Salute to Republican Leaders and Fresno’s first ever Republican Presidential Straw Poll. Over 150 attended including many Republican elected officials, Republican candidates for Fresno County Supervisor, Fresno City Mayor, Fresno City Council and Fresno Unified School Board, along with many GOP activists.

There was excitement and enthusiasm as everyone voted for their candidate, the night can be best described as a night of solidarity and unity. After the polls closed and the ballots were being counted, representatives from Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney gave a brief speech on why they believe their candidate best represents the Republican Party, all agreeing on the importance of working together to support the eventual Republican nominee.

Ron Paul wins by 2 votes!

Ron Paul – 35%
Rudy Giuliani – 33%
Mitt Romney – 17%
Fred Thompson – 7%
Mike Huckabee – 5%
Tom Tancredo – 2%
Duncan Hunter – 1%

CLICK "VIEW MORE" TO LINK TO PHOTOS.

George W. Bush, President of the United States of America
November 10, 2007 radio address

“This weekend, Americans mark two important dates in our Nation's history. On Saturday, we celebrate the 232nd birthday of the United States Marine Corps. And on Sunday, we celebrate Veterans Day -- and give thanks for all those who have worn the uniform of America's Armed Forces...

America owes a debt of gratitude to all those who have served in our Armed Forces. On Veterans Day, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live to become veterans.

Veterans Day also reminds us of our solemn responsibility to care for those who have fought our Nation's wars. . .

On this Veterans Day, I urge every American to take time to thank one of our Nation's 24 million veterans. They come from different generations and different backgrounds. But they are united by a commitment to honor, duty, and love of country that has kept America free. They continue to strengthen and inspire our Nation. And we will never forget what we owe them.”

The RNC today released a new web video, titled "Hillary Clinton: Long On Rhetoric, Short On Answers." The video exhibits Hillary Clinton's inability to speak in a straightforward or honest fashion with the American people, and includes a compilation of third party comments on her penchant for waffling.

A must see video, please click the photo to view...

When Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton arrived at Fresno High School last week for her first campaign stop in the San Joaquin Valley, she was introduced to the crowd by Selma's representative in the state Assembly.

"We clearly need friends in high places (in the Central Valley) and we clearly have one in Sen. Clinton," said Juan Arambula, D-Fresno. "After coming here today and meeting with students and all of you, Sen. Clinton will not forget about Fresno or the San Joaquin Valley. She will be a warrior and a champion for all of us."

Unlike Selma, where some local officials and their Assembly representative have endorsed Clinton, Kingsburg city council members have given mixed opinions.

PHILADELPHIA — We now know something that we did not know before: When Hillary Clinton has a bad night, she really has a bad night.

In a debate against six Democratic opponents at Drexel University here Tuesday, Clinton gave the worst performance of her entire campaign.

It was not just that her answer about whether illegal immigrants should be issued driver's licenses was at best incomprehensible and at worst misleading.

It was that for two hours she dodged and weaved, parsed and stonewalled.

And when it was over, both the Barack Obama and John Edwards campaigns signaled that in the weeks ahead they intend to hammer home a simple message: Hillary Clinton does not say what she means or mean what she says.

And she gave them plenty of ammunition Tuesday night.

Asked whether she still agrees with New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, Clinton launched into a long, complicated defense of it.

But when Chris Dodd attacked the idea a moment later, Clinton quickly said: “I did not say that it should be done.”

NBC’s Tim Russert, one of the debate moderators, jumped in and said to her: “You told (a) New Hampshire paper that it made a lot of sense. Do you support his plan?”

”You know, Tim,” Clinton replied, “this is where everybody plays ‘gotcha.’”

John Edwards immediately went for the jugular. “Unless I missed something,” he said, “Sen. Clinton said two different things in the course of about two minutes. America is looking for a president who will say the same thing, who will be consistent, who will be straight with them.”

Barack Obama added: “I was confused [by] Sen. Clinton's answer. I can't tell whether she was for it or against it. One of the things that we have to do in this country is to be honest about the challenges that we face.”

"It looks like Nancy Pelosi has a new strategy to reverse her plummeting approval numbers in California and nationally: spend less time implementing the Democrat agenda.

"We actually think Congress moving away from the five day workweek Nancy Pelosi promised is a good thing for California. The less time Democrats spend raising taxes, making the federal government bigger and more intrusive, and spending money through earmarks behind closed doors, the better. Besides, the five day workweek hasn't helped the Democrats pass any federal spending bills on time anyway.

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to see support decline within her own party and among Californians. It didn't take long for her to show that her pledges of bipartisanship, a five-day work week, an open and transparent Congress, and the institution of policies to help the working poor were nothing more than just campaign rhetoric.

"The Pelosi Congress continues to be characterized by an earmarking process carried out behind closed doors, continued efforts to saddle working families, farmers, and small business owners with a $3.5 trillion tax increase, and an even shorter work week.

"The people of California have come to see the Democrat agenda under Nancy Pelosi for what it is: a $3.5 trillion tax increase coupled with a Democratic earmark slush fund - clearly a far cry from the campaign promises of last fall."

I don't envy schoolteachers. Their jobs are difficult, incredibly important and challenging. In the Fresno Unified School District, pressure to improve and succeed is great, and hindered by a largely transient student population, language barriers, cultural differences and in far too many cases, inadequate parental support.

