In reponse (I believe) to Speaker Karen Bass’s explanation that “legislative leaders have compromised,” Cheslog writes, “The Democrats have been compromising with themselves on the state budget crisis. The Democrats have agreed to horrible spending cuts and other measures that go against their interest groups…The myth of bipartisan intransigence may be a more interesting story for state pundits to tell, but this fiction does nothing to move the state towards a solution to this problem.”

Here is the Bloomberg report on the plan Governor “blow the box up” Schwarzenegger proposed on December 31.

Here is the transcript of Speaker Bass’s reactions to the Governor’s proposed budget plan

Will the last sane adult leaving California please remember to turn out the lights?

Sadly, much of Coupal’s jeremiad will fall on deaf ears as California businesses know they can pass on costs to make consumers and the poor pay for any tax increase. This smug corporatism of big business, big labor, and big government is the death knell of prosperity for California that is bound to erode individual freedoms, as well. But every election, Republicans and Democrats buy into this madness.

Houston has already been endorsed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the entire elected financial team of Contra Costa County including Treasurer Bill Pollacek and Assessor Gus Kramer. Meanwhile, Controller Steve Ybarra announced his support this week (3/26). Houston is also supported by Sheriff Warren Rupf.

“The Governor rarely endorses in non partisan races” said campaign consultant, Don Parsons. “Governor Schwarzenegger’s endorsement of Guy is a testament to their strong working relationship in Sacramento”

“I look forward to working with Governor Schwarzenegger as a County Supervisor” said Houston. “My contacts and relationships that I have developed over the years as an Assemblyman will be useful in solving the many problems that face Contra Costa County today.”

Contact the Guy Houston for Supervisor campaign headquarters at (925) 242-1489, e-mail at info@guyhouston.com, or visit www.guyhouston.com.

California Party Chair, Ron Nehring, is accused by influential Republicans at the state level of organizational incompetence, and poor electoral performance.

We have been reporting the exact same symptoms here in Contra Costa County, where County Party Chairman and Vice Chair of the Republican State Party Committee, Tom G. Del Beccaro, in an apparent microcosm of the State party’s woes, has also managed to turn the Republican Central Committee into a Mickey Mouse Club.

Is it too late for the Terminator to step in and save the party’s chestnut (yes, just one) from the fire? Continuing with this group of Keystone Kops would certainly damage McCain in November, as well as Ahhnold’s Senatorial ambition, don’t ya’ think? As the line from T2 says: “Sarah Connor, if you want to live, come with me now.”

Assemblyman Houston will talk about the Governor’s recent State of the State message and budget proposals as California faces a $14-billion current year budget deficit, as well as the State’s structural deficit where spending increase built into legislation far outstrip the State’s ability to pay.

Executive Director, Kris Hunt, will also discuss the Governor’s Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Commission Report just released. Meanwhile Contra Costa County has a $3 billion retiree health care liability that has yet to be adequately addressed. It is hoped that the Commission will offer some solid recommendations for dealing with both pensions and health care at the State and County levels.

The meeting is sponsored in part by Board Member Bill Baker (financial advisor, tax fighter, and former Congressman) and the firm of Baker, Welch and Mitsutome.

$15.00 Includes full breakfast and speaker. RSVP: Please make reservations by Thursday, January 24 by phone, e-mail or at www.cocotax.org. If you have questions, please call Kris Hunt at 925-228-5610 or e-mail her. Prepayment is greatly appreciated. Checks should be mailed to: P.O. Box 27, Martinez, CA 94553