http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/ca-gop/ en-us Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:52:08 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2028844/posts Ernie Scherer of Pleasanton, who was found brutally murdered with his wife on March 14 in their home, has been elected posthumously to the Alameda County Republican Central Committee. Scherer had received 4,758 votes as of Monday’s tally at the Alameda County election web site. Voters were to choose six people among nine candidates and Scherer came in third place behind David Latour and Douglas Miller.The Central Committee must now vote to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.In order of votes, the other candidates were: Brian Eschen, Deslar Patten, Christopher Kuhn, Daniel Byards, Andrew Latour and Gregg Byars.The police still... CoCo Times: Inside Politics http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2028844/posts#comment Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:52:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2021889/posts The stakes may be high for the six candidates vying for the District 15 Assembly seat of termed-out incumbent Guy Houston, R-San Ramon, but there may be more on the line for the four Republican candidates. With three-termer Houston being the only Bay Area Republican serving in Sacramento, the region's Capitol contingent could become GOP-free if the Democrats win District 15 in November. Four Republicans and two Democrats have been campaigning hard for the June 3 primary, each hoping to earn their party's nomination for the November general election. Both parties recognize the need for a candidate who can appeal... Contra Costa Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2021889/posts#comment Tue, 27 May 2008 14:36:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2011660/posts The Republican free-for-all to replace retiring GOP Rep. John Doolittle is ugly and getting uglier, with the campaigns spending plenty to tag one candidate as a greedy carpetbagger and the other as a big-spending liberal. Those are fighting words in the Fourth Congressional District, which rambles from the Sacramento suburbs of Rocklin and Roseville east to Lake Tahoe and north to the Oregon border. Former Rep. Doug Ose and state Sen. Tom McClintock are brawling for the GOP nomination in a district where Republicans outnumber Democrats 47 percent to 30 percent and the incumbent is leaving after being named in... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2011660/posts#comment Mon, 5 May 2008 23:03:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2011497/posts WASHINGTON — Congressman Jerry McNerney, a freshman Democrat, has emerged as one of the Republicans' top targets in Congress this year, making the race in his district that rarity in California politics — a national battleground contest and a true tossup. In 2006, McNerney pulled off one of the big upsets of the year when he knocked off Republican Richard Pombo, a committee chairman who earned the ire of environmental groups. Now, efforts by the GOP to retake the district, which stretches from Stockton through Alameda County to Morgan Hill, ensures an expensive campaign and should be one of the... MediaNews via CoCoTimes http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2011497/posts#comment Mon, 5 May 2008 17:12:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2009533/posts WASHINGTON — Local congressman Jerry McNerney, a freshman Democrat, has emerged as one of the Republicans’ top targets in Congress this year, making the race in his district that rarity in California politics — a national battleground contest and a true toss-up. In 2006, McNerney pulled off one of the big upsets of the year when he knocked out Republican Richard Pombo, a committee chairman who earned the ire of environmental groups. Now efforts by the GOP to retake the district, which stretches from Stockton through Alameda County to Morgan Hill, ensures an expensive campaign and one of the state’s... MediaNews via CoCoTimes http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2009533/posts#comment Thu, 1 May 2008 04:09:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2004726/posts Peninsula GOP leaders asked Atherton Republican Greg Conlon "to take a bullet for the party," he said, and run against Jackie Speier in the special election to replace the late Rep. Tom Lantos earlier this month. The 75-year-old Conlon played the good soldier, dutifully finishing second with 9 percent of the vote, as Democrat Speier grabbed 79 percent for an easy - and expected - victory. Across the Bay Area, more Republicans are being asked to face that same electoral firing squad, marching into legislative contests where they have little or no chance of winning behind an increasingly tattered GOP... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2004726/posts#comment Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:51:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2002192/posts LOS ANGELES, (AP) -- A splinter group of Republicans with ties to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and financed by six-figure donations will recruit candidates with hopes of reversing the party's disappointing record in recent statewide elections. Disclosure of the group Tuesday — California Republicans Aligned for Tomorrow — comes at a time when the California Republican Party has been struggling with financial and management problems and factional strife between moderates and conservatives. A list of supporters comes from across the party's political spectrum, but the organization appears geared to promoting Republicans who can compete statewide in a state that leans Democratic.... AP via SFGate http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2002192/posts#comment Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:19:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1990003/posts Bryan DeWinter spent his summer vacation in Israel, speaking with convicted terrorists at a maximum-security prison and venturing to the Syrian and Lebanese borders, where signs of the 2006 war with Hezbollah still remained. In Washington, D.C., he spent winter break meeting with Department of Homeland Security officials, analyzing government tactics to quell terrorist activities. Although young Democrats have dominated the spotlight this presidential election, helping to swell the ranks of new voters, college Republicans like DeWinter are just as impassioned about the 2008 presidential campaign. But instead of demanding a change of course from the Bush administration's policies, young... