Today is day 62 without a budget. Tomorrow we go into record territory--63 days without a budget.

The good news is that the people of California do not have a tax increase.

The GOP plan has more real spending cuts, $2 billion in borrowed money from the Lottery and about $350 million borrowed from redevelopment agencies.

The Democrat/Governors plan has billions in new spending, billions in new taxes and billions in new fees.

The GOP saves jobs, the other plan kills jobs.

Now we are ready for a compromise? I doubt it--why should the GOP compromise away jobs, raise taxes on the poor and middle class?

For those that read this blog and love the Democrat/Governors plan--here is a real compromise.

All you have to do is send a check to Sacramento, voluntarily. If you really believe you are being taxed too little--then tax yourself. In the mean time, allow families to feed their children, businesses to grow new jobs and folks to pay their mortgages. Don't do any more damage to California than you have already done.

To paraphrase a New York newspaper headline from years ago, "Democrats to California: Go to Hell"

We have a fiscal crisis, caused by Democrat over spending. Instead of cutting, like the addicts they are, they demand another fix, more spending, more taxes.

They do not care how many children and elderly they harm. Obviously they do not care about the vendors they are hurting and the jobs they are killing. Perata, Bass, Nunez and friends are holding the people of California hostage--give us your money or we will harm your elderly, stop the education of your children, let criminals go free.

The Republicans have provided a mechanism, an emergency expenditure bill to pay the needed invoices and agencies. Below is a press release from Senator Jeff Denham explaining what the GOP bill covers.

Oh, you may wonder why the Democrats would refuse to pay the legitimate bills of the State. Easy. If we paid the bills, then the reason for a tax increase would be gone. Democrats need their tax increase fix and nothing will get in their way--even the woman, children and elderly of California.

BTW, I know that Tony Strickland has opposed the tax and spending increase of the Democrats. But his opponent, by her silence, appears to support higher taxes on the poor and middle class. Hannah Jackson seems to be siding with Don Perata, who will be financing her campaign, in trying to drag every dime possible out of the hard working families of Lomoc, Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Santa Barbara. Her lack of support for the families of the Central Coast is deafening.

While Strickland and the Republicans want the State to pay its legitimate bills, Jackson just wants tax increases and bigger government. Strickland would have voted for the emergency payment bill. Jackson would continue to stiff the workers and vendors of the State.

There is a difference in the 19th Senate District.

Here is the explanation of the GOP legislation to pay our bills, a press release from Senator Denham:.

Senate Democrats Block Denham's Fight to Get Emergency Funding for California's Most Vulnerable

Sacramento -- Senate Democrats today voted down an effort by Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced) to hear Assembly Bill 207 which would have allowed the State to make payments to nursing homes, health clinics and other vital facilities during the budget impasse.

"It is hypocritical for Senate Democrats to talk about the suffering of California's most vulnerable citizens and then play partisan politics and not vote to fund the vital services on which they depend," Denham said.

Specifically, AB 207, authored by Denham, would have provided a $12 billion emergency appropriation to ensure that hospitals and nursing homes received the necessary funding to keep their doors open."

"Healthcare for those in need should not be interrupted while the Legislature is late on passing a balanced budget," said Denham

Ironically, on Friday, Senate Democrat Leader Don Perata claimed to be concerned for those at risk because of the budget stalemate:

"The list is long, characterized in common by innocence, helplessness and anonymity," said Perata. "Special education children, physically-disabled adults, elderly residents in long-term care facilities, rural hospitals, home-to-school transportation, food service to state hospitals and state prisons, financial aid to hundreds of thousands of students at UC and CSU, thousands of small businesses employing thousands of our constituents that supply every community with essentials such as sanitation, cleaning, security and rehabilitation...This is a game of political roulette we will not play."

"Apparently Senator Perata is willing to play political roulette with the most innocent and helpless among us," said Denham.

