We won the big statewide races yesterday, and now it’s back to work trying to win some more. The California Senate primary may not be until June, but when we’re faced with an entrenched incumbent like Barbara Boxer, we need all the lead time we can get.
Up until now, the DC types have all been supporting Carly Fiorina in our primary, even though she had not yet declared her candidacy, and had yet shown either an inability or an unwillingness to campaign to the Republican voters of this state. Thus, that early support had failed to move any dials as Assemblyman Chuck DeVore has raised money well, gained loyal grass roots support, and ran ahead of Fiorina against Boxer in polls. But now, with the fallout of Dede Scozzafava’s blowup spreading nationwide, events are moving more quickly.
The NRSC is conceding its positions in primaries, pulling a crutch out from under Fiorina’s already-limping campaign. Conservative DC types are taking advantage of the new neutrality, too, starting with Senator Jim DeMint endorsing DeVore, while Fiorina has the backing of South Carolina’s other Senator, Lindsey Graham.
I know which name and which endorsement have more clout with the grass roots, the Tea Partiers, and other activists who will be essential to any Republican challenge of Boxer. So does Fiorina, who decided to try to drown out this news by announcing her formal candidacy.
Too little, too late. We’ve driven a wedge into the foundation of the anti-conservative establishment, and we’re going to crack it up before we’re done. We will judge each candidate on his or her own merits, and pick the one that’s best able to represent us and win.
Sometimes, in some races, that will mean the most reliably conservative candidate will not win. That’s fine, as long as we’re giving each candidate a fair shake, and not reflexively picking the candidate with the more ‘moderate’ image. In the case of the California Senate we must especially avoid that mistake. Carly Fiorina is a novice candidate whose campaign has gotten off to a poor start. She’s not ready, and she’s no more likely to beat Boxer than DeVore is.
DeVore will put up a good fight, and he’s proven on the issues. This race is not one of Erick Erickson’s hills to die on, but that doesn’t mean we don’t stand ready to send a big message, and benefit big, from a win in this primary. We in California elect a fair number of Republicans to the House, and we could use all the motivation we can get from the top of the ticket if we want to help take the House back in 2010.
Are primaries in California open?
Xasteius Wednesday, November 4th at 8:39PM EST (link)And as general question, how does one restrict primaries?
Don’t leave the party, hijack it back!
Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.
When I grow up, I don’t want to be Reagan. I want to be Art Chance.
~Aaron Gardner
They are open to independents
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 8:42PM EST (link)And we could close them simply by choosing to do so. They only open if we send a letter to the State asking the State to open them to independents.
We were going to vote on an amendment to the party bylaws closing the primaries, but the sponsor of that amendment backed out at the last minute.
Shortly before he posted on his website a puff interview of Fiorina.
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Thank you. nt
Xasteius Wednesday, November 4th at 8:46PM EST (link)Don’t leave the party, hijack it back!
Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.
When I grow up, I don’t want to be Reagan. I want to be Art Chance.
~Aaron Gardner
Open Primary Question
SoFiMil Wednesday, November 4th at 11:22PM EST (link)Who has to send the letter to the SOS? What are the chances he/she/they will open the Caly primary to independents? What can we do to stop this?
http://www.suvstrategery.blogspot.com
It's going to happen because it's in the bylaws
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 11:26PM EST (link)The primary is going to be open and it’s not going to be stopped.
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I should have something clever or at least snarky to say,
Steph C Wednesday, November 4th at 8:43PM EST (link)but, all I can do is about a 30 second burst of ha ha ha…
We must keep the pressure on.
“[I]f the public are bound to yield obedience to laws to which they cannot give their approbation, they are slaves to those who make such laws and enforce them.” –Candidus in the Boston Gazette, 1772
Hillbilly Politics
Lindsey Friggin' Graham.
MacAoidh Wednesday, November 4th at 8:49PM EST (link)Low-rent media whore.
Are you really going to tell me that South Carolina can’t do better than that?