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1990003/posts#comment Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:18:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1988154/posts Husband in double slaying had gambling, real estate, political ties; deaths appear 'motive specific,' official says -- The man who was killed alongside his wife in their Pleasanton country club home was a "complicated" and, at times, controversial local figure with political, gambling and real estate ties, those who knew him said. Ernie Scherer, 60, was a passionate conservative who once worked for former Republican Congressman Bill Baker. He dabbled on the professional poker circuit and was an active real estate investor who bought and sold homes across the country. "Local politics was as much a hobby to him as... Contra Costa Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1988154/posts#comment Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:56:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1987273/posts PLEASANTON -- A Republican activist and professional poker player and his university lecturer wife found slain inside their country club home in Pleasanton had been dead for several days before their bodies were discovered Friday, authorities said today. Ernest Scherer Jr., 60, and his wife, Charlene Abendroth, 57, were discovered at 12:30 p.m. Friday after their daughter could not reach them and summoned officials with the Castlewood Country Club association to the home at 18 Castlewood Drive. The couple had owned the home for about 18 months, a neighbor said. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not said... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1987273/posts#comment Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:44:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1981586/posts I drove up to Auburn Tuesday to see Tom McClintock rhetorically throw his hat into the ring. "The ring" in this case refers to the 4th Congressional District, and the cliché is historically appropriate. Apparently derived from a frontier tradition of throwing one's headgear into a boxing ring to announce one's pugilistic intentions, it was popularized as a political term by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. "My hat's in the ring. The fight is on, and I'm stripped to the buff," Roosevelt said as he announced he would challenge a heretofore fellow Republican, William Howard Taft, for the presidency. Which is... Sacramento Bee http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1981586/posts#comment Thu, 6 Mar 2008 23:22:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1972402/posts State Sen. Tom McClintock, one of California’s most high-profile conservative Republicans, isn’t ruling out a run for the 4th Congressional District GOP nomination and a chance to replace U.S. Rep. John Doolittle, R-Roseville. McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks, was asked by the Journal whether he was considering a run for the Northern California seat, which includes Auburn. He was also asked through an e-mail sent to his office whether he supported any Fourth District candidate for the Republican nomination. Jennifer Cressy, press secretary for the senator, replied that McClintock has “received calls from supporters urging him to run for a variety of... The Auburn Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1972402/posts#comment Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:51:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1971611/posts The cash-strapped California Republican Party is facing deeply divisive political and financial problems in this critical election year - beginning with a $3 million loan from a furious contributor who was supposed to have been repaid on Friday. The troubles of the GOP in the nation's most populous state - which backers of Sen. John McCain insist could be competitive in the fall presidential election - come at a crucial time. The California party convention is Feb. 22 in San Francisco, and conservatives and moderates will debate the platform and whether independent voters should be allowed to cast ballots in... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1971611/posts#comment Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:11:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1966197/posts Just off the transom, State GOP Chairman Ron Nehring issued a hearty "congrats" to Senator McCain for his big win here in the Golden State: "Congratulations to Senator McCain for his victory across California today. Based on the results reported by the Secretary of State, Senator McCain has triumphed in every part of California, from the Oregon border to San Diego. California Republicans know how to win in our state, as Governor Schwarzenegger and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner demonstrated in 2006. While the contest for the Republican presidential nomination appears it may continue, we're confident the issues of this campaign... FlashReport http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1966197/posts#comment Thu, 7 Feb 2008 01:59:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1966025/posts Behind the scenes, Republican supporters of Arizona Sen. John McCain are grumbling about what they say was state GOP Chairman Ron Nehring’s glaring failure tonight to publicly congratulate the apparent GOP winner in California. (SEE UPDATE BELOW WITH NEHRING’S STATEMENT ON McCAIN’S APPARENT WIN.)Starting about 9:30p.m., media outlets projected McCain would take California but Nehring remained silent.Nehring, reached by phone a few minutes ago from San Diego, where the state party held its Election Night party, called it a non-issue and said he never planned to call the election himself or give a speech from the podium.“We will absolutely unify... CoCoTimes: Inside Politics http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1966025/posts#comment Wed, 6 Feb 2008 20:43:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1959775/posts A day after Assemblyman Ted Gaines said he would throw his support behind Rico Oller for the Fourth Congressional District seat, Assemblyman Rick Keene announced he would also endorse the former state senator. Cliff Wagner, Keene's chief of staff said by phone late Thursday evening that the Third District Assemblyman is happy to support Oller. "Rico has been a strong voice for the district and has served its communities well," Wagner said. "Someone with his credentials and experience makes him the easy choice." In endorsing Oller, Keene, R-Chico, joins Gaines and State Sen. Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, who were also... The Auburn Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1959775/posts#comment Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:29:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1959748/posts That's the name of a new anti-Huckabee web site started by former Thompson staffer Darrel Ng. Jonathan Martin has more on the site: Now that his candidate is out of the race, one Thompson staffer has gone the next stop and is actively working against Huck. Sorta. Darrel Ng, perhaps the heartiest and most dogged of Thompson's aides and somebody who logged many a mile on the Fred bus, has launched a website called "Boycott Chuck Norris." Yup, Ng now wants people to show their disregard for Huck by not patronizing any companies that use Norris as a pitchman. The... Real Clear Politics http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1959748/posts#comment Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:21:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1956227/posts While the once-imperiled California condor has made a striking comeback, there is another ailing bird in the state that should probably be considered for the endangered species list: California Republicans. As the 2008 Republican presidential contenders turn their sights toward California on Feb. 5, they might want to take stock of the sorry state of the GOP in the Golden State. Registered Republicans now constitute barely a third of the electorate in the biggest state — 34 percent — a decline from 39 percent just two decades ago. Even in Orange County, regularly described as “the most Republican county in... Politico http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1956227/posts#comment Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:47:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1955848/posts While the once-imperiled California condor has made a striking comeback, there is another ailing bird in the state that should probably be considered for the endangered species list: California Republicans. As the 2008 Republican presidential contenders turn their sights toward California on Feb. 5, they might want to take stock of the sorry state of the GOP in the Golden State. Registered Republicans now constitute barely a third of the electorate in the biggest state — 34 percent — a decline from 39 percent just two decades ago. Even in Orange County, regularly described as “the most Republican county in... Politico http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1955848/posts#comment Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:19:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1952373/posts Rep. John Doolittle's decision to retire promises a Republican primary fight between political veterans and novices eager to take one of the few wide-open congressional races in California this year. While Doolittle narrowly fended off a Democratic challenge in 2006, analysts expect an easier time for whichever Republican emerges victorious in the June primary election. Doolittle, who is under investigation in a congressional lobbying scandal, announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of his current term, his ninth in the House of Representatives. He has retained solid voter support for most of his 17 years in Congress. In... The Mercury News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1952373/posts#comment Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:18:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1948063/posts Ed Rollins is a nasty, nasty piece of work. Here he was tonight on Fox News: Rollins: The wise men like you who say Huckabee doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in heck - well, he can still go out and take his message to the people. And we’ve seen all the wisdom doesn’t live in Washington, and all the wisdom doesn’t live in the press corps.” Wallace: You can accuse me of a lot of things, but I would note we’ve had Mike Huckabee on Fox News Sunday several times— Rollins: —and we’re very grateful for the opportunity to take... The Sundries Shack http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1948063/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jan 2008 04:11:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1934827/posts The son of the legendary Conservative Republican presidential candidate and Arizona senator, Barry Goldwater, produced a YouTube video endorsement of Ron Paul. Ron Paul responded “I am honored to have the endorsement of my friend, Barry Goldwater, Jr.,” said Dr. Paul. “Barry and his family have been giants in the fight to protect American values, and his support means the world to me.” In the video Barry Goldwater Jr. who served 6 terms in Congress with Ron Paul in highlights Paul’s honesty and integrity. Goldwater also said, “Ron Paul believes in a strong national defense but not being the policeman... USA Daily http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1934827/posts#comment Wed, 5 Dec 2007 02:33:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1931519/posts O come all ye Thompson faithful to the Laguna Woods Village Clubhouse 3 this Saturday for a rally for the presidential candidate. All the information you need is contained in this flyer, which you will need to show at the gate so you can see Fred. The closer we get to Iowa and New Hampshire, the fewer opportunities we will see these guys in OC, so now is a good time to catch Fred and any others who come around the Orange Curtain. Red County OC Blog http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1931519/posts#comment Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:36:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1930089/posts This could be the best news the House GOP has gotten since Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) decided to retire. According to Hank Shaw's blog at the Stockton Record, it "appears" that Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) "is about to" announce his retirement and will "ultimately endorse" state Sen. Rico Oller (R) to be his successor. The Hotline http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1930089/posts#comment Sun, 25 Nov 2007 01:28:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1915332/posts This is a particularly tough time for Congressman John Doolittle. Doolittle (pictured to the right) is in the midst of dealing with the taint of an FBI investigation of Congress that has included family business dealings with now-disgraced and imprisoned ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Our hearts to go out to John and his family at this time. In America, we have a strong tradition in our courts that you are innocent until you are proven guilty. I would tell FR readers that having known John for nearly two decades, I don't believe that he is guilty of any crimes. That having... The Flash Report http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1915332/posts#comment Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:30:05 GMT