I asked Jeff Gorell about a few questions on a previous entry and he gave me some answers. I paraphrased his responses.
1. Does Jeff Gorell support civil unions? Many conservatives, like Tony Strickland, opposed them because they thought they would lead the way for gay marriage. How would have Jeff Gorell voted on the law that created civil unions in California?
Jeff said he isn't opposed to civil unions that provide for many of the same financial and legal obligations and benefits of marriage but he did vote for Proposition 8. I took his statement to mean he would have voted in favor of creating civil unions in California. If I am wrong I am sure he will correct me.
2. Would Jeff Gorell sign Grover Norquist's no new tax pledge or is he open to raising taxes like the governor or the Democratically controlled legislature?
Jeff said he is adamantly opposed to new taxes and he has lobbied against higher taxes in the past. He isn't a big fan of pledges that bind the hands of legislators from negotiating with the other party though. He does support the efforts that Republicans in Sacramento are doing to stop tax increases because he believes they end up hurting the ability for Californians to create, attract, and keep jobs here.
Thanks Jeff. I appreciate a candidate that is open to the public to taking questions.
Click here to see his website.
Jeff needs to sound different than his predecessor - especially with the changing demographics.
Jeff is and sounds like just another politician. He's afraid of answering a qusestion with a real answer. He has never been known for being a bright star as a Deputy DA, I think he may even be dimmer as a Assemblyman. As a Republican I think we do better than him.
Katie,
He supports civil unions and he isn't into pledges much. Doesn't that already make him different than many Republicans?
Are you looking for a more conservative Republican to support?
So Jeff, it sounds like you will be just another republican robot in Sacramento if you are elected who is programmed to say "No new taxes, no new taxes". Jeff maybe the reason the GOP in California is rapidly disapearing is because moderate republicans like yourself drink the kool-aide that the Strickland's pour and you sell your soul in order to be elected. Saying you will vote No on higher taxes before you even get to Sacramento and evaluate the situation is totally irresponsible. The founding fathers never said "No new taxes" they said no taxation without representation. The GOP has become a group of gutless, souless punks in Sacramento, they are so gutless they will not even put together their own budget proposal, instead they just refuse to vote yes on anything, we can hire monkeys to do that Jeff, we don't need you and your ilk in Sacramento.
Bubbo,
I think it takes more courage to cut spending than it does to increase taxes. Why don't we focus on reigning in unfettered spending instead of asking the hard working citizens for a bigger chunk of their paycheck?
So far cutting spending (much like the pro-life effort) just gets lip service. It takes a brave politician to actually suggest real cuts.
The "no new tax" mantra is something the Reps wave around versus doing any real work. I am dissappointed that Jeff is already drawing a line in the sand.
Match new taxes with real cuts - and this includes public safety, education, health services, etc.
And all those politicians that say they are pro-life. How about supporting the parental notification props? And lobby for some 4-D ultrasounds in the public health clinics while you are at it.
Wow, it seems like we just finished an election cycle less than a month ago and we already have an official campaign beginning. OH, that's right, we did finish less than a month ago.
I for one will sit back an wait a while before I even consider who the Republican candidate for assembly should be. I think there are many more people in our district that have as much or more to offer than Jeff. I would like to see some of them have an opportunity to consider a run for this office without Jeff locking it up before we even have time to catch our breath from the last election.
I think that some of our elected and civic leaders might want to ponder what they have to offer as a potential candidate for the republican nomination for state assembly. Choice would sure be nice for a change.
Choice in a candidate is a dirty word in this county. Don't use your real name or you will be attacked as being "unloyal". Me - I don't care.
Katie,
He said he is normally against pledges from interest groups but he is usually against tax increases. How is that different from your position?
The governor has declared CA in a state of fiscal emergency. Our deficit will be $28 billion by 2010. We are going to run out of money next spring. Dems are suggesting billions in cuts, Reps are voting their suggestions down. Go to Drudge or LA Times for the story. I say it is time to get to work instead of working on reelection.