--30--

As expected the Democrat plan for a budget, approved by the Governor, went down to defeat. One Democrat, Correa, refused to vote for it. The Senate plan by the ethically challenged Don Perata was defeated. Why? because it raised taxes on the poor and middle class--and in the long run expanded the base for sales taxes...meaning bigger tax increases automatically, in the future.

In a couple of days we will be in the record books, the longest without a budget.

For Californians, this is a victory. Another day without higher taxes. Another day we can spend more of our money, instead of government.

It was announced this afternoon by Secretary of State Debra Bowen that the deadline has passed for new measures to be put on the November ballot.

That means we will have to hold a special election if the Governor or Democrats want to create new laws on the budget.

Several have asked why the GOP has not presented a budget. The simple reason is that the Governor and the Democrats are committed to tax and spending increases. The GOP is not. So why waste the time in providing a document that will not be passed--that is what Democrats do.

But, some of you want a list of cuts the GOP wants. Senator Jeff Denham the man Don Perata spent millions trying to Recall from office, and failed, due to Denhams' refusal last year to vote for a deficit budget, has a short list.

Feel free to add your cuts to his list. Any expenditures you want to defend?

Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced)
Identifies Idiotic Budget Items in the 'Governor's Compromise Lite'

Senate Democrats dropped a new Conference Committee Budget Compromise on Senate Republican's late yesterday which further increases taxes while cutting education.

The "Governor's Compromise Lite" proposal, which assumes the economy will rebound even in the face of higher taxes, contains the following ridiculous and/or unnecessary General Fund items:


'Smörgåsbord' Board

Nearly $7 million for a "Central Valley Flood Protection Board", which will basically just rename the already existing Reclamation Board and allow the state to take control away from local government

Chic Décor

Nearly $1 million to buy the State Controller some new office furniture while the Controller's office withholds funding for nursing homes, health clinics and other vital services during the budget stalemate

Err A-Parent

Over $1 million for "Male Involvement Program" pamphlets, posters, advertising and events to tell young men what they likely already know; they play a role in teen pregnancy and can prevent it

Railroad Lies

$456,000 in this year's budget and $2.3 million next year to again fund the North Coast Railroad - a "paper railroad" (as veteran political columnist Dan Walters described it) which has already consumed $60 million of state taxpayer money but hasn't run a train since 1992

Convict Crafts

$118,000 to hire two helpers to deliver art, craft and other "hobby" supplies every week to murderers and other vicious convicts on death row

Air Regularity

$910,000 to retrofit some old State Parks and Recreation Department diesel vehicles while the budget proposes to cut programs for the frail, the elderly and the disabled

Coastal De-Commission

Over $10 million to fund "permitting and enforcement activities" of the narrow-minded and power-abusing Coastal Commission, which should be abolished and its duties returned to local government

ALERT: As a Holiday present to the workers of California, the Senate Democrats are going to vote on a massive tax increase--both a permanent income tax increase and a permanent sales tax increase.

Just so the workers of California understand how much the Democrats want to tax us, they are going to broaden the sales tax base. If the Governor and the ethically challenged Don Perata have their way, the doctor trying to save your life will charge you a sales tax on his services. Then the hospitals, providing the operating room and a bed, will charge you a sales tax. Then, if they fail, the mortician will charge your family a sales tax.

The barber, cutting your hair for the last time will be forced to charge a sales tax. Your wife, getting her hair done for your funeral will be charged a sales tax. Your attorney will charge your family a sales tax for his services in reading the will.

Makes you feel good to know that your death means so much to government.

The good news is that this will not pass. Which means we will go into September without a budget. That is good for California. At some point the Democrats will understand, Californians can not afford the government they demand we have.

The GOP is prepared to pass a budget we can live with. The Democrats want a budget government can live with. Personally I prefer my family to government. Do you?

The Fresno Bee's Jim Boren has a big exclusive. In a meeting with the Bee's editorial folks, the Governor announced he is willing to wait till November or December to get the budget he wants--which includes a major tax increase.

Of course the Guv has said a lot of things lately, and reality has "made" him back off.

