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October 31, 2005

California Special Election Watch: Mobilize.Org YES on Proposition 77 at USC

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

On Tuesday, November 1, MAY and Mobilize.org are continuing their “What Are YOUR Boundaries?” RV Tour in support of Proposition 77, the California Redistricting Initiative at the University of Southern California. The news conference and rally will happen at noon.

Previously on Flap, Proposition 77 Watch: What Are Your Boundaries? Mobilizing America’s Youth.

The Mobilize.org RV Tour has one major purpose and one major goal. The purpose is to educate, empower, and energize young people throughout the state for the upcoming special election, and our goal is to pass the Voter Empowerment Act – Proposition 77. The RV tour is historic and the first of its kind as no other independent organization has hosted such an event exclusively devoted to a single proposition.

Mobilize.org believes that redistricting is the best way to end the political deadlock in California. We have built a strong coalition of support to help us get that message to America’s youth.

The What Are Your Boundaries Blog is here.

So, tomorrow head over to Tommy Trojan and check out the Mobilize.org RV and rally in support of Proposition 77.

Flap knows you will be glad you did.

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California Special Election Watch: Proposition 73 Galvanizing the Christian Base

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The Sacramento Bee has Abortion measure could be pivotal.

Forces for and against are using Prop. 73 to galvanize their base on the governor's initiatives.

The California Catholic Conference prepared a series of homilies for priests to mark October as "Respect Life" month and to use as a countdown to the Nov. 8 special election.

The sermons make references to Proposition 73, an initiative that would require parental notification before doctors can perform abortions on girls under 18.

"Proposition 73 is family-oriented, pro-life and promotes the culture of life," wrote Father Richard Benson, academic dean and moral theology chairman for St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, in his suggested "homily notes" for priests delivering Mass. "It closes the secret access to abortion."

The talking point homilies are among numerous get-out-the-vote efforts in support of or against the parental notification initiative.

Proposition 73 was in the planning long before Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his special election agenda. But as churches, women's groups and others rally forces to vote on the initiative, the turnout for Proposition 73 is viewed as a factor in how other special election measures may fare.

On one side, the Traditional Values Coalition is printing 100,000 slate mailers for evangelical churches, declaring: "We must not let Planned Parenthood and their baby-killing allies dominate at the polls."

And Benjamin Lopez, a coalition lobbyist, said the slate mailers will also urge Christian conservatives to vote "yes" on the governor's special election agenda, comprising Propositions 74, 75, 76 and 77. The measures would extend the time it takes teachers to earn tenure, require public employee labor unions to get members' permission before spending dues on political campaigns, give the governor broad powers to make budget cuts and change how legislative districts are drawn.

"We need to get our base motivated about 73 and that, hopefully, will have a coattail effect with the other measures," Lopez said

With a week to go before the California Special Election it is ALL about turning out your voter BASE.

Will Pro-Life voters deliver proposition victories for Governor Schwarzenegger?

Stay tuned.......

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California Special Election Watch: Proposition 73 - Flap Says Vote YES

On July 30, 2004, Diana Lopez received a call from her daughter’s middle school, informing her that her 13-year-daughter hadbeen taken to the hospital because she was bleeding. By the time Diana found out where her daughter had actually been taken, a Planned Parenthood abortion center, her young daughter was already undergoing an abortion — orchestrated by her boyfriend's mother and Planned Parenthood staff. Diana had not known that her daughter was pregnant or contemplating an abortion. Had Diana known of her daughter's pregnancy, she would have encouraged and assisted her to have her baby rather than undergo a secret abortion.

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

Flap supports Proposition 73, the Parents Right To Know initiative. and urges its passage at the California Special Election, November 8th.

From Real Clear Politics:

Proposition 73: Parental Notification

• Termination of Minor's Pregnancy. Waiting Period and Parental Notification. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.

Summary: Amends California Constitution to bar abortion on unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent/legal guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. Permits judicial waiver of notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor's maturity or minor's best interests. Physician must report abortions performed on minors and State shall compile statistics. Authorizes monetary damages for violation. Minor must consent to abortion unless mentally incapable or in medical emergency. Permits judicial relief if minor's consent to abortion is coerced.

Latest polling results and a poll summary is here.

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California Special Election Watch: Another L.A. Times "Hit Piece" on Schwarzenegger's Wife

California first lady Maria Shriver hands out emergency backpacks to students at a south Los Angeles elementary school to kick-off Team SAFE-T, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2006.

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The Los Angeles Times has First Lady Appears to Be Sitting Out This Election.

  • Kennedy legacy clashes with her loyalty to her spouse, keeping Shriver silent on ballot issues.


    • On a recent morning, Maria Shriver had a roomful of admiring listeners hanging on her every word. Unfortunately for her husband, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, none of them was old enough to vote.

    Shriver was addressing a fourth-grade class at Charles W. Barrett Elementary School in South Los Angeles as part of a campaign to improve disaster preparedness among children. On another campaign important to the Shriver-Schwarzenegger household — the battle over state ballot initiatives backed by the governor — California's first lady has remained virtually silent.

    Here we go!

    One week before the California Special Election and the hatchets come out for Governor Schwarzenegger's wife.

    Paul Pringle     the reporter is a committed leftie with a left wing agenda. And he is happy to oblige the Moonbat editors of the Los Angeles Times

    Ask Flap how he knows?

    Aides to the couple say that isn't expected to change before the Nov. 8 special election. They and others don't blame Shriver for her silence, even if it has deprived Schwarzenegger of one of his most articulate and charismatic advocates.

    After all, Shriver would be breaking family ranks no matter where she came down on the measures, Democratic and Republican activists say. As a Democrat and a Kennedy, they say, she would have to all but shape-shift to endorse proposals despised by the party that counts three of her uncles as icons.