As a parent living in Fresno Unified, I appreciate the job educators do and the steep mountains of performance that must be climbed.

Having said that, the Fresno Unified School District Board is entirely justified in holding the line in its contract negotiations with the Fresno Teachers Association.

This isn't about teachers, but taking care of district finances for the long term. The board members are offering the teachers all they can without impairing the district's finances. Why wouldn't they? There is not one board member adversarial to teachers that I know of. If this is all truly "about the kids," the first step in serving the kids is a financially healthy school system.

Just a few years ago, Fresno Unified was on the verge of being taken over by the state Department of Education. Previous boards had made bad short-term decisions and the executive leadership was evidently not up to the task of managing the day-to-day affairs of the district. In short, it was a mess. In response to this crisis, the Fresno Teachers Association essentially accused the district of lying about its finances and made that a central theme in the 2006 board elections.

The tactics of the FTA today are actually far worse, and even more disingenuous. The behavior displayed at recent board meetings is sophomoric and lends itself to zero progress. Memo to Larry Moore: You are a bad messenger, and boorish behavior by your members is hurting your cause.

When Superintendent Michael Hanson arrived on the scene a little more than two years ago, he had to rebuild almost every system in the district. Financial reporting, technology, academics, security, morale, facilities and communication were all flat-out broken.

One year ago, the Republican Party controlled the House, Senate and the presidency.

Today, only the White House is in GOP hands. Why did the Republicans so quickly lose the majority? As a member of the California Republican Party Platform Committee and a volunteer organizer since 1992, I've pondered this question for some time.

After the 2006 debacle, many congressmen blamed the president for the defeat. No, George W. Bush and the Iraqi war were not the primary cause that depressed Republican voter turnout. It was the lack of decisive action on the part of Republican legislators in upholding solid and proven principles. It was congressional overspending, preoccupation with holding onto power, and remaining tone deaf to the pleas of the people for border security that led to the loss.

As a result, many Republicans did not vote in 2006, and still they remain deeply frustrated. Also, there are too many elected officials at the local and state levels who are not serious about cutting spending. Almost every governmental entity -- city, county, state and federal -- is operating in the red.

Difficult decisions need to be made immediately to pare down these bloated budgets and to deal with the looming Medicare and Social Security crisis. Thankfully, we have some Republican leaders willing to address these issues. We need more like them. Republican voters realize there is more political risk in saying no to overspending; the voters expect their leaders to take that risk.

There are some voices in the party, and many in the media, advocating a move to the middle because Republicans have become too conservative. However, Republicans are not out of power because they are too pro-life or too conservative on other social issues. Indeed, these issues resonate with a majority of the public.

Republicans lost because too many legislators moved to the middle by increasing the size of government -- even more than the Democrats. If Republican leaders again disregard their principles, platform and voters, they might go the way of the Whigs.

"With a reported annual income of $130,062 and $170 of tax-free expenses for each day the Assembly is in session, it seems that Speaker Fabian Nuñez, the self proclaimed champion of the working poor, the frail, and the disadvantaged, has a very warped sense of California's middle class.

"While claiming that ‘There's not too big of a difference between how [he] live[s] and how most middle-class people live", Nuñez would be hard-pressed to explain this statement in his district, where eighty-two percent of the households Nuñez represents earn less than $50,000 a year.

"Champion of working people? This guy looks like Ivana Trump. At least Ivana stuck Donald with the bill, not campaign contributors.

"I wonder how the union members who are forced to fund Nuñez' campaigns feel about their dues being used to pay for ‘campaign expenses' at Louis Vitton and Nordstrom."

Shortly after I was elected San Diego Republican leader in 2001, I met with my south-of-the-border counterpart: a leader of the conservative PAN party of Mexico, to compare notes and discuss politics.

I asked my counterpart how the conservative PAN party succeeded in breaking the monopoly of the liberal PRI, taking control of state government in Baja California at a time when the PRI controlled every other Mexican state government.

“Local elections,” was the answer. The PAN built its governing majority in Baja by systematically identifying, recruiting and supporting candidates for local government offices. Once elected, these local government officials became the “farm team” for higher offices, concurrently establishing the PAN’s credibility by demonstrating responsible governance.

As someone who has trained candidates on four continents, I’ve seen first hand how success in local government is a common, and often necessary, precursor to a political party’s success at the state and national levels.

We applied this approach with great success during my term as San Diego Republican chairman by systematically identifying, training and supporting Republican candidates for hundreds of local, so-called “non-partisan” offices like school boards, fire boards, water boards, city councils and the like. While the Democrats chose to act like a debating society and pass meaningless resolutions at their meetings, we concentrated our efforts on the core campaign functions at the heart of a successful party: voter registration, endorsements and nominations, turnout, fundraising and volunteer recruitment.

As we succeeded in placing more Republicans in local government, we experienced three especially visible results:

Salute to Republican Leaders & Fresno County's first ever Straw Poll for GOP Presidential Candidates!

Join us as we thank our local Republican elected leaders who stand up for Republican ideas in local government, and vote for your presidential favorite.

All around America, families are grappling with health-care concerns. They wonder if they'll have insurance at a price they can afford. They worry about how much out-of-pocket health costs take from the family budget. They question if they'll be able to pick their own doctor. Some feel trapped in jobs they don't like out of fear of losing their health insurance.

