Posted on 01/24/2008 7:57:59 PM PST by NormsRevenge
The California Republican Party is struggling to get out of debt, creating a potential drag on voter registration and other party-building efforts in the midst of a heated campaign season, records showed Thursday.
As of last week, the state GOP's main account had a balance of $3.2 million but $3.4 million in unpaid obligations. The party's federal account - used to finance activities that support congressional candidates - listed a balance of $34,000 but nearly $460,000 in debts, according to records filed last month.
The shaky finances are due in large part to sluggish fundraising.
The party collected $5.6 million in contributions in its main account from Jan. 1 through Jan. 19. But virtually all of it came from a single source - wealthy Southern California Indian tribes donated $5.4 million to help finance an advertising campaign to win voter approval for expanding their gambling businesses.
A statement issued by the GOP didn't address the party's overall financial health.
Referring to donations from the Coalition to Protect California's Budget, a political arm of the tribes, GOP spokesman Hector Barajas said the party "has a responsibility to keep its membership informed about a wide variety of public policy issues and that includes communicating the party's official position on ballot measures."
The party is backing four proposals on the Feb. 5 ballot that would give the tribes 17,000 new slot machines - enough to fill eight Las Vegas-sized casinos. In exchange, the tribes would share profits with cash-strapped California, which faces a multibillion-dollar deficit.
The tribes - the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians near Temecula, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Cabazon and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation near San Diego - intend to spend as much as $80 million to push through the deals they reached with Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democrat-controlled Legislature.
Records show the party, bolstered by tribal funds, has already spent lavishly on TV ads to support the pacts.
Two of the party's major donors with ties to Schwarzenegger - American Sterling Co. CEO Larry Dodge and Paul Folino, chairman of computer-components maker Emulex Corp. - have agreed by next month to cover $3 million in party debt or arrange for repayment through affiliates.
But some activists complain not enough is being done to generate funds for the party in a critical election year.
Mike Spence, president of the California Republican Assembly, a conservative grassroots group, said the governor's dealmaking with Democrats in the Legislature hurt the party's image with donors.
"The governor just does not care about the party," Spence said.
Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Julie Soderlund said she was puzzled by Spence's remarks. She noted the governor raised millions of dollars for the GOP in 2007.
"The governor has a good working relationship with the party," she added.
Republicans make up about 33 percent of California voters, compared to 43 percent for Democrats. Between February and December last year, the GOP lost more than 170,000 registered voters in the state. The Democratic decline in that period was about 69,000 voters.
"I don't know that any party is flush with cash," said Marin County GOP chair Morgan Kelley. "I'm sure we can use all the help we can get."
Here in Michigan, many former GOP voters stopped contributions ‘cause the GOP had become the party of big spenders. I haven’t talked with many GOP people in California, but one has to wonder if their donor base isn’t sending them (and their Governor) a distinct message?
I was wondering why McClintock was coming out in favor of the Indian gambling initiatives. This explains it.
Not that I was a big-time contributor in the past, but every solicitation they've sent me in the past 2 years has gone back with a terse note telling them to get illegal immigration and spending in check and THEN hit me up. A lot of people I talk to do the same. Judging by the party's continuing obliviousness, the notes probably get round-filed by the stooge opening the envelopes and the party elite never hear about it.
I gave my money to our local Repubs for whatever this year instead of the state or federal ‘pubs...
I used to give money to the Republicans, too, but not any more. And it’s not that they are sluggish about asking; I am constantly getting telephone solicitations. But I just tell them to ask the illegal aliens for money.
Here is Tom’s take in his recent email..........
Propositions 94-97 Indian Gaming Compacts: YES!
These propositions ratify the compacts that allow four tribes to expand their casinos. I’m not a gambler, but it’s none of government’s business how people spend their money. I’m tired of government restrictions on enterprise, and I’m tired of government telling us what we can and can’t do. And our economy desperately needs the new jobs and investment.
Sounds a little bit Libertarian in regards to government involvement and a little desperate for revenue as we are in deep doggie do-do......
I stopped donating to the State and Federal RC’s due to overspending, support of RINO’s and amnesty. I have yet to see a pivot point, they have yet to see a dime from me. Coincedence? I think not.
California is an absolute mess thanks to the Democrats. They and our RINO governor have spent this state into oblivion. The GOP is a joke in this state. The Republicans can go ahead and write off this state for a couple more decades. It’s absolutely pathetic.
“Between February and December last year, the GOP lost more than 170,000 registered voters in the state. The Democratic decline in that period was about 69,000 voters.”
Could that be that smart Republicans are moving out of California? While the democrats are replacing theirs with illegals?
I saw that note from McClintock. The problem I have with those props is that the revenue projections come from some guy the benefiting tribes hired, and he won’t turn over the data that he used to arrive at those figures. Claims it’s “proprietary” to the tribes. Also, the tribes themselves are the ones who’ll do the accounting when it comes time to calculate the state’s cut. If they’re this opaque when they’re trying to persuade us to vote for their measures, why should we trust them?
Screw the GOP in Calif
I am A conservative republican in california.
We Got Arnold and The GOP supported him...so screw them.
In California we have an official party affiliation designation called "Decline To State" (DTS). While some have left the state, entirely, MANY former Republicans have simply re-registered DTS in protest of the CaGOP's RINOism.
Just wait till the savages start muscling each other with gun battles due to this inequality and unfair dealings like they already have done up in Clearlake a few years ago!!! Then Republicans will get smeared with encouraging criminal mob/tribe activities in CA complete with drive-by shootings and all that goes with it!!!
Wake the hell up Tom and quit diddling the Indians and quit letting them diddle Republican's for Pete's sake. Otherwise Pete Wilson will be right and you, Tom, will REALLY become "f---ing irrelevant!" You shoulda never let them even help you through that independent expenditure committee during the Recall, either. Now look how you are entangling the Party right along with you... STOP!!! LOOK!!! LISTEN!!!
I have the distinct feeling that number is a drop in the bucket compared to what I expect to happen on February 6th.
“While some have left the state, entirely, MANY former Republicans have simply re-registered DTS in protest of the CaGOP’s RINOism.”
I can picture that. It’s subtle yet it shows the California GOP that some will no longer carry their “R” after their name.
If I may ask you an opinion question....Is the registration of former Republicans under the DTS label having an affect on the Republicans or do they even care anymore?
No not Tom. Call his office or email him yourself senator.mcclintock@sen.ca.gov
I agree. Prior to Feb 5th, they will see an influx as the DTSers will want to participate in the primary. After the election, its time to bail on the destructive RINOs.
Of course, they will interpret the record increases of pre-Feb 5th registrations as reinforcment of their RINOism. What a pathetic bunch.
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