But, maybe my original thought that the budget would not be passed till October 3 was close to what will happen?

Go here to see the Guv's thoughts, today, on the budget.

The Governor said he would blow up the boxes of government. But in five years he grew government by 44%

Arnold said he would tear up the California credit card--but in 2006 he promoted over $40 billion in new bonds.

The Governor said that no one should go to the political conventions, but several Democrats went anyway. Why not, nothing was happening in Sacramento in re: the budget.

The Governor said he would not sign any bills passed by the legislature until they passed a budget.

This afternoon the Governor announced he would sign bills that would put $20 billion in bonds on the November ballot--actually, including principal AND interest, a total of $40 billion.

Yes, he does want a change in the lottery and a reserve fund (which he could do without a ballot measure--all he has to do is say he would not sign a budget bill without one). But, what if the Democrats just give him $40 billion in bonds, but no reform, will he still sign them?

See the story here.

The good news is that Speaker Bass and GOP Leader Villines are meeting. The bad news is that the Democrats are still demanding tax and spending increases.

2009 will be the year of collapse. California government will collapse next year. Revenues will go down, spending will go up, unemployment taxes will go up, billions in new bonds and union contracts will come due--with no revenues for payment.

We have a judge trying to take $15 billion to make criminals comfortable, while Clark Kelson wants to put 1500 vicious criminals in the middle of Camarillo . Then we have a judge that has cut the California water supply by one third.

We are in trouble. It is time to yell as they did in Network, "I am mad as hell and not going to take it any more?"

The other day Democrat Speaker Bass announced there would not be any sessions till Friday, except for a "check in session" so they "qualify" for their per diem

But, a little while ago the Sacramento Bee announced that Democrat Bass will hold sessions on Wednesday and Thursday (which can be canceled at a moments notice).

See story here.

The Democrats in the State Senate were to allow a session to begin at 10:00am this morning. Democrat Don Perata, the ethically challenged, and most investigated member of the legislature, pushed the session back, to start at 4:00pm today.

To see that story, click here.

There are strong rumors that the Democrats realize the budget can not be passed if it includes tax increases.

Is it possible that the real reason for the re-newed sessions is that an honest budget deal is finally being worked out?

If so, then this could really be good for California. Of course several California legislators are already in Denver, so it will be a problem getting enough votes to pass.

Worse, if a deal, without taxes is worked out, will the radicals in the Democrat Caucus approve of it?

This would NOT be a compromise budget. It would be a victory budget for the people of California.

Would not be surprised if a budget is passed this week.

Ever wonder why government is in such bad shape? It is because government officials are ALLOWED to lie in statements or reports to the Legislature and the public.

Yes, it is a misdemeanor for them to lie in reports or statements to the legislature. Yet, even though many complaints are noted, not a single public official has ever been charged in California.

Moorpark Assemblywoman Audra Strickland presented AB 1135 in 2007, the Truth in Government Act.

From the legislative analysis:

This bill:

1. Stipulates that every written report required to be submitted to the Legislature, a Member of the Legislature, or any state legislative or executive body by any state agency or department must include a signed statement by the head of that agency or department declaring that the factual contents of the report are true, accurate, and complete to the best of his/her knowledge.

5. Defines "written report" and stipulates that the declaration in the signed statement as to the truth, accuracy, and completeness of the contents of the written report shall not apply to any forecasts, predictions, recommendations, or opinions contained in the report.

Imagine, having to force government employees to tell the truth. Well, as we all know, that is what it will take.

I have been told that some believe the Governor has vetoed this bill because he is afraid he could not get anyone to work for government in a position where they would be forced to always tell the truth. This reminds me of the Jim Carrey movie, "Liar", where he got into trouble because he had to tell the truth every time. It was VERY uncomfortable.

But real life is not the movies. Government is not a storyline When you have folks lying to get budgets, lying about failed programs, lying about corruption and abuse of office, we need to make these folks uncomfortable.