    And if she were to publicly criticize the initiatives, things presumably would get chilly on the home front.

    And who from the Los Angeles Times ever asked Sharon Davis about why her husband bankrupted the state while he was California Governor?

    This is disgraceful BIASED journalism from the Los Angeles Times.


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    October 30, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Schwarzenegger in FULL Campaign Mode

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to the media while touring the Koreatown Galleria in Los Angeles, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2005. Elected two years ago to shake up a stagnated statehouse, the Republican governor is trying out various campaign messages in the closing days of a political campaign in which he hopes to push through a slate of ballot initiatives that would weaken public employee unions and clamp down on state spending.

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The San Francisco Chronicle has Schwarzenegger trolls for votes at San Diego restaurant

    Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger waded into a lunchtime crowd Sunday to kick off a final full week of campaigning for his four state ballot initiatives, telling customers waiting on shrimp salad and clam chowder that lawmakers have failed them.

    Schwarzenegger emerged quietly, without introduction, from the kitchen of Point Loma Seafoods. For 45 minutes, he shook hands, handed out campaign booklets, signed autographs and posed for photos. There were no speeches, no loudspeakers and — unlike many of his appearances — no protests.

    "Remember one thing: the Legislature couldn't do it, so the people have to do it," he told one customer.

    "The people have done a better job than the Legislature," he told another, his voice barely carrying in the noisy crowd.

    With close races for Proposition 74 and 75 the Governor has taken the show on the road. Will it be enough?

    Why, of course!

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to members of the Persian community during a roundtable discussion in Los Angeles, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2005.

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    October 29, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: "Anyone writing Arnold's political obituary is making a mistake" - Gray Davis

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The Los Angeles Daily News has Davis: Arnold won't lose power after election.

    Even if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's measures lose in the Nov. 8 special election, he will remain a powerhouse in California, his ousted predecessor said Friday.

    Former Gov. Gray Davis, now a private attorney and a policy fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles, predicted a "split" on Schwarzenegger's four initiatives on the ballot.

    Gray Davis was an indecisive political leader who bowed down to the Union bosses who eventually destroyed his career. He has always had a keen sense of the California political winds.

    However, he was stalemated by his own UNION allies, made poor political as well as governance decisions and lost it all.

    Popular support has been lacking for the four Schwarzenegger-backed measures that would increase his power over the budget, change the state redistricting process, limit union political contributions and make it harder for teachers to get tenure.

    But Davis dismissed Democrats and others who say a major loss next month could cripple Schwarzenegger's chances in his campaign to retain the governor's seat in 2006.

    "Anyone writing Arnold's political obituary is making a mistake," said Davis, a Democrat himself. "Even if all his initiatives are voted down, he still will be a formidable force in 2006."

    Gray Davis has it RIGHT and supports Flap in saying that Schwarzenegger has already won the special election.

    Davis said he thinks voters are more forgiving when it comes to losing ballot measures.

    "People don't resent you putting an initiative on the ballot, because its fate is in their hands. What they get upset about is when they have no recourse," he said. "This election is just not going to determine the governor's fate in 2006."

    Agreed and what about draining your union friend's (?) coffers going into 2006 and possibly bankrupting the California Teachers Association?


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    October 28, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Does California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez Support Violence and Thuggery?

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    CBS Channel 2 and KCAL News Los Angeles television Channel Nine has this video clip depicting a single Schwarzenegger supporter (Genevieve Peters) struggling to hold her ground in a rally against the governor’s special election initiatives. The rally was held at Los Angeles Pershing Square yesterday. Schwarzenegger opponents tried to hit her with their signs, tried to steal her hat and some blocked news cameras as she argued her point. The crowd turns quickly, grabbing her signs and tearing them up. Even a woman wearing an orange security vest rips up the “Vote Yes” signs.” (CBS 2 News, October 28, 2005).

    Check out the video clip here.



    Check out the thugs as they assault Ms. Peters.

    Now, California Assembly Speaker earlier had whipped up the union crowd to a frenzy. As a former union organizer shouldn't he know better and urge restraint?

    Shouldn't he now APOLOGIZE to Ms. Peters on behalf of the UNION THUGS that control him?

    Call his office and let him now how you feel! Remind the Speaker this is America and not a third world country - violence is not acceptable for political dissent.

    Sacramento Office: (916) 319-2046

    Los Angeles Office: (213) 620-4646

    Flap knows you will be glad you did.


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    California Special Election Watch: Latest Public Policy Institute of California Poll Released

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process, October 2005 has ben released:

    Some findings of the current survey

    Flap reproduces the entire summary of the poll to point out the poll cynicism and bias. The poll is OFF.

    The entire 38 page PPIC Survey is here.

    Approval of Feinstein and Boxer and disapproving everything and everyone else by very wide margins....... not very credible.

    Flap says place this poll in the circular file.

    Stay tuned for the Field and L.A. Times polls.

    November 8 election day is looming.

    Stay tuned.


    The ASSociated Press has Poll: Gov. Schwarzenegger's Measures Lag.

    Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "year of reform" initiatives are proving a tough sell to California voters despite a multimillion dollar advertising blitz, according to a poll released Thursday. None of his measures on the Nov. 8 ballot has majority support, and two are opposed by wide margins.

    Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,079 likely voters over seven days ending Oct. 23. There was a sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

    Governor Schwarzenegger's Job Approval Rating:

    Approve 38%

    Disapprove 57%

    Proposition 74 extends the probationary period for new teachers from 2 years to 5 years, and makes it easier to dismiss teachers with unsatisfactory performance evaluations.

    Approve 46%

    Disapprove 48%

    But within the margin of error.

