California Republicans gather for three-day state convention

[Kadie]

California Republicans gather for three-day state convention

By JIM WASSERMAN, Associated Press Writer


Last Updated: August 6, 2004, 06:10:15 PM PDT


SAN DIEGO (AP) - California Republicans opened a three-day state convention Friday, aiming to gain several new seats in the state Legislature in November and rally members to win a second term for President George Bush.

The party, still basking in last year's election of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, gathered with hopes to keep chipping away at Democrats' majority in the California Legislature, and add to a national trend of growing Republican power over state lawmaking.

Party women also strategized to greatly increase their representation in California politics, where Republican women hold six of 190 legislative and congressional seats and elected statewide offices.

"The Democrats have redefined Republicans as a party of angry white men," said Assemblywoman Pat Bates, R-Laguna Niguel, addressing several women legislative and congressional candidates. "We have to recapture the hearts and minds of women."

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http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/8956244p-9848606c.html