The Governor had this to say in his veto message (10/13/07):

"Finally, this bill would create an inconsistent system in which some of the information submitted by the Administration is subject to declarations of truth while all other information used in the legislature's deliberative process is not."

In other words, since they are allowed to lie in some circumstances, government employees should be allowed to lie in all circumstances. Now you know why you should not have any trust in government, even the Governor knows that State Employees are lying.

By the way, Strickland's AB 1135 passed almost unanimously in both the Assembly and Senate.

It is hard for the media to fully cover all the work of our elected officials. But, I thought you should know that Strickland believes government employees should tell the truth or suffer the consequences.

What do you think, should government employees always tell us the truth?

Below is a memo from Democrat Speaker Karen Bass. While it is not written in a foreign language, you might not understand the phrase, "Floor session upon call of Speaker." In plain language, the Assembly members are free to go to Denver and party.

So, if someone asks next week why we do not have a budget, the answer is simple. The Democrats believe going to a convention is more important than doing the business of the people of California.

The Governor has said that no one should go to a political convention while the budget has not been settled. Looks like, once again, the Democrats have thumbed their noses at the Governor. Seems to be like he has been negotiating with folks who don't care.

Now is the time for Arnold to create a compromise with the legislative Republicans, then tell the Democrats no new taxes, no new fees, no gimmicks, the budget will be balanced.

Hope the Democrats enjoy the party, hopefully the people of California will remember.

By the way, I understand that our Assemblywoman, Audra Strickland will not go to Minneapolis if we do not have a budget next week. Too bad Bass, Nava, and the rest of the Democrats prefer politics and fun to doing their job. Shame on them. Can't wait to hear the excuses for their poor conduct.

MEMORANDUM

TO: All Assembly Offices

FROM: Assembly Speaker Karen Bass
DATE: August 22, 2008
SUBJECT Assembly Session Schedule August 25-29, 2008
______________________________________________________________________
The tentative Assembly session schedule for August 25-29 is as follows:

Monday August 25 Floor session at 1:00 p.m.*

Tuesday August 26 Floor session upon call of the Speaker

Wednesday August 27 Floor session upon call of the Speaker

Thursday August 28 Floor session upon call of the Speaker

Friday August 29 Floor session at 9:30 a.m.*

* Times are approximate. Floor session may continue into the evening.

Limited or no guest introductions and/or floor ceremonies August 25-29, 2008

Additional floor sessions may be called by the Speaker. Assembly Members, committee staff, administrative staff and support staff with session related duties must be present when session is called. A three-hour notice will be given for additional floor sessions. Please ensure that all contact information is on file with the Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms and is current.

Committee meetings will continue as announced in the Daily File or as approved by the Speaker's Office.

Well the endorsement season is here.

Tony Strickland, the GOP nominee for the 19th State Senate district has received the endorsement of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen. Go here for the endorsement.

The major issue on the ballot this November dealing with crime is Prop. 6, the Safe Neighborhoods Act. I am proudly working as a professional to gain its passage (for full disclosure).

This measure will focus on gangs, audit gang programs, determine which programs are best. Then, coordinate the fight against gangs between counties, cities and the State.

A key element to the Safe Neighborhoods Act is that illegal aliens, that are booked by law enforcement, can not be bailed out without a special hearing. And, ICE is notified that an illegal alien is in jail.

Strickland was among the first endorsers of the measure and is a Ventura County Co-chair for its passage.

His opponent, as best as I can find out, has not taken a position on Prop. 6.

So, does Jackson stand, does she want to keep illegal aliens that commit crimes in jail, without bail? Or do you want them bailed out? Strickland says no bail. Looks like Hannah Jackson has not taken a position at this point.

I know her consultant, Parke Skelton reads all of my blogs. So, Parke does your client Hannah Jackson support keeping illegal aliens in jail, those that are accused of committing felonies?. Or would she support the bailing out of people like Pedro Espinosa, the long term illegal alien who has been charged with the gunning down of Jamiel Shaw?

The next 74 days will be a real roller coaster!