We have done better than LOG Raham...
yoyo Wednesday, November 4th at 9:29PM EST (link)We have Jim De Mint! (And Mark Sanford, regardless of what you think about him personally. I will say, he has some real backbone - remember the Stimulus?)
Lindsay is our Senior Senator only because Ol’-Whats-His-Face-Strom retired before the other Ol’-Whats-His-Fritz did, and he has yet to have a serious Primary Challenger.
Buddy Campbell(?) had a decent one-liner (Lindsay Graham is too liberal for South Carolina), but no real message or name recognition in 2006.
So we wait for 2011 to see if any cream rises to the top….
Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum
‘If you seek peace, prepare for war!’
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Pukin’ Dogs - The Fighting 143
Sans Reproache
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The ‘yoyo’ replaced my cigarettes Four Years Ago….
A few points in defense of Lindsey Graham
smagar Wednesday, November 4th at 10:04PM EST (link)- Strong supporter of Vets For Freedom
- He put a hurt on Russ Feingold, Ted Kennedy and other Dems who were trying to demonize Sam Alito in his confirmation hearings
- Air Force Reserves LTC
Do I disagree with many of his policy positions (e.g., cap-and-trade)? You betcha.
But, I think the three points above should inoculate him from being called a “low-rent media whore.”
“Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?” (Macaulay)
Military service doesn't make one a good politician
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 10:07PM EST (link)Just look at Jack Murtha (USMC) or Jimmy Carter (USN).
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His Vets for Freedom support is a HUGE positive for me
Hooah_Mac Wednesday, November 4th at 10:19PM EST (link)Not enough to outweigh the negatives, but its something.
“You can call yourself a Republican, but if you’ve lost the support of Fred Thompson, you are an unholy thing that will be destroyed by a rain of fire.” -IMAO
I never said it did. nt
smagar Wednesday, November 4th at 10:48PM EST (link)“Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?” (Macaulay)
Yawn...
conservativemusician Thursday, November 5th at 6:11AM EST (link)This is more of the same old tired reasoning and justification of GOP turncoats that keeps us losing elections. It is also a major reason why there was such a backlash this week in VA, Mass. and NY (although we narrowly lost that one). Have you been paying attention at all this week? It is a new day and WE get to decide who our candidates will be, not the GOP establishment. And yes, Graham is a “low-rent media whore” in my estimation who will say and do anything to stay in the inner circle of the DC cocktail party circuit.
conservativemusician- I agree
Scope Thursday, November 5th at 9:13AM EST (link)I consider people who can point to one or two things a RINO has done to good benefit, and want to give them a pass. Especially when LG is now in favor of Cap and Trade. They are RINO appologists. Apparently they, as well as some of the GOP Leadership still keep wanting to play the same song over and over. As long as they have an R after their name, they are A OK. McCain was a Global Warming supporter, and obviously wants to vote for the legislation, but, one problem, he’s up for re-election in 2010. So, he has Graham stand up for what he wants, and Graham allows him to control his puppet strings. Lindsay McCain full throttle ahead.
Graham Cracker
NC_Red_State Thursday, November 5th at 9:18AM EST (link)When given the option, I will stand with DeMint 15 out of 10 times.
Graham is a Rhino and his endorsement should pull NO weight of any sort.
Stranded in a blue section of a former red state.
Devore can win
medamorphus Wednesday, November 4th at 9:01PM EST (link)I live in California and Chuck Devore has shown himself to be true to consevative principles, where other Republicans have shown their rino ways.
Devore can win this if we get behind him! Boxer is from Pelosi town and really needs to be shown the door. If we can get Boxer out this would be a HUGE message to the liberals. Boxer and Waxman are often together and represent part of the power base here in CA.
This would be a big, big win.
Devore can win
medamorphus Wednesday, November 4th at 9:01PM EST (link)I live in California and Chuck Devore has shown himself to be true to consevative principles, where other Republicans have shown their rino ways.
Devore can win this if we get behind him! Boxer is from Pelosi town and really needs to be shown the door. If we can get Boxer out this would be a HUGE message to the liberals. Boxer and Waxman are often together and represent part of the power base here in CA.