    Proposition 75 prohibits public employee unions from using union dues for political purposes without the written consent of union members.

    Approve 46%

    Disapprove 46%

    Again, within the margin of error.

    Proposition 76 limits growth in state spending so that it does not exceed recent growth in state revenues.

    Approve 30%

    Disapprove 62%

    Proposition 77 changes the way California draws boundaries for Congressional and legislative districts. District boundaries would be drawn by a panel of retired judges and approved by voters in a statewide election.

    Approve 36%

    Disapprove 50%

    While the poll numbers are not very encouraging for the governor, pollster Mark Baldassare cautioned that the results don't mean the election is over.


    "All these measures are close," he said. "There's a considerable amount of time . . . and there will be new messages and counter-messages. I don't feel like this election is necessarily settled."

    This poll although not favorble to the Governor is not disastrous either.

    Indeed, Proposition 74 and 75 may be winning since the results are within the margin of error.


    And Schwarzenegger has forced the California Teachers Association to spend $52.9 million fighting these measures - not a small chunk of change.

    Stay tuned the Field Organization and Los Angeles Times will soon release their polls.

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    October 27, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Latest Public Policy Institute of California Poll

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The ASSociated Press has Poll: Gov. Schwarzenegger's Measures Lag.

    Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "year of reform" initiatives are proving a tough sell to California voters despite a multimillion dollar advertising blitz, according to a poll released Thursday. None of his measures on the Nov. 8 ballot has majority support, and two are opposed by wide margins.

    Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,079 likely voters over seven days ending Oct. 23. There was a sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

    Governor Schwarzenegger's Job Approval Rating:

    Approve 38%

    Disapprove 57%

    Proposition 74 extends the probationary period for new teachers from 2 years to 5 years, and makes it easier to dismiss teachers with unsatisfactory performance evaluations.

    Approve 46%

    Disapprove 48%

    But within the margin of error.

    Proposition 75 prohibits public employee unions from using union dues for political purposes without the written consent of union members.

    Approve 46%

    Disapprove 46%

    Again, within the margin of error.

    Proposition 76 limits growth in state spending so that it does not exceed recent growth in state revenues.

    Approve 30%

    Disapprove 62%

    Proposition 77 changes the way California draws boundaries for Congressional and legislative districts. District boundaries would be drawn by a panel of retired judges and approved by voters in a statewide election.

    Approve 36%

    Disapprove 50%

    While the poll numbers are not very encouraging for the governor, pollster Mark Baldassare cautioned that the results don't mean the election is over.


    "All these measures are close," he said. "There's a considerable amount of time . . . and there will be new messages and counter-messages. I don't feel like this election is necessarily settled."

    This poll although not favorble to the Governor is not disastrous either.

    Indeed, Proposition 74 and 75 may be winning since the results are within the margin of error.


    And Schwarzenegger has forced the California Teachers Association to spend $52.9 million fighting these measures - not a small chunk of change.

    Stay tuned the Field Organization and Los Angeles Times will soon release their polls.

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    California Special Election Watch: Democrat Leaders are "Spending Addicts"

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at a town hall-style meeting promoting his special election campaign, in the backyard of Jon and Lauri Irvine's residence in Arcadia, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005.

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The ASSociated Press has Schwarzenegger Vows to Rein in Spending.

    Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger warned Wednesday that legislators could push California into a nightmarish era of higher taxes and runaway spending unless voters endorse his proposal to place tighter controls on the state budget.

    In a staged poolside appearance at a private home, the Republican governor told an invitation-only audience that Proposition 76 would give him the tools to fend off a Legislature eager to dig deeper into taxpayers' pockets.

    He also suggested that without greater budget discipline, the state might be unable to meet the mounting demands for everything from electric power to health care to highways.

    "They have come to me with ideas like raising the property tax, raising the income tax, raising the taxes on the rich, raising the sales tax, and the tax on gasoline," the governor said, referring to the Legislature's Democratic leadership, which opposes the initiative.

    Schwarzenegger said Democratic leaders "always want more because they are spending addicts — they cannot help themselves."

    Schwarzenegger is reintroducing and reinforcing the tax and spend themes of his first "recall" election. Proposition 76 limits growth in state spending so that it does not exceed recent growth in state revenues.

    The latest poll shows it winning:

    54% Yes
    41% No
    5% Undecided

    But, the classless union bosses had their goons out in force to protest - even at this private home:

    Protesting firefighters refuse to shake hands with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after he spoke at a town hall meeting promoting his special election campaign at a private residence in Arcadia, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005. The firefighters were protesting Schwarzenneger's proposals to change state government.

    This reminds Flap of those idiota and RUDE union leader firefighters from L.A. and Ventura County who a few weeks ago MOANED about being "ordered" to be present with the Governor when Schwarzenegger came to thank them for their service here in the Conejo Valley.

    Stay tuned as the town halls continue and the Governor meets up with Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante for a quasi debate on Friday.

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    October 26, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Schwarzenegger Questioned by Hispanics

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, talks with Marco Rodriquez, seated at right, during a break in the taping of a Spanish-language talk show at the Univision Television station held in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005. Schwarzenegger appeared on the policy and political debate program 'Voz Y Voto', where he discussed his ballot initiatives on the upcoming Nov. 8th special election and took a few questions from the audience. The show is to be broadcast Saturday.

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The ASSociated Press and San Francisco Chronicle has Select Hispanic audience questions Schwarzenegger on immigration.

    Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger took his special election campaign before a hand-picked Hispanic audience that was more interested in asking him about amnesty and driver's licenses for illegal immigrants than his "year of reform" ballot measures.

    Schwarzenegger's appearance Tuesday in the capital studio of Spanish-language television network Univision was another step in his attempt to connect with voters two weeks before they decide his proposals to change state government.