At one point the Governor said he wanted to "blow up the boxes" of government. He didn't

Then he said he wanted to tear up the credit cards. He didn't.

Then he called the spending addicted Democrats "girly men". He apologized

In 2006 he berated Phil Angelides as someone who would raise taxes, something he would not do. Phil never got a chance, while Arnold is doing what he accused Phil of wanting to do

In 2007 he created a reserve fund in the budget. Within eight weeks of signing the budget the reserve was already spent.

Now he has compromised on the budget--by siding with the Democrats on a tax raise.

He has tried to cut the wages of janitors and attorneys, to minimum wage. The State Controller refused to violate the law and contracts, so the Guv sued. But the courts will not hear the case till at least September 12.

In 2005, the last time the legislature refused to pass legislation, the Governor called a Special Election. He lost all of his measures, fired his Republican staff and hired Susan Kennedy (formerly of the Gray Davis staff) and many other Democrats.

Tonight the SF Chronicle is reporting that the Governor is saying he will call another Special Election if he does not get his way on water bonds and the creation of a reserve fund.

It should be noted that if all the bonds on the November 4th ballot are passed, that will cost the State $2.7 billion in debt service on the new bonds in the next year--without any revenue to pay it. In other words, the bonds will add $2.7 billion to the already planned $10 billion deficit in the new budget (unless cuts are made). If the Guvs water bond is passed, add another $300 million to the deficit.

A lot is at stake in this budget. Doubt if there is much support by GOP'ers or Dems for a Special Election.

What do you think, would you support another Special Election?

Well this is Day 51 and the Governor has decided to lower his tax increase on the poor and middle class. Instead of collecting $6.6 billion for four years, he will collect $6 billion per year for only three years.

But, watch out for the loophole. Nothing stops the Governor NEXT year from adding a year, or another $6 billion per year (two cents) to your sale tax bill.

Compromise usually means going 50/50--The Dems wanted $6.7 billion in their latest budget, the GOP wanted zero. A compromise would be around $3 billion. Of course, the people need a tax cut not a tax increase. Any tax increase will cost jobs, so to those people the tax increase will be 100%.

In other news a judge hearing the case of the SEIU has determined that the hearing will be September 12--so, by default, State workers will get full pay for the month of August. If the budget is resolved before the end of September, then they will be sure to get full pay. Or if the judge rules as expected, they will get full pay regardless of the Governors "order".

Update: Democrat Assemblywoman Nicole Parra is still on the street in Sacto, with a closet for an office and another small office one block away from the Capitol and the other 119 legislators. The Democrats have also told her the three bills she still has pending are dead--they will not be heard.

Don't you love the Democrats, they believe in democracy until a representative truly tries to represent their district. because a Democrat would NOT agree to a tax increase, a deficit budget or increased spending without water in the budget bill, they politically kill her. Of course this makes it even harder to pass a bad budget, so that is a good thing.

Will we hit 60 days without a budget? What do you think?

The Tony Strickland campaign has taken nothing for granted for the November 4th ballot.

Starting in April, he and his supporters have been walking door to door in every corner of the Senate District.

He is the only candidate with a real store front campaign office.

For a few weeks Tony Strickland has had radio and TV ads, going directly to the public with his views and philosophy.

Go here to see the latest TV ad. This one is on the environment. Note that this is a positive ad, giving his views, not knocking anyone. It is refreshing to see one candidate in the race run an issues oriented campaign.

By the way, it should be noted that Tony Strickland would not vote for the tax increase, deficit ridden budget presented by the Assembly Democrats, Hannah Jackson would have voted for the Democrat budget. As you can tell, there are differences between these candidates. Your choice higher taxes, or more jobs?

Democrat Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, from Bakersfield, believes the State Budget must address the water problem of the Central Valley. She wants to represent the people of her District. Now, isn't that what an elected official should do?

Well, because the Democrat budget, which did include massive tax increases and deficits, but did not address the water issue, she did not vote for the budget--she abstained.

