Relevant, Contemporary and Uniquely Conservative

Republican Assemblymen Roger Niello and Ted Gaines are just beginning to piece together their stumps on their way to the November 2nd ballot. For all intents and purposes the GOP winner of this special election process replaces the late State Senator Dave Cox in the seat. On Saturday, (August 28th), Ted Gaines had the Nevada County Republicans all to himself as neither of the aforementioned candidates attended the annual Grass Valley BBQ. But audience wasn't hurting for Conservative Republican dignitaries. State Senator Sam Aanestad, State Senate-elect (something of a November 2nd confirmation waiting) Doug LaMalfa, and Congressman Tom McClintock each made their way to the microphone to greet the 180-plus gathering on a very brisk, cool evening in the beautiful foothills.

Mayor Gavin Newsome will forever be known for his rogue maneuvers and illegalities surrounding same-sex marriage, but in the end it may Attorney General Jerry Brown who plays the role of political hero. There is an under reported uncertain silence from both sides of the Prop 8 appeal process as we head to the 9th Circuit Court in December. For the proponents of the people's vote are greatly concerned about the issue of standing. Judge Walker noted in his decision that 'standing' will be a problem at the next level - within the appeal stage. The 9th Circuit Court accepted the appeal, but proceeded to inform the proponents that they needed to make sure to include in their first brief. Standing is much more difficult at the appellate level.

Talk about elitist emperors appearing without any clothes. The California legislature has passed a bill that wants to 'make sure' you - the ignorant peasants - fully understand finance. The state budget is 56-days past due with no solution in sight, but the State Assembly was busy spending time, office resources and (of course) money passing a bill to improve the "financial literacy" of Californians. What's next, Tiger Woods lecturing newlyweds on marriage fidelity? Assembly bill 2457 was sent to Governor Schwarzenegger on Wednesday. This hypocritical curriculum was crafted by Assemblywoman Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista). The bill establishes a Financial Literacy Fund in the state controller's office to accept private donations that would be used to educate Californians about financial matters.

Sacramento's politicians are preparing to mine for more private sector gold. With California facing a $20 billion deficit, the majority party liberals are offering a solution that takes us back to the virus called the e-tax, or online sales taxes. Democrats - and a few Republicans - are reviving this "creative" tax plan that targets 'out-of-state' online retailers. As it stands currently, only brick and mortar retail sales are taxed inside of California. If this budget solution compromise makes it into this year's proposal (again) companies like Overstock.com, Amazon.com and even eBay.com will be forced to collect, determine and pay for the statewide sales taxes rate card if they place their Internet ads on websites that hold place inside of California.