    Schwarzenegger on the road.........

    Will his personal poll numbers improve?

    The Governor is in a two minute drill towards the California special election.

    But, the unions and their leftie lackies are already moaning about the event.

    Critics immediately assailed the Univision session because it did not provide time for any of his opponents to speak. Univision's chairman, Jerry Perenchio, is one of the governor's largest campaign supporters, having donated more than $3 million to Schwarzenegger campaign committees since he took office two years ago.

    "This amounts to a one-hour infomercial for the governor," said Roger Salazar, a spokesman for the Alliance for a Better California, the coalition of labor groups opposing the governor's ballot agenda. "It is nothing more than one of his biggest contributors providing him the opportunity to deliver his message on his terms."

    The question-and-answer session will be broadcast statewide Saturday on Univision stations. The company controls two broadcast networks and is the nation's dominant Spanish-language media company.

    Flap recommends a debate.

    How about Schwarzenegger vs. Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante in Fresno this Friday?

    How about it, Alliance for a Better California, and the California Teachers Association?

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    October 25, 2005

    Govenor Points Out Prop 77 Far From Partisan

    Posted by Ben Hoskins at Democracy Market

    Dan Weintraub live blogged the Walnut Creek special campaign forum. A key point comes up during the discussion:

    A questioner accuses Schwarzenegger of paving the way for a right-wing gerrymander. Gov: In Ohio, the Republcians are mad at me because I have endorsed their redistricting measure and the Republicans are in the majority. This has nothing to do with Democrats versus Republicans. We don't even know what the outcomes will be...

    Prop 77 is not a Dem. v Rep. issue. In fact, CA Republican's would probably have lost seats with the last redraw under a system not geared towards protecting incumbents, such as 77. Prop 77 will allow voters to pick their politicians - instead of the reverse - and result in more responsive representation. If you don't believe it, ask why incumbent politicians in both parties oppose it.

    Is Prop 77 perfect? No. But it is vastly superior to a system where no zero out of 153 seats change hands despite approval ratings of 25%. Throwing darts at a map of state is probably better. Allowing three random people out of the Folsom Yellow Pages choose is probably better. Allowing three random people in Folsom Prison choose is probably better.

    For more on the importance of recognizing Proposition as more than a partisian issue, read our interview with Californian's for Fair Redistricting Chairman Bill Mundell.



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    October 24, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Ballot Measures Crucial for California Reform

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger responds to questions during the Special Election Showdown, at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, Calif., Monday Oct. 24, 2005. Schwarzenegger and state Sen. Don Perata and others appeared at the forum to discuss issues in California's upcoming election.

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The ASSociated Press has Schwarzenegger: Special Election Crucial.

    Defending his November special election before an audience of voters, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday the ballot initiatives are crucial to continue changes he launched two years ago.

    He cast the Nov. 8 election as the next step of the 2003 recall election that propelled him to office. Voters, he said, sent him to Sacramento to rebuild the state's economy and fix a moribund political system.

    "We need reform. We have a broken system. That's why you sent me to Sacramento — to fix the broken system," he said. "Please give me the tools."

    He contended his policies have created 400,000 new jobs and billions in new revenue.

    The 90-minute forum in the east San Francisco Bay area was the first time Schwarzenegger sat for an extended time to field unscripted questions from an audience not chosen by his staff.

    Dan Weintraub of the Sacramento Bee was live-blogging the event.

    Check out his coverage here.

    My take

    We’ll have to see if anybody’s watching this forum or will watch others if they are held. But if the governor is smart, he’ll barnstorm the state and do them in every city. Most voters haven’t seen Schwarzenegger since the campaign, other than in brief snips on the news. They’ve seen and heard him portrayed as an ogre, a bully, an idiot. But his command of the issues is far better than it was two years ago, and he can articulately make his case for his measures, even in the face of tough questions from voters who disagree with him. He relied on his stump speech material at times, but he wasn’t overly scripted. He mixed in humor. He used anecdotes to make his points. He wasn’t perfect. But he was close to it. His opponents weren’t terrible, but they were what they were: defenders of the status quo. If two-thirds of Californians think the state is going in the wrong direction, they’re not likely to be convinced by these folks that everything is just fine.

    Sacramento Bee Columnist Dan Walters and Proposition 77's Steve Poizner, Photo Courtesy of Dan Weintraub

    The Governor is performing well and although he has already won the special election, he may be initiating a new era in California governance.

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    Arnold Schwarzenegger Watch: Governor Criticized for China Trade Mission

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, speaks to guests at a house party held in the Del Cerro area of San Diego, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005. Schwarzenegger is holding a series of parties to promote his reform agenda for California.

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The Los Angeles Times has Businesses Asked to Fund Governor's Trip to China.

  • Administration says the effort will save taxpayers money, but experts have concerns over conflicts.

    • To pay for a coming trade mission to China, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's political allies are raising tens of thousands of dollars from businesses whose names are largely being concealed.

    The L.A. Times Hatchet Writers are after California Governor Schwarzenegger again.

    Notice the lead and the headline..... all BIASED.

    The real story is that the Governor is going to China for a trade mission and is attempting to raise funds privagtely so that taxpayers will not have to foot the bill for the trip.

    In addition, at least two of the three public relations firms playing a role in the visit have political ties to Schwarzenegger. One has a West Coast affiliate co-owned by the governor's chief fundraiser.

    The first three paragraphs of the are about concealment of donors names, the Governor's PR cronies are playing a role in the visit and that the trip is scheduled after the special election.

    Only later does the Times inform the reader about the nature of the trip and its sponsorship by the California Chamber of Commerce and Chevron.

    The piece is laced with innuendo that Schwarzenegger is doing some sneaky, improper and illegal.