Today, the Democrat Speaker, Karen Bass, literally kicked Parra out of her office.

Now her staff has been sent one block away from the Capitol--very inconvenient. And, her Chief of Staff and one other worker have been given a converted CLOSET--no kidding-!!

This now means that the Democrats will need NINE Republicans to support a budget with tax increases, gimmicks, fee increases and deficits. That will not happen. While the budget may not be passed till late September, the good news is that the amount of taxes and deficit might drop.

Politics is hardball. Congratulations to Nicole Parra for standing up for the needs of her constituents.

The actions by Bass will make it even harder to pass a bad budget, and that is a good thing!

To see the complete story click here.

Looks like Sacramento does have some legislators with principles and backbone.

A few minutes ago, at 8:15 pm, the Democrat Deficit Budget/tax Increase effort failed by nine votes in the Assembly. The vote was 45 in favor and 30 opposed. As soon as I get the names of each vote, I will post it here. I understand the 34 votes in favor of higher taxes and more spending were all Democrats. The votes to allow families to keep more of the money they earn, and in favor of a balanced budget without gimmicks were cast by Republicans.

Three members were excused because of illness and two did not vote.

If you want to see a great blow by blow account of the more than four hour debate, see the John Myers KQED blog here.

A key point was raised. the Democrats had reduced the taxes to be raised from $8.7 billion to $6.6 billion. By doing that and not cutting the spending, the deficit went from $10 billion to $12.1 billion next year, just to start. But, due to Prop. 98, education funding, 40% of the $6.6 billion would have to go to government schools. So, about $3 billion would be added to the deficit, bringing it up to $15.1 billlion. This equals the deficit of THIS year, and they would have 9-10 months to grow it!

Imagine, passing a budget that is already $15 billion in deficit--that was what the Republican said NO to, how would you have voted?

Will the Democrats see the light tomorrow and provide a real budget, without gimmicks, taxes, new fees and built in deficits? Until they do the Republican will say NO.

As this is being written, the State Assembly is debating a budget that NONE has seen. They only have a "summary" of the proposal. Somewhere in the Capitol there is a copy, I guess.

There is good news!!! The Democrats have decided to take two of their tax increases off the table. From the live blog of John Myers of KQED, Sacramento:

"Also worth noting: Assembly Democrats have dropped two of their tax increase plans from a few weeks ago -- the cancellation of expected "indexing" of tax rates for upper and upper-middle income earners (it would have given the state an extra $815 million) and a lowering of the taxpayer credit for having a kid (which would have brought in an extra $215 million)."

But, since they are NOT cutting anything from the additional $3 billion in spending, this just adds to the already PLANNED $10 billion in deficits for next year.

Want to see the complete Democrat plan to bankrupt California families and businesses? Go here.

My "favorite" Democrat tax increase is this one:

"Restoration of a higher tax on many businesses that existed prior to 1997, generating $470 million"

In other words, if your business is twelve years old, or older, they are really trying to kill you. Guess the Democrats don't like "old" businesses.

Possibly sometime tonight the Assembly will vote. Not a single GOP'er is in favor of it, and it appears that some Democrats are concerned about voting for a massive deficit and massive tax increase, at the same time. They prefer separate votes on those things.

The really good news is that the Democrats understand massive tax increases don't work--you can expect less tax increases as the days go on. But, until they start cutting spending (oh, education funds are being INCREASED, the CTA and all those educrats are LYING about education cuts) we will be in trouble.

Oh, and the Guv had surgery on his knee today.

Now we need someone to do surgery on the budget.

I had predicted the budget would be passed by August 23, so the Democrats can see the Barack and Clinton show in Denver. But it is looking like my original prediction of October 3 for passage of the budget might actually can true. The Guv has announced he is prepared to skip the Republican National Convention in Minnesota. so he is getting ready for the long haul--plus, he can't go, and not because of the budget.

