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links for 2010-10-15
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Jerry Brown's 1977 veto of a death penalty bill and his appointment of the overtly anti-capital punishment Rose Bird as the state's chief justice haunted him as well, playing a major role in his losing a U.S. Senate bid to Republican Pete Wilson in 1982.
Kathleen Brown enjoyed a big lead over then-Gov. Wilson when she began her 1994 run for the governorship, but Wilson hammered her on capital punishment and won in a landslide.
"Kathleen Brown is against the death penalty," one Wilson TV spot said, "even for drive-by killings … even for carjackings that take innocent lives. Kathleen Brown has the same position on the death penalty as her brother, Jerry Brown, who appointed dangerously lenient judges like Chief Justice Rose Bird, who voted to overturn 68 out of 68 death sentences."
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Meg needs to pursue this line of attack. -
One, in the heat of a reelection campaign, Boxer will say just about anything so long as she can get away with it. And she usually can. Two, she is under extraordinary pressure from Fiorina, by far the strongest Republican candidate she’s ever faced. Three, Boxer is a tough, resourceful, and shrewd campaigner and not too haughty to correct a false statement when necessary to avert trouble.
Often that’s not necessary. Boxer, 69, makes so many dubious, untrue, hypocritical, or outlandish remarks in a single debate that most of them fly by without registering.
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Pretty much explains Boxer and her camapign.Let's retire her.
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What an odd race. Things tightened up in early September, then Boxer bounced out to a six-to-eight point lead, which made this ol’ eeyore’s fragile little heart think she was pulling away. But no: The three polls taken this month have had the race by three or four points, and now suddenly via Reuters we’ve got a virtual dead heat.
If memory serves, Fiorina ended up pulling away in the last few weeks of the GOP primary thanks to a statewide ad bombardment. Boxer’s actually outspent her on TV two-to-one thus far, but I can’t believe that’ll continue when Fiorina’s budget for the race is basically infinite.
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Brand new ballgame -
Critics, however, contend that the program emphasizes building over producing power, with insufficient safeguards for taxpayers. The grants are more generous and likely benefit more companies than the tax credit they supplanted, analysts said. And government watchdogs questioned how much business growth the spending actually stimulated.
"It's essentially funding economic activity that already would have occurred," said Steve Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense. "So it's just a pure subsidy."
Money spent on those projects might have helped the economy more had it been used for other efforts targeting the most troubled states or workers, Ellis added. The stimulus bill "threw cash" at programs, he said, without a comprehensive plan.
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Big government boondoggle -
One of the reasons Democrats thrive is that when they run a place for a long time — think the East Coast’s big cities, or New Jersey until 2009, or California (at least the state legislature) — they tend to enact policies that drive out those who oppose them. Some will object to counterproductive liberal policies at the ballot box, but many others will vote with their feet. Why do Democrats run Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Detroit? Because their policies have driven most who demand better out to the suburbs.
If these electorates really do make their decisions based on housekeepers and casting calls . . . those states will deserve what they get.
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Well, California business will certainly vote with their feet and their employees will go with them. -
At this juncture, I am still sticking with a 1994-level outlook: Eight Senate and 52 House seats are the over and under, with a 50 percent chance that Republican gains will be higher and a 50 percent chance that they will be lower. House gains in the 60s, 70s, or even 80s seem unlikely, as do Senate gains of 11 or 12, which would require the GOP to capture or hold 100 percent of the 18 or so Senate seats that could change hands. Even so, Republicans stand poised to make sizable gains that will flip the House and bring them close to winning the Senate.
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Continues to be a good year for the GOP. For a party that was down so far just wo years ago what a comeback.
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Updated: CA-Sen Video: Barbara Boxer in Desperation Plays the Extremist Card
California Democrat U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s latest television ad: “Out of Touch”Well, everyone knew this was going to come – Boxer going extremely negative in her political ads. And, using Sarah Palin – yeah, she is a nefarious character, isn’t she?
Why?
Desperation.
Figures released this afternoon show Boxer blowing $11 Million last quarter in campaign cash and then being in a dead heat with Carly Fiorina in the polls.
Also, look at some of the sources of the ad: The Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood – please.
Most of the claims from Boxer are so preposterous that California voters will say – huh? and/or what?
One, in the heat of a reelection campaign, Boxer will say just about anything so long as she can get away with it. And she usually can. Two, she is under extraordinary pressure from Fiorina, by far the strongest Republican candidate she’s ever faced. Three, Boxer is a tough, resourceful, and shrewd campaigner and not too haughty to correct a false statement when necessary to avert trouble.
Often that’s not necessary. Boxer, 69, makes so many dubious, untrue, hypocritical, or outlandish remarks in a single debate that most of them fly by without registering.