    HE is NOT!

    The amount of money we are talking about here is in the hundred thousand dollar range. If special interests want access to the Governor they can contribute to his election campaign here in California. There is nothing special about this trip and the fundraising - and certainly nothing inapprpriate.

    Since the Governor has already donated millions of his own money for special election reform initiatives and is making an effort to save the taxpayers travel funds you would think the Los Angeles Times would at least print these facts without the spin.

    And the editors at the L.A. Times wonder why they continue to lose circulation.........


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    October 22, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Will FLAP Between Bush and Schwarzenegger Affect the Election?

    President Bush and wife Laura at the dedication of an Air Force One exhibit at the Reagan Library.

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The San Francisco Chronicle has Bush visit stirs election anxiety Governor skips event -- his backers call trip ill-timed

    President Bush sought to draw a link between himself and former President Ronald Reagan on Friday, comparing his war on terrorism to the Cold War -- even as a political cold war continued between Bush and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was a glaring no-show during the president's two-day California trip.

    Reagan "recognized that freedom was opposed by dangerous enemies,'' Bush said at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library here. "And ... America has always prevailed by standing firmly on principles and never backing down in the face of evil.''

    But Bush's visit, at a party fundraiser Thursday night and at the dedication Friday of an Air Force One exhibit at the library before an audience of high-profile state and national Republicans, was termed "ill-timed" by supporters of the governor, who is facing a difficult special election in just over two weeks.

    So, what affect will this FLAP have on the California Special Election?

    Well, at least the Governor did not have to witness the Bush/Arnold hybrid protesters.


    "The governor's got challenges, and it's a very tense time for both of them,'' said Ken Khachigian, a former Reagan speechwriter and longtime political adviser. "I think they're both extremely focused on what they're doing, and as a result, the challenges are higher and the emotions rise.

    "... The president's trip to California will have no effect on the outcome of the special election, and the governor's not showing up here will have no effect on President Bush,'' Khachigian said. "Staff people just got carried away on both sides.''

    Agreed!

    The President had a good event and the Governor had a few bad press pieces but the FLAP will all but be forgotten by Monday's press cycle.

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    October 20, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: California State Firefighters Association Snubs Schwarzenegger

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The Sacramento Bee has State firefighters' group withdraws support for Schwarzenegger.

    California's largest firefighters' association withdrew its support for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday, with its president saying the governor has broken his trust with the organization on matters ranging from bill vetoes to the Proposition 75 union dues measure.

    The California State Firefighters' Association is not a union and is not targeted by the Schwarzenegger-supported special election ballot initiative that would restrict public employee unions from spending their members' dues money on politics. But about three-quarters of its members are in the unions that are targeted by Proposition 75 and are campaigning heavily to defeat it.

    What a SURPRISE?

    NOT!

    These California fire folks along with the California Correctional Peace Officer's Association (CCPOA) and other public employee unions are the new Southern Pacific Railroad of the 21st century.


    Even though the association is a trade group that includes fire department managers as well as line-level hook-and-ladder crew members, gubernatorial campaign spokesman Todd Harris attributed the CSFA's move to public employee "union bosses" that the Schwarzenegger camp has been harshly criticizing all year.

    "The governor is a huge supporter of California's rank-and-file firefighters," Harris said. "But it's no secret he is at odds with union bosses who want California to keep spending more money than it has and just raise taxes to make up the difference.

    "They can call themselves whatever they want," Harris said of the association. "The fact is, this is a fight between Gov. Schwarzenegger and reform-minded Californians across the state versus the union bosses who want to preserve the status quo in Sacramento."

    Like pigs at the government trough these peeps have bankrupted the California state budget, and corrupted California politics with union sponsored special interest legislation and contributions.

    Send them a message November 8th.


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    October 19, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: New Survey USA Poll Out

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    Previously on Flap, California Special Election Watch: New Poll Results

    A new Survey USA Poll has been released.

    In an election today, 10/18/05, 3 weeks to the 11/8/05 vote, California voters approve Proposition 73, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76 and Proposition 77, according to an exclusive SurveyUSA poll of 613 likely voters.

    Support for all 5 measures is strongly tied to approval of Governor Schwarzenegger. Those who approve of the job the Governor is doing, vote overwhelmingly "Yes" on all 5 Propositions. Those who disapprove of the job the Governor is doing oppose all 5 Propositions. Interest in ballot measures intensifies as the election approaches and ad dollars are spent to influence voters. These numbers can and should be expected to fluctuate,

    Proposition 73 requires that physicians notify the parent of a pregnant minor at least 48 hours before performing an abortion. If the special election were today, and you were standing in the voting booth right now, would you vote Yes on Proposition 73? Or would you vote No?


    60% Yes
    38% No
    2% Undecided

    Proposition 74 extends the probationary period for new teachers from 2 years to 5 years, and makes it easier to dismiss teachers with unsatisfactory performance evaluations. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on Proposition 74? Or would you vote No?

    53% Yes
    45% No
    1% Undecided

    Proposition 75 prohibits public employee unions from using union dues for political purposes without the written consent of union members. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on Proposition 75? Or would you vote no?

    56% Yes
    42% No
    2% Undecided

    Proposition 76 limits growth in state spending so that it does not exceed recent growth in state revenues. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on Proposition 76? Or would you vote no?

    54% Yes
    41% No
    5% Undecided

    Proposition 77     changes the way California draws boundaries for Congressional and legislative districts. District boundaries would be drawn by a panel of retired judges and approved by voters in a statewide election. If the special election were today, would you vote Yes on 77? Or would you vote no?

    54% Yes
    41% No
    5% Undecided


    This is continued good news for the Governor.

    Absentee ballots have been mailed and requests for them are greater than Arnold's last election in 2003.