As the latest government-heavy plan announced by Hillary Clinton yesterday once again shows, the answers politicians offer on health care highlight the deep differences between liberals and conservatives. This is a debate Republicans cannot avoid. But it is one we can win--if we offer a bold plan. Conservatives must put forward reforms aimed at putting the patient in charge. Increasing competition will ensure greater access, lower costs and more innovation.

Liberals see the concerns of families as a failure of private insurance, and want the U.S. to move toward a government-run, single-payer model. This is a recipe for making problems worse. Socialized medicine inevitably leads to poor quality, inefficiency, rising taxes and rationing. The waiting lines and poor care that cause people from other countries to come here for treatment are not the answer.

You are invited to join the Republican Party of Fresno County for their monthly Committee meetings, every 3rd Monday of the month.

Starting on September 17th, the Republican Party of Fresno County will be inviting Fresno County Republican Candidates as our guest speakers to speak about their up coming campaigns.

Please view our website to see who the guest speakers will be in the upcoming months.

THIS MONTH WE WILL HAVE:
STUART WEIL, REGIONAL CHAIR FOR MAYOR RUDY GIULIANI
JIM LOPEZ, CANDIDATE FOR THE 20TH CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

More names to come…

PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll finds Congress' approval rating the lowest it has been since Gallup first tracked public opinion of Congress with this measure in 1974. Just 18% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, while 76% disapprove, according to the August 13-16, 2007, Gallup Poll.

That 18% job approval rating matches the low recorded in March 1992, when a check-bouncing scandal was one of several scandals besetting Congress, leading many states to pass term limits measures for U.S. representatives (which the Supreme Court later declared unconstitutional). Congress had a similarly low 19% approval rating during the energy crisis in the summer of 1979.

Americans' evaluations of the job Congress is doing are usually not that positive -- the vast majority of historical approval ratings have been below 50%. The high point was 84% approval one month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when Americans rallied behind the federal government.

A Republican-backed ballot proposal could split left-leaning California between the Democratic and GOP nominees, tilting the 2008 presidential election in favor of the Republicans.

California awards its cache of 55 electoral votes to the statewide winner in presidential elections - the largest single prize in the nation. But a prominent Republican lawyer wants to put a proposal on the ballot that would award the statewide winner only two electoral votes.

The rest would be distributed to the winning candidate in each of the state's congressional districts. In effect, that would create 53 races, each with one electoral vote up for grabs.



From California Republican Blog, Ron Nehring, CRP Chairman
Democrats Support Electoral College Reform

That's right.

Democrats are on record in support of an initiative to allocate the state's Electoral College votes by Congressional District...in Colorado.

It seems that in Republican-leaning Colorado, it's fundramentally unfair for Denver to determine where Electoral College votes from Colorado Springs go...but when the idea is mentioned in California, it must be part of some right-wing conspiracy. Colorado Democrats strongly advocated for such an initiative just last year: Amendment 36.

On Monday, August 6, 2007, the Republican Party of Fresno County will be attending the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) ceremony, where over 1,200 people will take the oath of citizenship, asking them to register to vote as a Republican.

We are asking you to volunteer to help us hand out material on the differences between Republicans and the Democrats as they are lining up waiting for the doors to open. As they exit, as American Citizens, we will be there with registration forms in hand, asking them to register Republican.

Here are a few more details:

INS Ceremony
Monday, August 6, 2007
Convention Center (across from the Radisson)
8:00am – 9:30am – “Are There Differences Between Republicans and Democrats?”
11:00 to 1:00pm – Registration Begins

If you are interested or would like to volunteer, please contact Carol at – CarolCummins@sbcglobal.net

“For all of you, the oath of citizenship is more than a formality. And today, America is more than your home; it’s your country. This is one of the things that makes our country so unique. With a single oath, all at once you become as fully American as the most direct descendant of a founding father.”

George W. Bush
President of the United States
USS Midway, San Diego, CA

Click "Read More" to view Current USCIS Test Questions.

Once again, catastrophic fire has left its devastating footprint on our California landscape.

It seems that this time every year, we find ourselves in the same precarious situation of watching our hillsides get drier and drier while the summer gets hotter and hotter, until a fire erupts and we scramble to contain it and minimize its effect. Once the fire's been put out and things return to normal (for the most part), we do little to prevent future fires. Then summer hits once again and we're back to square one. It's time we put an end to this cycle.

This reality has never been as evident as with the Angora fire that devastated the South Lake Tahoe area. A drier than usual winter, low humidity, illegal campfires, wind gusts and an abundance of undergrowth all served as catalysts that fed the fire.

The existing hands-off approach is simply not acceptable -- suppression alone is a flawed policy whereby forest fires are merely put out and there isn't enough active forest management. This policy has resulted in the Lake Tahoe basin having twice as many trees as normally would be sustained. As a result of certain crippling environmental laws regarding forestry, this calamity has endangered our families, children and firefighters, destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands of residents, threatened our air and water quality, and caused millions of dollars of damage to the Lake Tahoe region.

As we debate significant changes to California's health care system, most people have no idea what we are talking about when we discuss terms like "ERISA," "high risk pool" or "individual mandate."