He has been summoned by Clark Kelso, the court appointed Prison Czar (who demanded the Guv steal $2.5 billion from the Treasury) to a deposition, to explain why he would not steal the money--and that is set for September 3--in the middle of the GOP convention.

If you want to watch the live blogging of thr Assembly budget debate, go here.

California finally has something to be proud of, we are the State with the highest taxes.

Even better the Governor wants to raise those taxes. Plus, we have Los Angeles wanting to raise their sales tax by a penny, as well. Not to count the tens of billions of bond measures on the November ballot from the State of California to the $7 billion for LAUSD.

Today we found out that California only has the fourth highest unemployment rate in the nation. But if Perata has his way with another double digit deficit, to go along with higher taxes, we could be number one in that category before the end of the year.

During the first week of September the Governor and his Chief of Staff, Susan Kennedy, will be deposed. Clark Kelso, the one man bankruptcy team, is suing the Guv because Arnold would not steal $2.5 billion for him. Now Kelso wants $3.1 now, $5 billion later, than another $7 billion or more for other prison projects.

Anybody know where that $15 billion will come from.

Folks, California is in deep trouble.

(Oh, why do I call it stealing? When you demand someone give you money that does not belong to them, that is theft, stealing.)

Let us not forget the $550 million lawsuit lost by the State last week, and due to interest, growing rapidly every day.

On Sunday the State Assembly, apparently, will have a vote on a budget. The budget will have $10 billion in new taxes, $3 billion in new spending and maybe a "rainy day fund", whatever that may be. Last year we had a reserve fund that was gone in less than eight weeks.

High taxes, high unemployment, lawsuits and a dysfunctional Legislature. Makes me proud to be a Californian.

Will we have a budget by August 23 so the Democrats can go to their convention.

What do you think, raise taxes, kill employment and move?

One thing about Tony Strickland, he is not going to try to buy the 19th State Senate seat. Yes, millions will be spent. The total cost of the race, for both candidates, when you include Independent Expenditures might top $10 million...with Hannah Jackson spending about $7 million.

Yet the Strickland campaign, in April started walking the district, household by household, from Santa Clarita, to Simi Valley, Carpentaria, to Buellton.

Now the campaign has started what they call the "Burma Shave" portion of the effort. On many days, in different parts of the district during the morning and the evening drive times, you will see Tony Strickland and his supporters at key intersections holding signs and waving at the cars as they go by. That is old fashioned campaigning. I almost expect him to hop a train from Santa Clarita and do a whistlestop throughout the district.

My good friend Dr. Greg Cole has also written about this and even has photos, you should visit the web site, http://flapsblog.com/2008/08/13/tony-strickland-watch-burma-shaving/

In an age where many candidates have special interests giving them large sums of money, spend it on slick mailers, radio and TV ads, it is refreshing to see a candidate that is approachable and seen throughout a district each day.

Based on the number of "Burma Shave" days already under his belt, and the tens of thousands of homes already walked, this campaign is going full steam ahead.

Which do you prefer, a candidate that personally walks precincts, speaks to groups, is seen in every community, or one that just raises money and sends out mailers, does TV and radio ads?

Today is the 44th Day Without A Budget, and there is lots of news!!!

1. The Governor has agreed with the Democrats to raise taxes. Now they have to tell the Republican that, just like the Governor, they need to go back on their word to the people of California.

2. The Prison Czar that is looking to put a prison in Camarillo, is suing the Governor for $8 billion and contempt of court. The contempt? The Governor refused to steal $2.5 billion from the State just because Clark Kelso demanded he do it. That was after Kelso demanded the Legislature give him $7 billion, no questions asked and they are not allowed to know how he will spend the money.

Kelso is still refusing to tell the people of Ventura County about his plans. Wonder if he will provide guns to the folks in Camarillo to protect themselves from the murderers he is bringing to their community?

3. A Republican State Senator, Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield has announced he is willing to vote for increases taxes on the poor and middle class. He is upset he was taken off the Rules Committee. So, he wants to punish 38 million Californians for that slight.

