The fate of the California Republican Party
posted at 5:27 pm on September 8, 2007 by Michelle
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I noted the open-borders debacle at the California GOP in June. The party leadership is a mess. Now, liberal Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is seizing on the vulnerable state of the California GOP to push it to the left (which Kennedy Republicans call the “center”) on the environment and health care:
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a warning to his fellow California Republicans on Friday: Their party is doomed if it does not move to the political center.
In a speech before 1,200 delegates to a semiannual state party convention, Schwarzenegger said the group’s failure to reach out to independent and moderate voters — and embrace politicians who, like him, govern from the middle — is causing membership to plummet.
“In movie terms, . . . we are dying at the box office,” he said. “We are not filling the seats.”
The speech, which drew a mixed response, comes at a time of strained relations between the governor and the conservative activists who control the party. Schwarzenegger’s policies on the environment, healthcare and state spending have led some party leaders to call him a Democrat masquerading as a Republican.
Yet in welcoming Schwarzenegger, party Chairman Ron Nehring described him as “the single greatest asset of the California Republican Party.” Anticipating the speech to come, Nehring said the governor had been “bold” in taking the lead on healthcare and the environment — traditionally Democratic issues.
Schwarzenegger, armed with poll numbers and invoking the names of “pragmatic conservatives” Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Teddy Roosevelt, told a nearly full ballroom at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa that on the issues, most Republican voters agree with him — not party activists.
“Our party has lost the middle, and we will not regain true political power in California until we get it back,” he said. “I am of the Reagan view that we should not go off the cliff with flags flying.”
“I did that in 2005; trust me,” Schwarzenegger said in a reference to his failed special election, when voters rejected each one of the conservative ballot measures he championed.
Cautioning against an incipient “bunker mentality,” he urged the party to follow the lead of Democrats and invite independents to vote in primaries. Otherwise, he said in a clear reference to the summer’s prolonged budget standoff, the party will deteriorate to such an extent that “our only remaining power is to say no.”
“Only remaining power?” Didn’t it use to be a fundamental conservative tenet to say no to higher taxes and bigger government?
On global warming, Schwarzenegger continues to push the Gore agenda:
He called the attacks on his work to curb global warming shortsighted, saying that polls show nearly three-quarters of registered Republicans support the legislation he signed last year.
“They want this party to do something more about climate change than simply doubt it,” he said. “If it is the policy of the Republican Party to ignore the great majority of the world’s scientists . . . then that is a party at odds with the future.”
Maybe Texas Gov. Rick Perry should move to California:
Conservative Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who followed Schwarzenegger to the stage, received a more enthusiastic reception with a liberal-baiting speech.
“Since when did the field of science become the sole purview of left-wing politicians?” Perry said. He added, to loud applause and laughter, that he has heard Al Gore talk about global warming so often, “I’m starting to think his mouth may be the lead cause.”
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When Arnold took office we had such high hopes that it would be a good thing. Too bad it didn’t work out.
Rose on September 9, 2007 at 4:11 AM
Who, me? Well let’s see, he didn’t care for the religious right; he granted amnesty for illegals; stared down the Soviets w/o having to invade them (cough Bush Iraq cough); saw an unwinnable situation in Beirut after we were bombed and got us out (again cough Bush Iraq cough); he was pro-choice as Governor of California and didn’t really immerse himself in the abortion battle as Prez; he supported the Brady Bill; he often compromised w/ the Democratic Congress (as Arnold does with the CA legislature), I mean, am I leaving any facts out? Do I have to go on? Or are you ready to admit that if he ran today would you label him a RINO?
The Sinner on September 9, 2007 at 5:33 AM
Are you ready to admit you are totally out of context?
he granted amnesty for illegals
3 million not 12-20 million, not in a even remotely similar political climate.
stared down the Soviets w/o having to invade them (cough Bush Iraq cough);
Iraq is not analogous to Cold War. If it is describe the similarities between the events leading to the Iraq war and the events, from Reagan inauguration to the fall of the Berlin wall. There should be many similarities there…
saw an unwinnable situation in Beirut after we were bombed and got us out (again cough Bush Iraq cough);
Again not analogous. If it is then describe the similarities leading up our entrance into Beirut with an international peacekeeping force and our entry into Iraq.
he was pro-choice as Governor of California and didn’t really immerse himself in the abortion battle as Prez
Wow. Can you be more wrong? He signed one bill that he thought was going to help women. After seeing its effects he deeply regretted signing the bill. Here are his thoughts as President.
he supported the Brady Bill
Not the early draft that might have actually reached his desk. On that he was silent. Not that I mind, I support waiting period albeit at the state level.
he often compromised w/ the Democratic Congress (as Arnold does with the CA legislature),
You are found of ipse dixit no? Reagan compromised by cutting AFDC spending, slashing taxes. I’ll take those compromises. What compromises has Arnold made? What conservative policy, or legislation has Arnold advocated? He has global warming legislation to his credit. As well as expanding the budget by 30%, putting us futher in debt with the bond issue, attepting universal healthcare including illegal aliens. I’m would love him to at least compromise, he is giving the state to the liberal agenda wholesale. He got his hand slapped in the special election and has been governed from the left ever since.