But how we address these and many other significant issues in the health care debate will significantly impact how much you and your family pay for health coverage, the quality and availability of medical care, and the fate of many local businesses.

We believe it is important that California taxpayers fully understand the impact the various proposals will have on their wallets, jobs, the economy and the entire health care system.

That's why we have created an informative new one-stop website where Californians can learn in easy-to-understand language how the proposed measures will affect health care for families and businesses.

To help you cut through the rhetoric and confusing language, our new health care website details the specific ideas that have been outlined in the various proposals - in clear terms and plain language, without bureaucratic flow charts.

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) - Cindy Sheehan, the soldier's mother who galvanized the anti-war movement, said Sunday that she plans to seek House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's congressional seat unless she introduces articles of impeachment against President Bush in the next two weeks.

Sheehan said she will run against the San Francisco Democrat in 2008 as an independent if Pelosi does not seek by July 23 to impeach Bush. That's when Sheehan and her supporters are to arrive in Washington, D.C., after a 13-day caravan and walking tour starting next week from the group's war protest site near Bush's Crawford ranch.

"Democrats and Americans feel betrayed by the Democratic leadership," Sheehan told The Associated Press. "We hired them to bring an end to the war. I'm not too far from San Francisco, so it wouldn't be too big of a move for me. I would give her a run for her money."

Pelosi spokesman Brendan Daly said the congresswoman has said repeatedly that her focus is on ending the war in Iraq.

"She believes that the best way to support our troops in Iraq is to bring them home safely and soon," Daly said in an e-mail to the AP. "July will be a month of action in Congress to end the war, including a vote to redeploy our troops by next spring."

The White House declined to comment on Sheehan's plans.

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. -- Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

In light of the recent thwarting and ongoing investigation of a major terror plot in various UK locations, John Edwards should reconsider his statement in a speech to the Council On Foreign Relations on May 23. In that speech, Edwards stated, "The war on terror is a slogan designed only for politics, not a strategy to make America safe. It's a bumper sticker, not a plan."

From the Edwards for President website:

"It is now clear that George Bush's misnamed "war on terror" has backfired—and is now part of the problem.

"The war on terror is a slogan designed only for politics, not a strategy to make America safe. It's a bumper sticker, not a plan. ... But the worst thing about this slogan is that it hasn't worked.

"By framing this as a "war," we have walked right into the trap that terrorists have set—that we are engaged in some kind of clash of civilizations and a war against Islam."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is working hard to make sure that the fiery liberal wing of the Democratic Party remembers that she is one of them. She is also going out of her way to reassure opponents of the war that she is on their side.

Her efforts are taking place in speeches and interviews off Capitol Hill and away from the constraints and compromises inherent in running the House. Liberal lawmakers and activists accuse Pelosi of being too cautious.

Now, with Congress’s approval rating plummeting following its passage of an Iraq war-spending bill without a troop-withdrawal timeline, the Speaker is signaling that Democrats will be more forceful in challenging the president.

In recent speeches and interviews, Pelosi has acknowledged the left’s frustration with the war and asked it to work with congressional Democrats to help alter the political climate.

“Unless we make our own environment, we’ll be wedded to incrementalism,” Pelosi told a group of college students on Tuesday at a conference hosted by the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank.

In appreciation for the great work the Republican Party of Fresno County performed in hosting the CRP's Leadership Conference in May, Ron Nehring, Chairman of the California Republican Party presented Chairman Ken May and the party with the CRP's "Chairman's Republican Leadership Award."

Ron presented this award to Ken during the 2007 annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner on June 20th. Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines served as the Master of Ceremonies and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner was the guest speaker for the night.

Also honored at this annual dinner was Carol Cummins and Tom Vidmar, for thier outstanding volunteer contributions to the Republican Party over the years. Carol received the Reagan Award and Tom Lincoln Award.

In Memory of our beloved Barbara -

Mrs. Barbara Ellen Farris, age 72, of Clovis passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday morning, June 15, 2007 at her home.

Barbara was born on July 23, 1934 in Circleville, Kansas to Doyle and Grace Harper. Her sister, Marjorie, was also born in Kansas and the family came to California in 1937 to seek employment. Barbara's father, Doyle, secured a job in Delano, CA., at the Sierra Vista Ranch and a brother, Darrel, was born in 1939. Barbara grew up in Delano and graduated from Delano High School in 1952. Barbara briefly attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, until making her way to the "big city" of Fresno to work at the Fresno Bee. At the Bee she met and fell in love with Bee sports writer Bruce Farris and they were married in 1955. They had three children: Greg, Nancy, and Sandra who all reside in the Fresno area.

House Republicans angled Tuesday to put Democrats in a no-win position: reprimand a senior colleagues or be seen as blindly excusing legislative bullying for partisan reasons.

House leaders tentatively scheduled a late Tuesday vote on a Republican move to reprimand Rep. John Murtha, a Pennsylvania Democrat and close ally of House Speaker Hancy Pelosi, D-Calif. The GOP accuses Murtha of making a blatant threat against a Republican who challenged a pet project that Murtha wanted.

Pelosi Lowers the Boom
Wed May 16 2007 14:43:59 ET

After losing a string of embarrassing votes on the House floor because of procedural maneuvering, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has decided to change the current House Rules to completely shut down the floor to the minority.

