Santa Barbra Republicans have chosen a new leader that promises to focus their party on economic issues, not divisive social issues.
The new leadership in local parties got me thinking about the state budget and the difference between settling and serious goal setting.
Currently it takes a 2/3rds majority to pass a state budget that includes fees tax increases, which is different than most states. Many Republicans like this because this normally guarantees their ability to shape the budget to a certain extent.
But I don't think I like things that make Republicans give up on trying to win control of the legislature, not because it makes it too hard for taxes to be increased, but because it makes some Republicans satisfied with the small influence that they have in Sacramento. Republicans seem to have given up on ever actually being in the majority again. And why shouldn't they give up? Even if they got a majority they might not be able to pass a budget either.
But if they could pass their own budget with a simple majority taking over the legislature seems like a more important goal. It might take some conservative Democrats to cross over but I don't think it is impossible for Republicans to win in California.
So, what do you say Republicans? Do you want to follow leaders with no plan to become the majority party or are you willing to take a chance on party leaders with a new vision? A vision of becoming the new majority party?
Say what you will about the ethics and personal charisma of Newt Gingrich he didn't have a loser's mentality. It took him years to do it but he organized the take over of the House by Republicans for the 1st time in 1994 since the era of Dwight Eisenhower! If you have party leaders with no plan to attract enough people to become the majority party in California, elect new leaders or run yourself.
No matter what party we support most of us recognize that competitive elections benefit all of us. When a party grows complacent corruption and special interest politics are going to grow.
Republicans: California needs you to stop settling for a few seats in the legislature and to come up with bold plans and new candidates that can attract new voters to your party. It is in all of our best interests. It isn't for me to lecture you too much about not becoming the party of Sarah Palin in California ( if you think it will work then go for it!) or what conservative principles to give up on, but if your leaders don't have a plan to change we are all in trouble.
This isn't about passing a budget this year, raising taxes this year, or any of that. What I am really interested in is knowing if Republicans are coming up with a long term plan to put control of the legislature in play.
Republicans, do you plan to be in the permanent minority or are you planning to change the game up?
Santa Barbara Republican Party Elects New Chairman12/10/2008
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P R E S S R E L E A S E
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2008
GANDRUD TO FOCUS ON ECONOMIC ISSUES
Last night saw big changes for the Santa Barbara County Republican Party, with several positions changing hands on the Executive Committee during an organizational meeting that was held in the Pico Adobe at the El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park .
Gregory Gandrud was unanimously elected Chairman, following outgoing Chairman Monte Ward's announcement that he would not be seeking re-election to the top Republican position in the county. As an accountant and former Carpinteria City Councilman, Mr. Gandrud is well known as a strong proponent of limited government and fiscal responsibility. Most recently Greg was the Republican candidate for the 35th district State Assembly seat.
"Greg recognizes the need for our local party to re-shape its image and promote ideas that can attract new members," said Executive Director Cory Bantilan. "We need to be at the forefront of economic issues and Greg will make that a top priority."
Also elected to the Executive Committee were Debbie Thompson, who replaces Mr. Gandrud as Treasurer, Scott Burns, and Frank Hotchkiss. Mr. Burns moves into a new role as Secretary while Mr. Hotchkiss will retain his position as Director of Communications. Presiding over the ceremony was Superior Court Judge Clifford R. Anderson, who swore in elected members to a two-year term.
The Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee meets on the third Wednesday of every month in Buellton.
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I supported Greg in his run for State Assembly and I support him wholeheartedly as the new Chair of the Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee. He has vision, personal charisma, integrity, and character, all of which will be necessary in reshaping the image and effectiveness of the party as we move forward.
You agree the Republican Party should focus on economics and not a divisive social agenda? I always thought you were a cultural conservative too.
Brian,
I am, to some degree. As an example, I was a big supporter of Prop. 8.
But, I also believe the overall strategy the Party has engaged in over the last 8 years has not worked very well and I think we need to change course considerably. We need young, energetic leaders, with bold new ideas and a strong sense of fiscal discipline and an anti-tax bias. Greg fits the bill in all respects.
How does he fit in with the majority of your party, since he's an openly gay man? Didn't your party just back an initiative to take away his civil liberties?
I frankly can't believe Greg G. can get behind those that openly supported Prop 8. I have heard Tony Strickland say he doesn't support gay marriage - which is his pergotive. But obviously, it is a big bone of contention with many Californians - there is a reason why it was the most costly initiative in California history. Must be some $$$$ promised.
Katie,
Leave it to you to be cynical about someone who holds promise for the Republican Party. Do you ever say anything positive about the Party? Your bitterness comes shining through again.
I think Greg does show promise because he is willing to tell the Republican Party they are wrong on some issues. Flamo, I do find it odd you support him yet you voted against his legal rights.
Is the new strategy really new or is it being quiet on some parts of your party's platform?
I stated fact. I made no judgement on Prop 8. My opinion is I can't believe Greg got behind it. My conclusion is there is some $$$ involved. Save your breath (and bandwidth).
Katie,
To be clear Greg was against Proposition 8 if I remember correctly.
Brian,
I beg your pardon, but I didn't vote against anyone's legal rights. Gay couples can still get married. They just can't call it marriage. They still hold the same rights as heterosexual couples. If the title of their relationship is so important to them, then they should head out to Massachusetts where it's allowed.
Why not bring it up with your party leader and ask if he thinks you voted against his rights?
Flamo,
I understand you think it was very important for you to vote yes on Proposition 8 and I think we both agree arguing with each other about Proposition 8 is a waste of time.
But there is no denying that before Proposition 8 gay people had the legal right to marry in California and now that it passed they do not. That means you voted to take away a legal right. The right to have their marriage recognized by the state of California.
Mongo Mike Gibson Vemtura says gay couples can still get married.
Wrong. Obviously he never actually read the text of the initiative, and instead chose to accept his party talking points as gospel. How pathetic.
Once again Mongo Mike Gibson proves he lacks even basic skills of reading comprehension, or even worse, chooses to lie.
Brian,
Again, my point was that gay couples can still engage in civil unions, which, in my mind, are the same thing as "marriages" because they are entitled to basically the same legal rights as those that are bestowed under a marriage contract.
I won't even dignify this other moron's comments with a response. I think the emotional rant this person has engaged in here exposes him or her as the empty-headed dolt that they are.