Theworldisnotenough on September 9, 2007 at 6:36 AM
I live in Cal. and would trade the Govenator for Perry any day. The only drawback is the large amount of cash Cal. would have to include in that trade. Hmmm, maybe Feinsteins 4 billion dollar earmark for Beverly Hills can pony up the dough.
ajmontana on September 9, 2007 at 8:54 AM
I agree with you – in today’s environment he would be considered too soft and weak on issues because he understood politics is ultimately about some compromise.
Bradky on September 9, 2007 at 10:25 AM
There is no compromising with the democrats anymore. Nothing they offer is worth any compromise. More taxes, more socialism, more corruption and even bigger government than we have now. They exist soley to exist. They have no purpose other than to ensure their continuation by hook or crook and no consideration of anyone, or anything else.
darwin on September 9, 2007 at 11:39 AM
I hope you enjoy being the minority party in perpetuity. You expect them to compromise with the Repubs but not the other way around? It’s politics, not religion.
Bradky on September 9, 2007 at 12:07 PM
One must take a stand sometime. To go further down the road of the democrats is senseless. I can’t afford it anymore … neither can anyone else.
darwin on September 9, 2007 at 12:21 PM
take a stand? 12 years of Republican majority in both houses and six with a Republican in the WH as well. And they accomplished what?
Some of the same tactics the Dems are using now about the Iraq war they learned from the Republicans when they interefered with Clinton’s decision to go to Kosovo.
Bradky on September 9, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Virtually nothing … that’s my point. Compromise has reached the point where all it does it remove us further and further away from the Constitution and the intent of the founders for this country.
Who cares? I’m saying the direction we’re going is wrong and the way to stop it is to stand for what you believe in and quit compromising. As I said earlier, the democrats offer nothing anyway, why compromise? Stand firm and let the people know what you are about and fight for those principles. It’s more important today to stand by your convictions and lose, than compromise your positions and sit in office as a neutered senator or representative.
Enough is enough. Reverse the course.
darwin on September 9, 2007 at 12:44 PM
So if Republicans are in the majority while nothing is being done, there is harmony in the universe and all is well???
If you mean that the base is all that matters, you want a religion not a political party. And if you think that the GOP representatives and Senators that profess to strong conservative values were not prostituting themselves just as much as the others I think you are being selective in what you are reading.
Bradky on September 9, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Illegals and Democrats? Mostly.. but being surrounded by stupidity sure makes you look good…….doesn’t make you feel good tho. And hey Don’t knock Cali it’s a beautiful place,just full of socialists and Illegals (Reporting from downtown Fontana,or Central America)
Bob
Bobnormal on September 9, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Bradky
I have no idea what you’re talking about. Perhaps you need to reread my comments. Both parties must stop doing what they think is right for their respective party’s, and start doing what’s in the best interest of the US. Since I think the democrats offer absolutely nothing … my comments focused on the republicans.
darwin on September 9, 2007 at 1:01 PM
If compromise means agreeing to the policies of the other party than we become a one party government. Why would conservatives do that? Liberals do not represent us and if the Republicans are no different than the Democrats why should we vote for either party? We are not represented in either party.
Rose on September 9, 2007 at 1:36 PM
Ah! Just another reason I’m glad I live in Texas instead of California. Arnold give new definition to RINO. It will be interesting to see how many lemmings follow him over the cliff.
second digit on September 9, 2007 at 2:02 PM
So the only good one party government is one comprised of people in lockstep agreement with your ideas?
Just as a reminder of what our country is really about:
“Compromise: A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
b. The result of such a settlement.
2. Something that combines qualities or elements of different things”
democracy – a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
Bradky on September 9, 2007 at 2:17 PM
The problem with compromising with Democrats, especially in California, is that they don’t compromise back.
Sadly, the strategy is working for them. I guess that shows us who the evil and stupid parties are, respectively, at least in California.
Merovign on September 9, 2007 at 2:20 PM
Bradky, your last statement reflects what I am saying. We want to elect people who represent us. If all candidates are liberal there is no one to vote for who represents us. When was the last time the democrats in CA were willing to compromise by adopting a more conservative policy?