    Elections officials in Los Angeles County, which is home to nearly a quarter of California's registered voters, already have sent out 445,784 absentee ballots. That's up from 338,747 at the same point in the 2004 primary race and 350,747 in the recall.

    "We're actually running closer to the numbers we saw in the 2004 general election,'' said Kristin Heffron, chief deputy registrar for Los Angeles County.

    There's a similar situation in Santa Clara County, where the 200,972 absentee ballots already mailed to voters are more than the 132,965 issued in the 2004 primary and not far behind the 232,231 mailed out for the November general election.

    "I think there's interest out there," said Alma Rosas, a spokeswoman for the Santa Clara Country registrar. "It's not like a governor's race, with a 50 percent turnout, or the 70 percent that turns out for a presidential race, but we're looking at a 40 to 45 percent turnout, like for a primary.''

    Stay Tuned.

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    October 18, 2005

    Proposition 77 Watch: What Are Your Boundaries? Mobilizing America's Youth

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    Mobilizing America's Youth (MAY) is an all-partisan network dedicated to educating, empowering, and energizing young people to increase our civic engagement and political participation.

    The element that sets MAY apart from many similar organizations across the country is that we aim to EMPOWER youth to advocate on behalf of their passions and to become the change they would like to see in their communities. This element of political involvement goes one step beyond just registering and voting, but it gives youth a reason to vote and a sense of why it is important to be involved. By learning about how issues affecting their lives can be influenced by public policy, then getting out there and voicing their opinions, America's youth will be increasingly engaged for years to come.

    On Monday, October 24, MAY and Mobilize.org are launching their “What Are YOUR Boundaries?” RV Tour in support of Proposition 77, the California Redistricting Initiative.

    The Mobilize.org RV Tour has one major purpose and one major goal. The purpose is to educate, empower, and energize young people throughout the state for the upcoming special election, and our goal is to pass the Voter Empowerment Act – Proposition 77. The RV tour is historic and the first of its kind as no other independent organization has hosted such an event exclusively devoted to a single proposition.

    Mobilize.org believes that redistricting is the best way to end the political deadlock in California. We have built a strong coalition of support to help us get that message to America’s youth.


    Mobilize.org's blog is located here.

    The official kick-off will consist of an editorial board conference call with college newspapers throughout the state on Monday, September 24th at 3 PM.

    Please join representatives from Common Cause, CalPIRG and Mobilize.org as we discuss how this reform will bring democracy back to California:

    Call in number: 1.800.615.2900, Code: 11082005

    Time: Monday, October 24, 2005 at 3 PM

    Please RSVP to ensure that we have enough bridgelines for all participants

    While mainstream media reporters can listen in on the call, only college reporters will be selected to ask questions of our panelists. This is a perfect opportunity for your publication to speak directly with officials in government and government reform.

    Stay tuned for more about this youth/college oriented RV tour in support of Proposition 77.

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    California Special Election Watch: Latest Stanford University-Hoover Institution-Knowledge Networks (S-H-KN) Online Survey

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The Hoover Institution has Poll: Race Too Close to Call for Two Schwarzenegger Propositions.

    A Stanford University-Hoover Institution-Knowledge Networks (S-H-KN) online survey shows two of the statewide ballot propositions backed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a statistical dead heat.

    Prop. 74 (Teacher Tenure) and Prop. 77 (Redistricting) both split likely California voters right down the middle.

    Another Schwarzenegger initiative, Prop. 76 (State Spending and School Funding Limits), is trailing by a wide margin, with 70% of likely California voters saying they will vote against it.

    Prop. 75 (Public Employee Union Dues), endorsed by the Governor, currently has a commanding majority, with 70% of likely voters saying they will vote in favor.

    This poll has a different methodology than the traditional telephone poll but looks promising for the Governor.

    Flap senses that Proposition 75, Paycheck Protection Initiative is poised to win decisively.

    Pressure will be on the Join Arnold folks to win 74 and 77, although 77 will be challenged by the Democrats in the courts (remember there is a stayed lawsuit about initiative circulation issues).

    While the current numbers are generally consistent with other recent surveys conducted by the Field Poll and the Public Policy Institute of California, the S-H-KN survey indicates that support for both Proposition 74 and Proposition 77 is higher than previously reported. In the S-H-KN poll respondents view a facsimile of the actual ballot on their computer screens and make yes or no vote decisions just as they will do in the upcoming special election. No undecided option is offered, although survey respondents can choose not to vote on a proposition just as voters can in the election. Consistent with S-H-KN polling in the 2003 recall election (see www.knowledgenetworks.com/ganp for all materials related to this press release), this methodology resulted in far fewer undecided responses than telephone surveying.

    The survey also tracked how the other four initiatives on the November ballot are faring.

    The S-H-KN poll has the following for the other propositions:

    Prop. 73 (Parental Notification) is currently leading by a margin of 54% to 46%, but this margin is within sampling error of the survey.

    Prop. 78 is leading 59% to 41%

    Prop. 79 is leading 58% to 42%

    Since these are competing initiatives whichever receives the most positive votes wins.

    Prop. 80 the final statewide initiative to appear on the November ballot (Electric Service Providers Regulation), currently trails by a wide margin. The poll finds that only 37% of likely voters are currently in favor, with 63% opposed.

    The media campaigns are in full swing and Flap has noticed a reduced frequency in the Los Angeles market for big unions' ads.

    Are they out of money?

    Will the California Teachers Association mortgage their future and/or be headed toward bankruptcy due to unwise media spending?

    Stay tuned.

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    Cross Posted to the SoCal Law Blog

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    October 17, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Schwarzenegger Endorses Ohio Redistricting Measure

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The New York Times has Schwarzenegger Enters Debate Over Redistricting in Ohio.

