California GOP turns on itself, risks losses in midterms

[Auggie]

San Francisco Chronicle, 3-15-09:

The California Republican Party has been pummeled by some tough body blows in recent years - and results at the ballot box have been just part of the pain. Now, at a time when the national GOP is trying to find its voice and cultivate new candidates, California GOP activists have begun engaging in a new pastime: issuing "fatwas" to punish state Republican legislators deemed too moderate on tax issues.

<snip>

But while much of the activity is political fun and games, many in the nation's largest GOP organization say the political challenges are no laughing matter. With just a year to go before the 2010 midterm elections, when the California governor's seat and a U.S. Senate seat will be up for grabs, critics say the state party is nearly broke and its leadership is under the gun. Its problems and infighting, they say, threaten to divert attention and focus from winning elections.

Dominated by older social and religious conservatives, the California GOP has so far failed to broaden its appeal in the nation's most diverse state. An entrenched party system, California's gerrymandered legislative districts and closed primaries that protect incumbents have continued to favor the status quo: a GOP establishment that is older, whiter and male. Those reasons are driving women and Latinos, still rarities among GOP elected officials, from the party ranks.

Recall efforts could further hurt the GOP's chances, as conservative party activists have put moderate legislators such as Assemblyman Anthony Adams of Hesperia (San Bernardino County) and Sens. Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) and Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield in the bull's-eye. All three GOP legislators said they carefully weighed the agonizing decision to vote with Democrats - in opposition to the GOP's hard line on no new taxes - and end the state budget impasse last month.

MORE: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/16/MN9T16DDOA.DTL&type=politics&tsp=1

[padia]

1. Well if we do not get a new mind set

with the new chair it won't matter. By the way heard Chris Finney at the Fresno Central Committee (FCDCC)(by the way they are willing to let their endorsement of her be public) and really felt that she is willing to make/support the changes that will make the CA Dems viable. This crap of maintaining 65% so we can be held hostage is insane. I heard from the FCDCC chair that the John Burton people called him up and had a non-cordial conversation at him.

[DBoon]

2. I can only hope

nt