Carly Fiorina is NO extremist and Californians know it.
Anyway, here is the statement from the Carly Fiorina Campaign:
Barbara Boxer is clearly getting desperate as she continues to gain no traction in the polls after spending millions on special interest backed, misleading advertising. Not only is this newest ad based on patently false claims that bear little, if any connection to actual facts, but it completely ignores Barbara Boxers 28 years in Washington where she has established herself as one of the most extreme, partisan and ineffective members of the U.S. Senate, while at the same time becoming a multimillionaire, funneling hundred of thousands of dollars to members of her family and taking special stock deals the average Californian would never have access to. Her record is so dismal that even her own hometown newspaper refused to endorse her for a fourth term saying that shes known for little other than delivering partisan shots. Barbara Boxer can try to run from the facts which are that under her watch taxes have gone up, our national debt is at record levels and more than 2.2 million Californians are unemployed, but she cannot hide behind false advertising. We demand that she immediately remove this ad from the airwaves and apologize to Carly, and California voters, for not only this deliberate and blatant distortion of reality, but also for her refusal to have an honest and serious debate about the issues during this crucial time for our nation.
– Marty Wilson, Campaign Manager
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CA-Sen Video: U.S. Chamber of Commerce To Air More Ads Against Barbara Boxer
U.S. Chamber of Commerce television ad: “28 Years”The U.S. Chamber is going back “on air” to inform California voters about Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer.
We hear that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — which has emerged as a big-time player in the midterm elections — is about to drop at least $1.25 million in negative TV ads next week against Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer next week.
Look for the spots to hit in LA, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Sacramento.
“We can neither confirm nor deny this,” the Chamber’s J.P. Fielder told us. But, he said, “All options are still on the table.” Asked whether the very close race — which Boxer is still slighty leads — is still in play, Fielder said: “Absolutely.”
That’s bad news for Boxer, who has already absorbed $3.2 million in Chamber TV ad pummeling.
I would expect even more independent expenditure money to come into California at the last minute since this race may determine control of the U.S. Senate for the GOP.
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CA-Sen Video: Barbara Boxer in Desperation Plays the Extremist Card
California Democrat U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s latest television ad: “Out of Touch”Well, everyone knew this was going to come – Boxer going extremely negative in her political ads. And, using Sarah Palin – yeah, she is a nefarious character, isn’t she?
Why?
Desperation.
Figures released this afternoon show Boxer blowing $11 Million last quarter in campaign cash and then being in a dead heat with Carly Fiorina in the polls.
Also, look at some of the sources of the ad: The Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood – please.
Most of the claims from Boxer are so preposterous that California voters will say – huh? and/or what?
Carly Fiorina is NO extremist and Californians know it.
Anyway, here is the statement from the Carly Fiorina Campaign:
“Barbara Boxer is clearly getting desperate as she continues to gain no traction in the polls after spending millions on special interest backed, misleading advertising. Not only is this newest ad based on patently false claims that bear little, if any connection to actual facts, but it completely ignores Barbara Boxer’s 28 years in Washington where she has established herself as one of the most extreme, partisan and ineffective members of the U.S. Senate, while at the same time becoming a multimillionaire, funneling hundred of thousands of dollars to members of her family and taking special stock deals the average Californian would never have access to. Her record is so dismal that even her own hometown newspaper refused to endorse her for a fourth term saying that she’s known for little other than ‘delivering partisan shots.’ Barbara Boxer can try to run from the facts which are that under her watch taxes have gone up, our national debt is at record levels and more than 2.2 million Californians are unemployed, but she cannot hide behind false advertising. We demand that she immediately remove this ad from the airwaves and apologize to Carly, and California voters, for not only this deliberate and blatant distortion of reality, but also for her refusal to have an honest and serious debate about the issues during this crucial time for our nation.”
– Marty Wilson, Campaign Manager
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CA-Gov Video: “The Way We Were” Starring Jerry and Bill
This is hilarious especially with them making peace over at UCLA.
As Democrats on the UCLA campus here are preparing for their big get-out-the-vote rally starring former President Bill Clinton, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. hopeful Gavin Newsom, the CA Republicans and the Meg Whitman campaign had a little bit of fun reminding folks that Brown and Clinton were not always such great buds.
So Team Whitman and the state GOP held a movie “premiere” at LA Live of “The Way We Were” this morning, starring the two Dems in some of their finer moments together in the 1992 presidential campaign.
What politically expedient hypocrites they are.
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Updated: CA-Sen Poll Watch: Barbara Boxer 46% Vs. Carly Fiorina 45%
Republican Nominee Carly Fiorina and California Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer
Looks like Carly Fiorina is starting to surge in this latest Reuters/Ipsos Poll.Democratic candidates are clinging to narrow leads over their Republican rivals in two key California races with less than three weeks to go until November 2 elections, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found on Friday.
Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer’s lead over Republican Carly Fiorina among likely voters in California is only 1 percentage point, 46 percent to 45 percent, down slightly from a 4-point advantage early this month.
The margin of error for likely voters in the latest survey is 4.6 percentage points, making the Democrats’ lead more tenuous.
Looks like my assessment of President Obama’s involvement in this race is correct.
The White House is scared this seat will FLIP.
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CA-Sen Poll Watch: Barbara Boxer 46% Vs. Carly Fiorina 45%
Republican Nominee Carly Fiorina and California Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer
Looks like Carly Fiorina is starting to surge in this latest Reuters/Ipsos Poll.Democratic candidates are clinging to narrow leads over their Republican rivals in two key California races with less than three weeks to go until November 2 elections, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found on Friday.
Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer’s lead over Republican Carly Fiorina among likely voters in California is only 1 percentage point, 46 percent to 45 percent, down slightly from a 4-point advantage early this month.
The margin of error for likely voters in the latest survey is 4.6 percentage points, making the Democrats’ lead more tenuous.
Looks like my assessment of President Obama’s involvement in this race is correct.
The White House is scared this seat will FLIP.
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CA-Sen: President and First Lady Michelle Obama Go All In for Barbara Boxer
President Obama and California Senator Barbara Boxer
All in to say the least, look at the events and they are not cheap either.October 22, 2010 – Friday Luncheon with President Obama at the University of Southern California
October 26, 2010 – Tuesday evening concert with First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden (The Vice President’s Wife)
October 27, 2010 – Wednesday noon luncheon with First Lady Michelle Obama in Pacific Palisades
I suppose California is so “blue,” Obama remains popular here (unlike other areas of the country) and there is so much Hollywood money floating around. Or, is it that the White House is worried that they will lose control of the Senate if the Boxer seat flips to Carly Fiorina?Carly Fioirna just announced she raised about $9 million this quarter and with recent NRSC funding announcements, it looks like she will remain strong “on air” through the rest of the campaign.
The Obamas are all in for Boxer, milking the California money tree for her and their own re-election campaign in two years.
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Sarah Palin Video: Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer yesterday in San Jose, California
Sarah Palin found her way to San Jose yesterday on the campaign stump. But, for whom?
Palin, who resigned as governor 2 1/2 years into her term, delivered a 40-minute speech – complete with a trademark “You betcha!” – and answered a few questions afterward before a less-than-capacity audience of 1,400 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Her paid appearance was sponsored by the conservative Liberty and FreedomFounda tion.
With husband Todd standing offstage – he’d just driven the family motor home down from Alaska – it was Palin’s first stop in her three-city swing through California over the next few days, a pilgrimage that appears designed both to raise her political profile, in preparation for a possible 2012 presidential run, and enthusiasm for GOP candidates.
Not that she mentioned any Republicans by name Tuesday. Not even Republican Senate nominee Carly Fiorina, endorsed by Palin last spring in California’s GOP primary. Fiorina and GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman (who Palin has not endorsed) were invited to attend Thursday, but declined, said event spokesman J.D. Gordon, because of scheduling conflicts. Neither is expected to join Palin in Sacramento today or Anaheim on Saturday.
The answer is for Palin’s Presidential run in 2012.
Sarah’s money quote from yesterday’s speech: Re: Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer: “act like they’re permanent residents of a unicorn ranch in fantasyland.”
Yeah, Sarah is running.
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Day By Day October 15, 2010 – Moral Hazard
Day By Day by Chris MuirChris, isn’t it interesting that Bill Clinton is being asked by the Democratic Party to carry the heavy burden of the campaign and not President Obama and the Congressional leadership? It reminds me of Rahm Emanuel and his 2006 hide the ball plan to elect supposed “moderate” Democrat Congressman in “red” districts.The Democrats are representing their party as being one of a southern moderate President who said the Era of Big Government was over – not the party of socialized medical care and disastrous, wasteful government spending. Why don’t the Democrats put Nancy Pelosi or Barney Frank out on the stump?
Well, we know the answer.
President Clinton is at UCLA this morning to campaign for Jerry Brown who is running for California Governor. He will return this evening to campaign there for San Francisco Mayor “Any Twosome” Newsom who is running for Lt. Governor.
President Obama is coming to USC next Tuesday to campaign for Barbara Boxer.
Looks like Los Angeles County is a battleground area for the Democrats – a must win. Since it is a predominant “blue” voter area, they must be looking at their internal polls and worrying about turnout.
Unemployment is high in Los Angeles County with teacher, California state employee and unionized workers having been hit hard. The Democrats have to be concerned.
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