The Democratic Leadership is threatening to change the current House Rules regarding the Republican right to the Motion to Recommit or the test of germaneness on the motion to recommit. This would be the first change to the germaneness rule since 1822.

In protest, the House Republicans are going to call procedural motions every half hour.

Developing...

The Republican Party of Fresno County has made some major improvements in its membership organization to more effectively execute its tasks. From its communications and outreach efforts to training and support for its activists and officials alike, Fresno County has strived to reach new levels of professionalism and strength from top to bottom. At its core, the county's goals remain simple: elect Republican candidates to office, promote Republican ideas and principles, and further motivate others to put those ideas in to action and spread our message.

The Republican Party of Fresno County has made some major improvements in its membership organization to more effectively execute its tasks. From its communications and outreach efforts to training and support for its activists and officials alike, Fresno County has strived to reach new levels of professionalism and strength from top to bottom. At its core, the county's goals remain simple: elect Republican candidates to office, promote Republican ideas and principles, and further motivate others to put those ideas in to action and spread our message.

The Republican Party of Fresno County cordially invites you to attend The 2007

Lincoln Reagan Dinner with special guest Steve Poizner, California Insurance Commissioner.

Mr. Poizner is California's second highest-ranking elected Republican official. The Insurance Commissioner is second only to the Governor's office with regard to influence and impact on the California economy. The California Department of Insurance oversees the fourth largest insurance market in the world -- $118 billion in annual premiums - or roughly 15% of the California economy.

This years Lincoln Award Recipient will be Tom Vidmar & the Reagan Award Recipient will be Carol Cummins.

You are invited - - to attend a welcome reception hosted by the Republican Party of Fresno County, this Friday, May 4.

Join us, as we welcome the California Republican Party Statewide Leadership Conference in Fresno. This conference is a meeting for county Republican chairmen, treasurers and other county leaders for intensive meetings and briefings on campaign finance and party buildings. As of today, 125 statewide leaders have registered!

The Republican Party of Fresno County will kick off the conference with a - - - Welcome Reception, Friday, May 4, 2007, 6-9pm.

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered an excellent demonstration yesterday of why members of Congress should not attempt to supplant the secretary of state when traveling abroad. After a meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Ms. Pelosi announced that she had delivered a message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that 'Israel was ready to engage in peace talks' with Syria. What's more, she added, Mr. Assad was ready to 'resume the peace process' as well.

"Only one problem: The Israeli prime minister entrusted Ms. Pelosi with no such message. 'What was communicated to the U.S. House Speaker does not contain any change in the policies of Israel,' said a statement quickly issued by the prime minister's office...Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were mere propaganda...The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president.

SACRAMENTO – Speaking out in support of the brave Californians defending our country overseas, Assembly Republicans today sharply criticized a proposal by Senate President pro Tem Don Perata to hold a statewide vote on the War in Iraq, calling it a divisive measure that would undermine the important mission of our troops in the War Against Terror.

Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, of Clovis
“Thousands of brave men and women from California are putting their lives on the line every day to defend our country and protect our freedoms. Forcing a statewide vote on the War in Iraq is an ill-advised political stunt that will divide Californians at a time when our troops overseas need our unwavering support now more than ever before.”

Senator Dave Cogdill:

Hi, this is Senator Dave Cogdill, filling in for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with this week's California Report.

This week, the Governor and I traveled across the state to talk about the importance of water storage for the future of California.

For years, water supply has been a pressing issue ignored at the Capitol.

But California's water system is in dire need of improvement.

Our current system cannot protect us from heavy rain flow in wet years or get us through drought in dry years.

It cannot guarantee enough water for our crops or for our growing population and economy.

Fred Machado has a 10-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty, two flagpoles and a GOP elephant-shaped topiary in his front yard.

The hard-working, fast-talking patriot is an unrepentant and unapologetic member of the new minority in America -- those who support the war in Iraq.

As the campaign in Iraq reaches its fourth anniversary today, with the number of American dead well over 3,000, support for the war has waned.

Some of the supporters have family members or friends serving in Iraq. Others, like Machado, just believe strongly that the war is the right thing to do.

The 2008 Presidential election will be one of the most important in our lifetimes. For the first time in nearly sixty years, the Republican nominee will come from individuals who are neither a sitting or former Republican President or Presidential nominee or a sitting or former Vice President or Vice Presidential nominee, or an immediate family member of them.

Presidential primary date likely to be advanced. California is likely to play an important role in the selection of our 2008 Republican nominee. Our presidential primary date will almost certainly be advanced to February 5, 2008, placing California among the "early decider" states for the first time in decades.

New "winner take all by congressional district" rule. The CRP has established an important delegate selection process that awards delegates to Presidential candidates based upon the Presidential primary results in each of California 's 53 Congressional districts. The winner of the popular vote of Republican voters in each district will be awarded 3 delegates to the Republican National Convention. This affords grass-roots activists an unparalleled opportunity to participate in the Presidential delegate selection process.

Who gets to be a delegate? Each publicly-identified Republican Presidential candidate's name will be placed on the primary ballot.

Three of the top GOP Presidential candidates have all visited Fresno over the last month, with many more stops to come. Please take the time to find out more about our GOP candidates.

To the right under "Action Center", we have listed our GOP candidates; please take the time to view their websites.

To view the articles written on their visits to Fresno and what role Fresno will have on the road to the White House.