    Separate ballot measures in California and Ohio to remove lawmakers from the drawing of legislative districts have been dogged by accusations that they are essentially partisan power grabs.

    Now Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, hopes to counter those claims by throwing his weight behind the Ohio measure, even though no prominent Republican elected official in that state has done so and many Republican lawmakers there are raising money to defeat it.

    A campaign aide to Mr. Schwarzenegger, Darrel Ng, said Monday that the governor endorsed the Ohio measure, known on the Nov. 8 ballot as Issue 4, though he has not said so publicly. A top supporter of the measures in both states said Mr. Schwarzenegger would participate in a series of public events this week to signal his stance.

    "He has agreed to do it," said the supporter, Chellie Pingree, president of Common Cause, a watchdog group that is pushing for redistricting changes in more than a dozen states, including California and Ohio.

    A calculated risk for the Governor that will undoubtedly rankle the House Republican leadership.

    However, he, like John McCain can be viewed as a maverick who does what he thinks is RIGHT- without regard to Republican Party advantage.

    Flap handicaps this to be a slight plus in California with independent voters who are now completing absentee ballots.

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    California Teacher's Association (CTA): Wasting Its Membership's Money, One borrowed dollar at a time

    [Cross-posted by Jordan Cunningham at Democracy Market.]

    It's an interesting world we live in. Consider this:

    A union forces its membership to pay for political advocacy. It spends all the money. Running out, the union forces its membership to pay for more political advocacy with a special surcharge for three years. The union then spends all THAT money in the first year. Before the money even gets collected. Lobbying against, ironically, a ballot measure that would limit the union's ability to...guess what...yep, spend its membership's money on political advocacy. Then the union has to apply for a line of credit, just to be able to continue its normal membership services.

    If I was a member, looking at that record, I would really start to wonder if that $360 a year wouldn't be better off in my own pocket. CTA Priorities: 1. Spend its members' money on commercials attacking the Governor. 2. Raise its members' dues and spend more money on commercials attacking the Governor. 3. Get a line of credit to continue normal member services. Hmm...

    This info is from a recent declaration filed by the CTA Controller in connection with a lawsuit against the CTA. (HT: Dan Weintraub.)

    Posted by League Member at 05:40 PM | Comments (0)

    California Special Election Watch: ROPE-A-DOPE II

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    Sacramento Bee columnist, Dan Walters, has Ultra-low turnout could spell semi-victory for Schwarzenegger.

    By all appearances, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been set up - or has set himself up - for a sharp setback in the Nov. 8 special election, but in the Alice-in-Wonderland world of California politics being so far down could give him a leg up.

    On Flap previously, California Special Election Watch: It is the TURNOUT Stupid.

    Uniformly, polls indicate that voters are not impressed with Schwarzenegger's arguments that two major ballot measures - one overhauling the redrawing of legislative districts, the other imposing new limits on state spending - are needed.

    They do, however, appear to be somewhat more amenable to his teacher tenure measure and two others he has endorsed, one requiring parental notification when minors seek abortions and another to require public employee unions to ask permission before taking campaign funds from members.

    More importantly, perhaps, voters are turned off by the very notion of having this special election, having been convinced by a massive, union-financed media campaign that Schwarzenegger is wrong to have launched his ballot measure war this year. The latest polling by the Public Policy Institute of California found that more than half of likely voters think the election is a bad idea, but it's just possible that the negative reaction to Schwarzenegger's drive could, in a perverse way, produce a better result for him than the current polls indicate, perhaps even a semi-victory.

    Absolutely a correct analysis.

    Even the Unions seem to be "getting it".

    The Mercury News has Unions say it's vital for allies in Bay Area not to sit out election.

    But other Democratic strategists say the turnout problem is real and the union campaign so far has fallen into a trap that may inadvertently suppress the Democratic vote.

    ``We're worried,'' said Steve Smith, who is managing Planned Parenthood's campaign against Proposition 73 because the measure is dead even in polls. The initiative, another the governor is supporting, would require that parents be notified when underage girls seek abortions.

    ``The kind of campaign that's been run for months is, `Say no.' One function of saying no is staying home. That's a problem for us.''


    Now Walters discusses the bungled union media campaign in surpressing their OWN voters.

    Flap has noticed a reduction in frequency of anti-Schwarzenegger television ads in the Los Angeles market.

    Will the Alliance for a Better California change their message in the last weeks of the campaign?

    The tens of million of dollars that are being spent by pro-and anti-sides on the eight ballot measures are aimed, of course, at influencing voters' decisions, but they may have the auxiliary effect of depressing turnout as voters become even more confused and alienated. And this election may hinge more on how many vote and who they are, rather than on the massive media campaigns.

    The PPIC poll found, not surprisingly, that anti-election sentiment is concentrated heavily among Democrats (73 percent) and independents (56 percent). In sharp contrast, 63 percent of Republicans think the election is a good idea, so it may be intrinsically more difficult for Democrats and unions to persuade their voters even to cast ballots.

    And then there are the Evangelical Christians and Proposition 73 (Parental Notification for Abortion).

    This important base for the Republicans and Schwarzenegger WILL turn-out to vote.

    Conservative churches are, with Republican Party encouragement, marshaling turnout for the parental notification measure, Proposition 73.

    "If every Christian in California voted for this initiative, it would pass by a landslide," one pro-Proposition 73 group, the Capitol Resource Institute, says in an appeal that includes suggested church bulletin fliers. Religious conservatives are likely to support Schwarzenegger's measures.

    The Unions are worried and they should be.

    Schwarzenegger could possibly win two or three of his endorsed measures, including the Paycheck Protection Initiative which would be a knife to the union's heart.

