Tuesday was election day across the nation. Most important were those watching to see if Republicans would win any seats and they did. Republicans won the governerships of Virginia and New Jersey.

It was quite a blow to the Obama adminstration who had campaigned heavily in both states for the Dems. And Republican leadership all across the country see it as a positive sign for next year's elections. As usual, the majority party loses seats in Congress the following election year. Yesterday's elections were seen as a litmus test.

What does this mean for the Obama administration? It means that the party is over. No more smooth sailing as the United States' first African American President. Its time to act like all the rest and fight for what you believe in. People are no longer going to lay down now that the hoop-la is over.

What does this mean for Republicans? As I said in earlier posts, the Republican party will rise from the dead next year. But what party? The party that stood for lower taxes and smaller government (i.e. Ronald Reagan's Republicans) or the party that former President George W. Bush led astray with larger government(i.e creation of Homeland Security) and out of control spending (i.e. two wars).

Either way, the chickens are coming home to roost.

Next year's elections should be pretty simple. Republicans will commandedly regain control of Congress and the California legislature.

This year's most important issues have been jobs and healthcare. Democrats in Washington and Sacramento could not deliver on either one.

First, the stimulus passed which was going to save the economy from collapsing. And even though Ben Bernanke declared that the recession was over last month, the truth is it is far from over. The recession won't be over until people start going back to work. Early predictions are hoping the job market comes back by 2011. Currently unemployment is at 9.8%. That's 1 in every 10 people that do not have a job across America. California is even worse at 12%.

Second, the idea of healthcare reform has been floating around all summer. I still don't have insurance. We had the townhalls which got out of control, Congressmen and Senators were shouted down, people had guns at presidential events, and the nation was put on edge. Here in the county alone, we had two incidents. There was a fight at the Conejo Valley Democrats meeting and a finger was bitten off at a Thousand Oaks rally. If healthcare reform finally passes, it will be a watered down version of anything we really need.

Both issues are affecting every single American. President Barack Obama and his party have failed to deliver. American's want to see action, not just hear empty talk. Next year the voters will show Democrats the door and I forsee a revival of the Republican party.

UPDATE: The first two meetings were a success. Did not make the Thursday night meeting. Did you?

Ever wanted to join the Republican party but didn't know how?

Well this week is your week. The Ventura County Republicans are beginning a new, aggressive campaign to recruit members in cities all across the county. The initiative is being spearheaded by Chris Collier , Executive Director of the local party. The new City Clubs campaign kicks off Monday Night with a gathering at Toppers in Oxnard. It is located at 111 East Gonzales Road. 

Below is a complete list of the events going on this week. Meetings will be taking place in both West County and East County.

The week will wrap up Saturday with precinct walks in each of the cities. So come on out and stimulate the economy at local businesses with some fellow Republicans. Moderates and decline to states are always welcome.

MONDAY- OXNARD
Toppers Pizza
111 E Gonzales Rd, Oxnard, CA
5:30-7pm

TUESDAY- VENTURA
Victoria Pub
1413 Victoria Ave, CA‎
5:30-7pm

WEDNESDAY- NO MEETING, VENTURA COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING

THURSDAY- CONEJO VALLEY
El Torito Mexican Grill
449 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA
5:30-7pm

FRIDAY- SIMI VALLEY
TGIFriday's
2795 Tapo Canyon Rd, Simi Valley, CA‎
5:30-7pm

SATURDAY:  PRECINCT WALKS IN ALL 4 CITIES! 
9:30AM-NOON

Today in the editorial section Timm Herdt gave a good examination of what is happening with the Republican Party in the state.  They are to say the least, dead in the water.

John McCain lost almost all of the former Republican strongholds in the state. Much of the Republicans who once held secure seats faced a very competitive election this fall, most evident with the race for the 19^th Senate District. This seat used to be a safe Republican seat. During the election Tony Strickland had to campaign his butt off and we still don't know if he's the winner.

In the article Timm talks about how the party really needs to come up with new ideas that can be competitive with the Democrats. And this is true. I've heard the Party referred to as a bunch of knuckle draggers and unfortunately, that is how most of California sees the party. They say that the Republicans want to live in the 50's. Sad to say but this sometimes sounds true.

To continue, the Republican Party must be reborn, in the state, and across the nation. Especially here in California, the state that is the most progressive, new ideas must emerge. I know Republicans are smart and are able to do this. We have just as many MBA's and lawyers as the Dems. They just don't want to. Sticking to their no new taxes stance is as old as the modern party is and is ok. It is just everything else that the Republican Party needs to start thinking dynamically about.

Listen to me; I want to see the Republican Party succeed. I like Tim though, wonder if they can.

Herdt: Can GOP Get Off The Floor