Rose on September 9, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Right Rose. The democrats offer nothing … why compromise? Repubs stick to your guns and grow a damn backbone. That’s what people have been aching for, not compromise.
darwin on September 9, 2007 at 3:09 PM
When you say “illegals” you really mean Mexicans, no? Sort of how the Kos kids rail against the “Zionists” when they really mean all Jews. The vitriol spewed towards Mexicans here is no different than what the Kos Kids spew about Jews. This is more about what you right-wing racists here call “The Browning of America” than anything else. Bobnormal, you are a bigot, and this site is just a right-wing Kos.
The Sinner on September 9, 2007 at 3:55 PM
My maid of honor was Mexican-American and our best man’s mother was Mexican-American. Why does everyone assume that because you are against illegal immigration you are also anti-Mexican? There is a big difference between the two and those of us who live in Southern California have no problem discerning that difference.
Rose on September 9, 2007 at 4:11 PM
Well I and the rest of the huge majority that re-elected Arnold in ‘06 (when the rest of the GOP was deservedly getting it’s ass kicked nationwide) are just happy with the GOP molded in Arnold’s vision. If you feel you are so misrepresented, you are more than welcome to leave this state, we have too many people here anyways.
The Sinner on September 9, 2007 at 4:26 PM
I am not ready to leave and I am not ready to vote for liberals. I voted for Arnold. I and others like me helped to elect him. Don’t expect that again. If liberals win without our votes, fine, than you have won. But if the Republicans find that they cannot win without our help than you have chosen that path. If you think that there are too many people here than why do you think it is ok for more to come illegally?
Rose on September 9, 2007 at 4:32 PM
As I said earlier, 4 senate races, 3 presidential races and 2 governor races have gone to the Dems since 1994. That’s 9 out of 10 elections won by the Dems (Arnold being the exception). So you don’t like Arnold? Well then good luck with your candidates like McClintock and Dan Lundgren again, with their 0% winning percentage and all. I’ll happily take Arnold and yeah he has already proven he doesn’t need the hard right-wing to win because you guys mostly stayed home in ‘06. Therefore, more moderate candidates like mine and fewer hard-right social cons like yours are what’s needed to keep the GOP viable here. And hey if you people quit hiring illegals then they wouldn’t come, so look inward for answers on that. And to be honest, I’d rather have hard-working, well-meaning illegals here than you divisive hard-right social cons.
The Sinner on September 9, 2007 at 4:59 PM
I didn’t stay home in 06. I voted. Just because people expect the laws to be enforced does not mean they are bad people. If Arnold gets his way and the taxpayers are forced to pay for health care for people who are not here legally than that will create an even greater burden on the taxpayers and an even stronger draw for illegals. Why do you think that is a good thing? If the liberals really want to help these people, and although the children are suffering because of their parents illegal decisions, they do need help, let these churches set up health clinics and fund them through donations. My son goes to Mexico once a year to help build homes with his youth group. Other churches do the same thing. Things can be done to help that do not involve tax payer money. These churches in the United States can also help here. But it is wrong to expect the taxpayers to fund illegal activity.
Rose on September 9, 2007 at 5:16 PM
Man, you just use any excuse to throw your favorite terms “racist” and “vitriol” out don’t ya? 95% of illegals ARE Mexican. You’re ridiculous.
.
Hey bub, you’re confused, let me explain things to you. We have the right, as citizens of the US to determine who we want, and don’t want in the US. I don’t want 20 million Mexicans suddenly becoming US citizens. I don’t give a flying crap about what you think either you racist bigot. How dare you come on here and accuse people just because they don’t want hordes of illegals streaming across our borders. These people are here illegally dammit, they’ve broken our laws, they demand non-existant rights, they are suffocating our schools, destroying our language as well as closing our hospitals and placing an tremendous burden on the taxpayer.
Just what the hell is wrong with you? Why the hell aren’t you placing blame on the Mexican government? These people belong to Mexico, not us … send your racist, bigoted vitriol to Mexico. Better yet … move there yourself.
Racist hypocrit.
darwin on September 9, 2007 at 5:23 PM
read below darwin:
OK, that was in another thread we were both debating in but I guess your short-term memory is the reason you didn’t remember me taking Mexico to task. And again, yes, I would rather have hard-working, well-meaning illegals here than bible-thumping divisive social white conservative homophobes and RACISTS like yourself.
The Sinner on September 9, 2007 at 6:34 PM
If the illegals are destroying your racist, nativist language, more power to them, bub!