    Who will the Union bosses blame for the ROPE-A-DOPE?

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    October 15, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Schwarzenegger Begins GOTV Drive in the OC

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The Orange County Register has Get-out-the-vote drive starts in Orange County.

    Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger kicked off his get-out-the-vote efforts for the Nov. 8 special election here Friday, linking the importance of turnout to the fate of his ballot initiatives.

    "It's all about how many people you bring to the polls," Schwarzenegger told two dozen volunteers at Orange County Republican Party headquarters. "The grass-roots operation is everything."

    This week, as absentee ballots began reaching local mailboxes, Republican volunteers started phoning those homes. More homes will receive pre-recorded calls from Schwarzenegger and other Republican officials. This weekend, hundreds of volunteers plan precinct walks across Orange County, knocking on doors and leafleting the homes of absentee voters.



    It is all about turn-out folks.

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    California Special Election Watch: Howard Dean, He's BACK

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseosuFlap's Dental Blog

    The San Francisco Chronicle has Howard Dean back in California this weekend.

    Democratic National Committee chair Howard Dean is back in California this week -- and boy, is it getting crowded with Democratic "could be 2008 presidential candidate material" types in the Golden State. Senator Hillary Clinton is here (in Los Angeles Friday), Virginia Governor Mark Warner was here (speaking to SF Bar on Wednesday) and Senator John Kerry also in the state and making news on special election campaigning (here and gone).

    Now State Democratic chair Art Torres has told his supporters by email that Dean "has accepted my invitation to join me in meeting Northern California Democrats about Governor Schwarzenegger's Special Election plans for California." Expect Dean and his famous oratory to fire up those grassroots Dems: Torres promises he will "speak about how we must enlist every Democrat to turn out to vote in order to defeat the Republican plans for our state."

    Watch for the rhetoric to fly.

    Is anyone from Northern California Bear Flag League attending one of his functions to report?

    Oh, here they are:

    Dean's plans are to address supporters on Sunday afternoon at the UFCW 870 Union Hall in Hayward. But party chairs are also about money: Dr. Dean is also slated to appear at a $100 a head fundraising party for Rep. Zoe Lofgren at a union hall in San Jose on Saturday night.

    All of the National Democrats are trolling for union dollars this weekend.

    Flap wonders if Cindy Sheehan will try to meet with any of them?

    Heh.


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    California Special Election Watch: Feinstein to Oppose Schwarzenegger’s Reform Initiatives

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    NO love from DiFi.

    Sen. Dianne Feinstein will participate in the campaign against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's agenda in the Nov. 8 special election, as well as an initiative seeking to impose restrictions on minors seeking abortions.

    "Feinstein believes that the special election is a mistake. It's a costly waste of taxpayer dollars," spokesman Howard Gantman said Friday.

    Feinstein, a San Francisco Democrat who also appeals to many independents and Republicans, plans to participate in opponents' efforts to explain why voters should defeat the initiatives, Gantman said. Such efforts could involve a direct mail campaign.

    DiFi is bowling for Union dollars......re-election next year.

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    October 14, 2005

    California Special Election Watch: Proposition 77 Redistricting Ad DISSES the Legislature

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The Proposition 77, the Redistricting Initiative, folks have a new television ad disrespecting the California Legislature.

    The Website is here.

    The ad is here.

    Flap has to agree with Dan Weintraub on his one.


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    California Special Election Watch: John Kerry - Election Strategy Backfiring?

    A man, who only gave his name as Flipper, holds a sign as Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., speaks along with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005, at fire station number 3 in Los Angeles. Kerry was on hand to speak at a news conference to show his support for voting no on California's Proposition 75.

    Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

    The Los Angeles Times has Kerry Joins Fight Against Prop. 75 as Democrats Try to Boost Turnout.

    The second national figure to visit calls the limit on political use of union dues one-sided.


    Are the Lefties "getting it"?

    Kerry addressed a broader concern among Schwarzenegger's opponents: that efforts to discredit the entire election, which they have condemned as a waste of money, could backfire by discouraging some Democrats from participating.


    Previously on Flap California Special Election Watch: It is the TURNOUT Stupid

    But, the Unions have already spent tens of millions of dollars on early television ads turning off their base from the election and induced the pharmaceutical companies to spend tens of millions more on television dissing their grand socialist plan to provide low cost medicines for everyone (which would induce their base to turn out and vote).

    "Some people are saying to themselves, 'I don't think I should vote; I don't like it,' " said Kerry, the Massachusetts Democrat. "That is exactly the wrong thing to do."
    That sentiment was echoed in an email sent to Democrats Thursday. The e-mail warns that "Arnold Schwarzenegger and his dangerous ballot propositions are gaining momentum ... Democratic voter turn-out is criticial for beating Arnold's propositions."

    Shaun Bowler, a political science professor at UC Riverside who studies the initiative process, said few national politicians can intervene successfully in a state ballot fight.

    "It's not clear that the Democrats need any big national figure," he said. "They don't need to persuade anybody; they just need to turn out and vote."


    Just think $100 million spent on the campaign, the resulting mortgage of the California Teachers' Association headquarters building and they pursuade THEIR voters to stay home.

    SICK.

    Stay tuned.


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    78 versus 79

    California’s Proposition battle continues to heat up the left coast, and this time the debate involves more then a yes or no. Two propositions, 78 and 79, are asking voters to reform the state’s medical system in favor of more universal care. Both bills advertise their popular (or proletariat) appeal, using reduced drug costs and prescription discounts as big selling points.

    Proposition 78 is backed by Governor Schwarzenegger and the pharmaceutical industry. It would seek voluntary cooperation from drug companies to participate in a state plan discounting drugs for the poor. The new policy would issue discount drug cards to eligible citizens who could