Please click "Read More" to view the below articles:

California plays key role on road to the White House
The GOP's path to success goes through Fresno
Romney joins GOP parade making visits to Valley
McCain courts Valley support
Giuliani rouses backers in Fresno

Please join the Republican Party of Fresno County and our Republican Coalitions—
Black Republicans of Fresno County, California Republican National Hispanic Assembly, Clovis– Fresno Evening Republican Women Federated, CSUF College Republicans, Fresno County & City Republican Women Federated, Lincoln Club of Fresno County, Republican Jewish Coalition of Central California, Republican Professionals of Fresno County

As we network and learn more about our many different GOP Coalitions.

One of the largest patriotic events in recent times will be traveling through Central California in Thursday, March 8, and we need everyone who supports our troops and out veterans to turn out and participate in this huge event.

Quotes from President Reagan:

Ronald Reagan has enlightened and inspired the American people throughout his career as a public servant. The following are some memorable quotes from Reagan on leadership, patriotism, freedom and government...

(Click Read More.)

Senator Dave Cogdill
"We are obviously every excited about the Governor's water proposal and pleased he has pick the ball up from last year and is willing to do everything we can to move it forward. We’re pleased with the effort that we are putting forward at this point and look forward to working with the Governor’s office and hopefully a bi-partisan coalition of legislators to get it out of the legislation this year."

Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines
“Assembly Republicans are especially pleased by the governor’s renewed commitment to paying down our state’s long-term debt and fixing our broken redistricting system once and for all. Those are the centrist views of California’s hardworking families. True bipartisanship is not when one party compromises their principles to another for the sake of public relations, it’s when we put the people of California first."

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, all of us are saddened by the news that former President Gerald R. Ford passed away last night. I spoke with Betty Ford. On behalf of all Americans Laura and I extend to Mrs. Ford and all President Ford's family our prayers and our condolences.

President Ford was a great man who devoted the best years of his life in serving the United States. He was a true gentleman who reflected the best in America's character. Before the world knew his name, he served with distinction in the United States Navy and in the United States Congress.

As a congressman from Michigan, and then as Vice President, he commanded the respect and earned the good will of all who had the privilege of knowing him. On August 9, 1974, he stepped into the presidency without ever having sought the office. He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most.

During his time in office, the American people came to know President Ford as a man of complete integrity who led our country with common sense and kind instincts.

Yesterday, I was very fortunate to have been unanimously elected by my Republican colleagues to serve as the next Assembly Republican Leader.

I know that my colleagues have bestowed an enormous responsibility upon my shoulders, one that I accept with humility and confidence. In the months ahead, I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and leading a united Republican team as we work to make our state a better place.

As I begin the transition to my tenure as Republican Leader, I want to commend my predecessor George Plescia for his service and tremendous sacrifices. George led our caucus with great purpose and professionalism during some very complex and often trying times for our party and our state, and I will continue to value his counsel greatly in my new position.

My election as Republican Leader should not be seen as a statement about any one individual, or whether as Republicans we should pursue a moderate or conservative course. Rather, my election as Leader is an embrace of the importance of continuity and stability in the Republican Leader as we face many legislative and political challenges in the coming years, especially retaining our three Republican-held Assembly seats in Democratic-leaning districts.

For years, those of us closely involved in Republican politics have been watching our Washington-based politicians slowly squander their majority. Tuesday's electoral losses for the GOP were certainly not unexpected. The media and editorial pages all over the country have a fundamental misunderstanding of the reasons why the GOP lost 2006.

Democrats will claim a mandate, but they ran an issueless campaign, devoid of any answers or alternatives to Republican policies. They have no strategically sound answers for the war on terror or in Iraq.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, the Democrat leaders in the Congress, spent a great deal of time hiding over the last several days of the campaign. Sen. John Kerry was certainly no help.

The Republican Party of Fresno County would like to thank each and every one of our volunteers who worked the phones and walked precincts over the past few months.

Because of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, Fresno County helped re-elected Governor Schwarzenegger 66% over Angelides’ 30% (36% margin! Fresno County numbers)

With the help of our volunteers, we can also congratulation the following:
Rep. George Radanovich who defeated Democrat challenger TJ Cox (who spent over $500,000 of his own money) 60% to 20%! Rep. Devin Nunes, State Senator Dave Cogdill, Assemblyman Mike Villines and Fresno Unified School Board Member Valerie Davis!

State tax increases were all defeated and Prop. 83, Jessica’s Law won (74% to 26% in Fresno County).

A very special “Thank You” to Tal Eslick, Deputy Field Director, Fresno County Victory ’06 for all your hard work over the past few months! Thanks Tal!

We would also like to acknowledge Carol Cummins, who was in the office day in and day out scheduling our volunteers and Marge Orender who walked 15 precincts!!!

To all our volunteers – THANK YOU!

What to do today!

1. Download the Official Republican Voter Guide, please see "Election 2006".

2. Vote! To find your polling location, please click "Read More".

3. Turn in your absentee ballot. Your absentee ballot MUST be turned in by Nov 7th.

4. Stop by our Victory 06 headquarter and help encourage other Republicans to vote.

5. Walk your neighborhood and encourage your Republican neighbors to vote.

6. Join our Victory '06 Election Night Party. Grand Occasions, 8:30pm.

As we enter the final week of the Republican Campaign, your help is needed.