4. The Luddites Rule!! Highway 50, a key freeway in and around Sacramento will NOT be widened. Why? Because if you allow more cars, you will get Global Warming. Instead, the Luddites prefer traffic jams.

5. The big question is whether the legislative GOP will role over because Arnold and Perata tell them to do so.

6. The Governor is providing a reform. He wants a reserve fund established. This is a good thing. Except, he could have put it in the budget he sent to the legislature, but did not.

Last year he had a reserve fund in the budget, that lasted less than eight weeks from the time the budget was signed. So why should anybody believe having a reserve fund would work now?

He also wants to put a cap on spending. This from a Governor that has increased spending by 44% in five years. He doesn't need a cap on spending mandated by law. All he had to do is provide a budget that did not increase spending. And, if the Democrats increased the spending, he could veto it--which he didn't in any large number.

While some play petty politics, and others play with their power games, the people of California are about to fall into a fiscal abyss, thanks to Sacramento. We are in for tough times.

It is my hope the GOP provides a clean, balanced budget, with no gimmicks, tax, fees or spending.

Then let Ashburn vote on that, let the Democrats vote on that. Then vote on the Democrat/Arnold budget.

Then let the people see who wants to be fiscally responsible? Who do you think is right in this?

Twelve days ago a group calling itself "Moderate Republicans for Jackson (the Democrat candidate for State Senate that could not find a tax increase to oppose in six years in the Assembly) announced their formation.

In the 12 days, so far, a total of two people have signed the petition--Lou Pandolfi and his daughter. Pandolphi was the person who organized the small group of folks to protest Gov. Mitt Romney raising money for Tony Strickland, the GOP candidate for State Senate in the 19th to replace termed out Tom McClintock.

Maybe with my noting of this, the rest of his family will join as well.

It is worth noting the names of some of the the gripers:

People like Judy Mikels, who ran for re-election for the Board of Supervisors, while commuting to Phoenix or Tucson to visit her husband, who was/is and has been for a long time, a resident of Arizona. Mikels is the Board member that refused to let the people of Simi Valley or Moorpark know about the expansion of the Simi landfill, though it would create three times the number of trucks on our streets.

Bob Larkin is another one of the gripers. He ran against Audra Strickland, and ran a very poor race--not much had been heard from him since then,. Oh, he did quit the California Congress of Republicans, an organization of which he was the State Chairman at one point. When it was noted that he endorsed a Democrat, the organization sent out a letter denouncing him and proudly noted they endorse Tony Strickland.

John Lane and Jere Robings are listed as well--and they too ran against a Strickland, Tony.

Then you have Cathie Wright, who is a good friend of mine and a great lady.

But something has gone wrong. During the recent primary she opposed Tom McClintock for Congress and signed on to a letter to the editor strongly criticizing him

Since the organization was posted, nothing more has been heard from them, no one, since day one, signed on as a Member.

The "Republicans" for Jackson group will have their name on Hannah Jackson literature, maybe they will co-write a letter to the editor.

They will support a candidate that loves tax increases, bigger government, an environmentalism that kills jobs and hurts families.

If you are a Republican with a gripe, these folks have the wrong answer.To these people, if you can't beat them, oppose them. Sophomoric politics at its worst.

What do you think?

As i expected yesterday, the Governor is being sued for his decree in laying off thousands and cutting wages to the Federal minimum wage. The SEIU, the union that recruits illegal aliens to join their union (as well as prostitutes in Nevada) has stood up the the Executive Order.

Besides wage violations, they are charging the Governor with failure to give legal notice of a layoff. Seems State and Federal law says that layoffs of over 60 people must have a 90 days legal notice--that did not happen.

The union is going to use expensive attorneys. The Governor will use attorneys that he pays $6.55 an hour, and might be unhappy about the pay cut themselves. Now, the attorneys are being paid the same as janitors.

In the end, the only losers are the people of California. We get to pay the bill. And, if the SEIU wins, we get to pay their attorneys as well.

See the story here.