The Sinner on September 9, 2007 at 6:38 PM
Sinner read your comment regarding social conservatives and tell us again who the bigots are.
Rose on September 9, 2007 at 6:42 PM
Excuse me, but Northern California by counties is mostly conservative!!! If we could sell off the Bay area (Which is Central california to me, hailing from the state of Jefferson) the real Californians could take back this state from all the tranplanted Hippies that moved here back in the haylconic 60’s.
opusrex on September 9, 2007 at 6:59 PM
Now you see why 20 million people like yourself aren’t wanted here. We don’t want, and can’t afford to take care of other countries problems by absorbing people who think like you. I don’t want 20 million mexicans here, I don’t want 20 million vietnamese here, I don’t want 20 million french canadians here. I want everybody out that doesn’t belong here. If someone wants to come here so bad … get in line and follow the rules.
I definitely don’t want people who think like you … who think the US somehow “owes” something to someone from a foreign country, who thinks they can get by by throwing some race card out and hope it’ll stick because they have no other argument. You have no argument. I wish we stop immigration … for at least 5-10 years.
Get this hombre … no one, I mean no one has a “right” to come here. Those that choose to come here illegally showed just how much they respect me, our laws and this country. They have shown me the only thing they deserve is a ticket to their home country.
lol … Yeehaw! Let it all hang out you hypocritical bastard! You go Sinner! You lying loser.
darwin on September 9, 2007 at 7:02 PM
Sinner, you insignificant bastard!
Fertilize the roses already with your post digested metro sexual cow feed.
Mcguyver on September 9, 2007 at 7:03 PM
Now head on over to your klan meeting before you are late, gringo.
The Sinner on September 9, 2007 at 7:35 PM
You know I’m hoping that God will have mercy on you before you have kids and grandkids, otherwise I’m afraid your offspring will be born with deformities such as the “parasitic sickness” of racist, bigoted, “squirmy things” gushing out of the newborns back door exit.
May God have mercy on you, and knock some common sense into you even if it requires a lightening bolt from the sky to strike you senseless for a moment.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Mcguyver on September 9, 2007 at 8:05 PM
Dang. I wish I had been here earlier to point out that this same Sinner–the one is so quick to point out “racism” against Hispanics–doesn’t shy away from hurling epithets against Americans who love their country and also happen to be black.
baldilocks on September 10, 2007 at 1:22 AM
That is just another myth by the MSM and open borders crowd.Prop 187 won with some 59 percent of the popular vote in California.
It also resuscitated the political career of Gov. Pete Wilson, who campaigned for it, and carried to victory at least five Republican congressional candidates, which helped the party win a congressional majority in 1994.
Arnold Schwarzenegger run for Governor to recall Gray Davis was largely on the issue he would reverse Gray Davis illegal aliens drivers license bill that he signed.
You see everything in terms of race and it is disgusting.Schwarzenegger ran on illegal drivers licenses in the recall election and won even the Hispanic vote that you continue to say has deserted the GOP. The exit polls prove you are wrong.
The reason conservatives have not won is that they have adopted liberal values instead of standing for conservative principles in the elections in California.
Evey time they stand for conservative values they win.
ScottyDog on September 10, 2007 at 1:21 PM
What Arnold and many others don’t understand is that the undecided voters are not necessarily centerist in political orientation. There is a difference betweend undecided and centerist. An undecided voter is one who is yearning to hear a distinct, new (to them) and clear point of view. They are mostly young (just out of college) and have not seen enough of love and life to ever have been presented with a TRUE Republican belief.
There are two ways to appeal to them. One is through logic, the second is through emotion. The right generally attempts to appeal to voters through logical argument, the left generally attempts to appeal through emotion. It is my feeling that if we didn’t have these political wimps like Arnold selling out it would be far easier to offer a logical and clear choice for the undecideds amongst us. He does nothing to appeal to the undecideds when he runs to the political middle because as a result he doesn’t really stand for anything at all. At the end of the day a candidate is either for the enforcement of our laws or for Amnesty. He is either for lower taxes or he thinks taxes should be raised. He is either for winning in Iraq or he is for withdrawl. He either thinks affirmative action is a good thing or he is not a racist. If I were to give advice to Arnold I would tell him to pick a position. Stick with it. Be clear about where he stands. Stop treating the voters like children. Allow them to make an informed choice. It is not possible to be all things to all people. If he attempts to be then in the end he will be nothing to everybody.
Zetterson on September 10, 2007 at 2:49 PM
I’m telling you woman there is a duty here at HotAir… no more slacking please, O.K.? :)
Mcguyver on September 10, 2007 at 9:16 PM
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