Please take action today to support our Republican candidates in Fresno County and throughout the state.

Sign up as a Republican Volunteer today and help us elect our Republican ticket to office.

Tom McClintock and John Garamendi went head-to-head for the second time in a one-hour debate before the San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board on Monday. The debate was filmed at KPIX-TV.

Executive Life, the Enron-type scandal that has haunted John Garamendi for more than 15 years, triggered a lively discussion between McClintock and Garamendi in the final 10 minutes of the debate. It's really worth watching... Emmy award-winning political reporter Hank Plante asked the last question of the candidates, and it was about the Executive Life commercials that have been running statewide featuring Sue and Vice Watson.

The crack investigative team at the FlashReport has uncovered documents (attached below for your perusal) showing that political upstart and congressional candidate, Terrance J. (“T.J.”) Cox, was sued for fraud in Texas before moving to California four years ago. Cox is the latest Democrat to challenge popular Republican Congressman George Radanovich in the Central Valley. However, unlike previous challengers, Cox has already lent his campaign more than $500,000. According to court records filed by Atkins Production Services, Inc. in Tarrant County, Texas, Cox “manipulated and cooked the books of his companies to fraudulently sell the businesses and fraudulently obtain an inflated price for the businesses.”

McClintock Unveils New Campaign Commercial

Tom McClintock launched a new campaign commercial Monday that began airing in major media markets statewide. The television spot is called ‘COMMITMENT.’

In every campaign appearance, McClintock delivers his message. “This election is about a clear choice for California’s future,” a theme that is repeated in his latest commercial.

During the thirty-second commercial, McClintock references the recall election of 2003, his running mate Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and ends with the tag line, “this election is about moving forward, not backward.”

McClintock Blasts Garamendi for Selling Out Investors To French...

Amy Chance writes in the Sacramento Bee: "Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, has a new ad attacking his opponent.... ANNOUNCER: 'The truth about John Garamendi's record as insurance commissioner.' Vince Watson: 'As insurance commissioner, Garamendi sold our insurance company to a junk bond king and foreign bank.

Bustamante Busted! Breaks Promise To Give Back Insurance Money...

Dan Morain reports in the Los Angeles Times: "Despite promising to return donations from insurance companies, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has kept tens of thousands of dollars from them and accepted money from others he will oversee if he becomes state insurance commissioner. Just before the June primary election, Bustamante, facing criticism for taking insurance money, announced that he would repay such contributions, then estimated at $158,000.

Thomas Del Beccaro writes on PoliticalVanguard.com:

"We shall now see the true colors of the Democrats running statewide. Rather bluntly, Phil Angelides, John Garamendi, Debra Bowen, John Chiang, Bill Lockyer, Cruz Bustamante - and any other Democrats who have been endorsed by United Teachers Los Angeles - should publicly denounce that labor union and return any campaign donations they have received from the union or its members.... UTLA recently agreed to host an anti-Semitic, anti-Israel gathering at its headquarters to support a boycott of Israel.

The Bakersfield Californian writes: "'The choice for Attorney General is a slam dunk -- State Sen. Chuck Poochigian, R-Fresno. Throughout his years in public life, Poochigian has been a steady, thoughtful and effective lawmaker.... Poochigian's credentials to be the state's 'top cop' as attorney general make Brown's laughable by comparison.... Poochigian has been a strong supporter of the death penalty, the three-strikes law, longer sentences for sexual predators, has opposed excessive prisoner rights and was a key player in passing legislation that cracked down on identity theft...

Cast Your Ballots Now: Early Voting Has Begun...

Dan Walters writes in the Sacramento Bee: "Technically, Election Day is still nearly four weeks away, but voting begins this week as millions of absentee ballots are mailed out to Californians who prefer... to do their voting at home.... Within a few days, those ballots will start pouring into county election offices -- a phenomenon that has transformed the dynamics of campaigning ever since Republican George Deukmejian won the governorship in 1982 with the state's first large-scale absentee vote campaign while losing among voters who cast ballots on Election Day."

What a difference a month makes. Most of you have seen or heard the very effective television and radio ads which expose the real Jerry Brown - the radical and kooky liberal with a historically weak anti-crime record whose incompetence as Oakland mayor has turned that city into a war zone.

The result is that Senator Chuck Poochigian is now on an upward track with five weeks to go - plenty of time to retire Jerry Brown from his 37-year pox on California.

Welcome to the Republican Party of Fresno County’s new website! We hope you will find it informative.

As you know, Fresno County is a Republican majority county. We work hard to maintain this majority by endorsing good Republican candidates throughout the county. This year we have endorsed 101 Republican throughout the state and county.

Forget about her claim to have dodged sniper’s bullets in Bosnia, or that she was named after Sir Edmund Hilary, or that she met a woman who was denied health care and died.

All of these Hillary Clinton fibs and exaggerations are basically harmless. But her current attempts to lie about her record and to pretend that she always opposed free trade agreements and disagreed with Bill on NAFTA is a serious distortion of her record as she searches for blue collar support in Pennsylvania.

Hillary was a strong sup porter of NAFTA. Her official schedule reveals that she attended meetings designed to promote its passage and her memoir, Living History betrays no hint of any opposition to her husband’s key legislative accomplishment of his first two years in office — the ratification of NAFTA.