This would be a big, big win.
This is where I differ from most of you
Oz Wednesday, November 4th at 9:22PM EST (link)To me there is no difference between California and Maine.
I am perfectly happy with the Maine sisters. They do a little bit for us. THey keep the business killing stuff away from us helping us filibuster.
Frankly, as an HP employee, I think that Carly is incompetent …. but I also think that she might be electable (in theory at least … female, wishy washy on abortion, etc) and she would certainly vote more Republican than Barbara Boxer.
Is Chuck Devore a better person to have in the Senate than Carly?
Of course, but that doesn’t have anything to do with electability.
Yeah, yeah… I know .. Corzine … that’s what you’ll throw in here.
But there was an awful lot of negative publicity around Corzine and corruption and his failed promises in NJ.
I think we’ll have a lot better chance of getting conservatives to knock off Democratic governors in blue states than Senators. It’s just too easy for the Senators to point fingers elsewhere.
You didn't even read my piece
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 9:26PM EST (link)The polls, the track record, do not show Fiorina to be more electable.
The burden is on you to show that she is.
What you’re saying has no grounding in fact. It’s wishful thinking.
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I think we can all agree
redtillimdead Wednesday, November 4th at 11:06PM EST (link)NO ONE is getting elected statewide in California with $145,000 in the bank, after a FULL YEAR if campaigning.
Nancy Pelosi can kiss my asstroturf.
I like it when you guys confess Fiorina is not electable (nt)
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 11:12PM EST (link)Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Field Poll
SteveLA Wednesday, November 4th at 11:45PM EST (link)Last Field Poll before Fiorina announced pretty much shows right now there’s not a whole heck of a lot of difference on who would beat Babs now, neither would.
In a month or so, who knows.
______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity
We're still waiting
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 11:56PM EST (link)How many veto overrides?
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Same number
SteveLA Thursday, November 5th at 12:03AM EST (link)Same number of state wide elections Tom McClintock has one…that number would be ZERO.
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Competency over ideological purity
That should have been won (nt)
SteveLA Thursday, November 5th at 12:07AM EST (link)______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity
Fiorina is not electable........It's true.....(nt)
DavidS1787 Wednesday, November 4th at 11:56PM EST (link)They may both be blue, but I can't imagine two states more different than CA and Maine
Cheryl Wednesday, November 4th at 9:28PM EST (link)CA is like 4 or 5 states in one.
So the "Stealth" Fiorina campaign officially ends
Erick Brockway Wednesday, November 4th at 9:22PM EST (link)Funny she picked the OC as the place to do it. Does Boxer live there…or….something…?
Note to lefties;
“Don’t be afraid to see what you see.”
Ronald Reagan
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Chip in to get rid of “Babs” (Yes ma’am) Boxer.
The Register is a direct appeal to the base
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 9:28PM EST (link)The OC Register is probably the furthest right, most right-libertarian newspaper that leads a major market in this country.
She went there to speak to hardcore Republicans and conservatives.
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I want to say Boxer's from Marin County (nt)
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 10:21PM EST (link)Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Yeah
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 10:23PM EST (link)She represented Marin County in the House, but has since moved to Oakland.
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Devore will beat Fiorina in the primary
Tbone Wednesday, November 4th at 10:03PM EST (link)and I think he has the best chance against Boxer in the general. The base will not lift a finger to help Fiorina but it will work for Devore.
Envisioning when all that is Left is the Right.
And that will make...
DerKrieger Wednesday, November 4th at 10:44PM EST (link)all the difference in the world. The base is where the energy is and that energy is only going to be directed a true conservative. NO ONE will be excited about a Fiorina campaign and therefore she will have few boots on the ground fighting for her. That’s another problem regarding “moderates”, no enthusiasm for the candidate.