Growing numbers of people like what they see in John McCain, vaulting him into a tie with the two Democratic presidential contenders just a few months after Republicans faced a steep disadvantage.
The Arizona senator has made a race of the White House contest by attracting disgruntled GOP voters, independents and even some moderate Democrats who shunned his party last fall, according to an Associated Press-Yahoo News poll released Thursday. About two-thirds of them have grown disenchanted with President Bush despite voting for him in 2004, including many GOP-leaning independents, while the remaining third usually support Democrats but like McCain anyway.
While McCain's image with voters has progressed since November, it is far from overwhelmingly strong. Yet he has done better than his two rivals: Opinions of Hillary Rodham Clinton have soured slightly since the fall, while views of Barack Obama have improved though less impressively than McCain's.
"I'm left with McCain as the best of a weak field," said David Chojnacki, 68, a retired judge from West Seneca, N.Y., in a followup interview.
By tracking the same group of roughly 2,000 people throughout the campaign, the AP-Yahoo poll can gauge how individual views are evolving.
The findings of the survey, conducted by Knowledge Networks, provide a preview of one of this fall's battlegrounds. Though some unhappy Republicans will doubtless stay with McCain, voters now shifting toward him include many centrist swing voters who will be targeted by both parties.
One in five overall say they don't know whom they will support in November, showing how volatile the race remains.
The poll shows McCain's appeal has grown while the Democrats' has dwindled _ suggesting he may be aided by the continued scuffling between Obama and Clinton, the senators from Illinois and New York, during their prolonged nomination battle.

LOS ANGELES — Charlton Heston, who won the 1959 best actor Oscar as the chariot-racing "Ben-Hur" and portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the '50s and '60s, has died. He was 84.

The actor died Saturday night at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia at his side, family spokesman Bill Powers said.

Powers declined to comment on the cause of death or provide further details.

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played," Heston's family said in a statement. "No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country."

Heston revealed in 2002 that he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, saying, "I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure."

With his large, muscular build, well-boned face and sonorous voice, Heston proved the ideal star during the period when Hollywood was filling movie screens with panoramas depicting the religious and historical past. "I have a face that belongs in another century," he often remarked.

The actor assumed the role of leader offscreen as well. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild and chairman of the American Film Institute and marched in the civil rights movement of the 1950s. With age, he grew more conservative and campaigned for conservative candidates.

...The rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour -- when decisions are hard and courage is needed. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors underway, and others that are ours to begin. In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies -- and the wisdom to face them together.

Some in this chamber are new to the House and the Senate -- and I congratulate the Democrat majority. (Applause.) Congress has changed, but not our responsibilities. Each of us is guided by our own convictions -- and to these we must stay faithful. Yet we're all held to the same standards, and called to serve the same good purposes: To extend this nation's prosperity; to spend the people's money wisely; to solve problems, not leave them to future generations; to guard America against all evil; and to keep faith with those we have sent forth to defend us. (Applause.)

WASHINGTON - Eager to position himself as the most conservative GOP presidential hopeful, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney accused Sen. John McCain Monday of being “disingenuous” on gay marriage.

In an interview with The Examiner, Romney described himself as more conservative than Republican rivals McCain, R-Ariz., and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on a variety of issues. “We’re in a different place on immigration; we’re in a different place on campaign reform; we’re in a different place on same–sex marriage; we’re in a different place on the president’s policy on interrogation of detainees,” Romney said.

“I’m a conservative Republican, there’s no question about that,” he said. “I’m at a different place than the other two.”

National Journal’s Hotline, a compendium of insider political analysis, predicted Monday that “Romney will run squarely to the right of John McCain and Rudy Giuliani in what’s fast become a three-man GOP race.”

Barack Obama’s campaign blasted John McCain Thursday for being unable to persuade the North Carolina Republican Party to pull a controversial ad criticizing Obama for his connection to his former pastor.

The North Carolina GOP still plans to air the ad next week, despite attempts by McCain to shut it down and despite mistaken claims by his campaign earlier Thursday that the ad would be killed.

"Bitter," says Sen. Barack Obama, the man of hope and change, about those who live Pennsylvania, small towns and the Midwest.
"You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania," Barack Obama said two Sundays ago to the Brie-and-chardonnay crowd at a fundraiser in San Francisco, "and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years, and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate, and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
I spent nearly 20 years living in the Midwest. I attended law school in Michigan, and moved to and lived in Ohio for another 15 years. I married a woman from Menominee, a small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her strong, values-oriented, working-class parents produced a doctor and two computer engineers.

(Sacramento, CA) - California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring today issued the following statement on the occasion of five months of Democrat control of Congress:

"After five months in control of Congress, now is a good time to take a look at what the Democrats have accomplished. Or not.

"Democrats didn't win control of Congress because they had an agenda for America. Republicans lost control because we didn't live up to the standards we set for ourselves in 1994. The Democrats didn't have an agenda for this Congress, and it shows: not one of their 'Six for 06' campaign promises has made it into law.

"As of today, only 26 bills have been signed beyond the Iraq War Supplemental. The bold, 'new direction' Democrats promised during the campaign has turned into renaming federal property, extending a few existing laws, extending the Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin Act, and other such issues vital to the Republic."