“In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson
“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence (OBAMACARE – mine), the money of their constituents.” – James Madison
Sorry, Carly ...
joayn Wednesday, November 4th at 10:29PM EST (link)No Carly for me in California. Hewlett Packard = fired = Iran shenanigans = voting only five or so times in the last 18 or 19 elections = supports net neutrality = personally is pro-life = carpetbagger.
Hmmmm … I think the idea for her to run was dreamed up by McCain when they were together on his campaign. Ugh. Now that’s a couple for ya.
CA Questions
proudgop Wednesday, November 4th at 10:40PM EST (link)As I understand it Independents can vote in either Dem or Republican party as of right now? is this correct?
I’ve been worrying with news Newsom dropped Gov bid you may see a lot Dem switch registration to try to cause havoc in republican primaries seeing right now it looks like Brown is likely Gov nominee and Boxer has no opponents.
What happens now that LT Gov is going to congress? does arnold appoint someone? does he appoint one of candidates for gov to try to elevate them?
thanks in advance on bit ot questions
Independents can
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 10:46PM EST (link)Anyone who’s Decline To State can vote in any party’s primaries, if that party chooses to open its primaries. Right now the CRP opens its non-Presidential primaries.
Just checked the Constitution: Lt. Gov vacancy is nominated to be filled by the Governor who must get legislative approval.
I’m guessing after the F-Y statement, the position will remain vacant.
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Good Post Neil nt
AceInTX Wednesday, November 4th at 10:41PM EST (link)House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Gotta love this from Carly
redtillimdead Wednesday, November 4th at 11:04PM EST (link)After stating she believes in term limits, she said “Barbara Boxer is a great reason for term limits”
She really is.
Nancy Pelosi can kiss my asstroturf.
Kalifornication
cooperscopy Wednesday, November 4th at 11:48PM EST (link)This is going to be an interesting race, and it’s clear that after what happened in NY 23rd. many high profile republicans are going to be very careful who and when they endorse. The conservative movement has picked up steam all around the country and is making all high profile races great theater. Lets expect a more discriminating republican hierarchy……
Ron Victor
Rise of the Independents
SteveLA Wednesday, November 4th at 11:55PM EST (link)NY, NJ, VA proved that to win general elections you have to appeal to the Independent voters in my view. In CA, even more so.
To win primaries, different electorate composition, well except in CA where I’s can vote in primaries.
It’s a long long time until the Primary out here and lots can happen. Hopefully the NRSC will stay the heck out of meddling in the CA primary, they don’t know best.
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Competency over ideological purity
SteveLa- In one way you are correct
Scope Thursday, November 5th at 9:30AM EST (link)but, as was proven in VA, you don’t have to go out of your way to appeal to Independents, or any other group. You just need to have plans, ideas, a proven track record, and be consistent. Then you win in landslides. Like Reagan, stand for something, and, they will come. As Rush said, we are a big tent party, meaning we welcome all American people. We get in trouble when we start promising different things to different groups of people.
Hey Cooperscopy
Neil Stevens Wednesday, November 4th at 11:55PM EST (link)Stop spamming for your website in every comment. Use the sig space or don’t link it at all.
thanks,
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Hopefully the DC establishment learned a lesson
TNJim Thursday, November 5th at 3:06AM EST (link)in NY-23. It’s time they listen to the base, and I think the base spoke loud and clear in New York. I think DeVore has a much better chance now because of that, and DeMint’s endorsement doesn’t hurt.
“No. You can’t” -Moe Lane
NY-23 is a mirror
tenebrous Thursday, November 5th at 7:35AM EST (link)As we’ve already seen, some folks draw the lesson from the race (in my opinion, fearfully) that conservativism can’t win! Honestly, if we’re not here to promote conservative candidates, I have no idea why we’re here. We might as well sit back and let the NRCC/NRSC pick “the lesser of two evils” and call it a day. And oh, what state was Reagan governor of again? It’s on the tip of my tongue…:)
If the NRSC is conceding its positions in primaries
Scope Thursday, November 5th at 9:35AM EST (link)does that mean they will back down on their endorsement and support of Crist over Rubio? Did Steele at the RNC get that message?