Newsom Continues to Mismanage California’s Budget

Sacramento, Calif.— (January 12, 2024) Governor Newsom announced his budget using deficit numbers disputed by the LAO and any clear-thinking Californian. “The Governor will continue his practice of throwing money at the symptoms of his bad policies, rather than solving the problems he created,” said Betsy Mahan, Chair of the Sacramento County Republican Party. “Rather than stopping the flow of billions of dollars into the money pit that is the high speed rail project, or scrapping the unpopular Delta Tunnels project, the Governor will be counting on the Democrat-controlled Legislature to keep his special interest donors happy,” said Mahan.

CAGOP Chairwomen Jessica Millan Patterson was correct when she said, “Only Gavin Newsom and California Democrats can take a nearly $100 billion record budget surplus just two years ago and turn it into a record $68 billion budget deficit today – that is, unless you go with Newsom’s numbers claiming only a $38 billion deficit. They ignored calls from Republicans to put more away for a rainy day, instead spending recklessly while pushing a radical agenda that drove long-time residents and taxpayers away by the hundreds of thousands. This should serve as a much-needed wakeup call to Newsom that his time is better spent trying to fix the mess he’s created at home instead of chasing nonsensical dreams about a future in the White House.” 

By Calling for Trump’s Removal from the Ballot, Democrats Show They Don’t Trust Voters or Democracy

Sacramento, Calif.— (December 27, 2023) As Democrats, such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, ask the Secretary of State to follow the Colorado example and remove Trump from California’s March 5 ballot, it is apparent that their call to protect American Democracy is just another example of their hypocrisy. Democrat elected officials constantly change the rules in the political process to facilitate their latest agenda. Democrat voters are starting to doubt their Party has any resemblance to the one they joined since the last decade as it no longer represents the working class and now serves the interests of compliant corporate giants and coastal elites.

“Democrats are shameless in their blatant anti-Democratic acts to thwart the right of voters to support the candidate of their choice,” said Sacramento County Republican Party Chair Betsy Mahan. “This is backfiring on Kounalakis and Democrats in other states, as voters see this is another attempt to provoke fed-up conservatives in hopes they will behave badly.”  Regardless of people’s views on the re-election of President Trump, we all know this, along with the unprecedented lawsuits filed against the former President, is a desperate attempt to impact conservative voter turnout in this important election.

“Our nation is at a turning point,” said Mahan. “We must make sure the battle is at the ballot box and that we show the new Democratic Party that we do not accept their attempt to turn the United States over to their global elite handlers.”

Statement on the Election of House Speaker Mike Johnson

Sacramento, Calif.— (October 26, 2023) The House of Representatives has elected a new Speaker to lead all Members as our nation faces many challenges on the domestic and international fronts. “We congratulate Speaker Mike Johnson and have confidence he will bring the Republican Conference together to implement policies to fix our inflation-plagued economy and bring stability in Europe and the Middle East,” said SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan.

“Democrats were responsible for the vacancy in the Speaker’s position as they joined with a few rogue Republicans to create disruption at a time when Rep. McCarthy’s leadership was needed the most,” said Mahan. “Be careful what you wish for Democrats. Now we have a Speaker who will take even bolder steps to address President Biden’s failing leadership.”

CAGOP to Address New Platform at Fall Convention

Sacramento, Calif.— (August 21, 2023) The CAGOP Platform Drafting Committee is charged with the responsibility of updating the State GOP’s Platform. They recently met to consider proposed amendments and produced a final draft that will be considered at the upcoming Convention in Anaheim later in September.

“This year’s Draft Platform was refined to highlight how California Republicans will address the many issues facing our state,” said Betsy Mahan who Chairs the Sacramento County Republican Party and serves as Vice Chair of the CAGOP Platform Committee. “Our current platform is long on restating the problems and needed to focus more on our approach to solutions. The Platform Committee will meet at the Convention and I fully expect amendments to this draft to be considered.” 

California Republicans will have until September 14th to submit amendments to the Draft Platform. Those amendments will be considered when the full Platform Committee meets at the Convention. The final product from that Committee will be subject to approval by the full Delegation at the Convention.

 

SCOTUS Decision Reaffirms California Voters on Affirmative Action

Sacramento, Calif.— (June 29, 2023) The United States Supreme Court today, in a 6-3 decision, affirmed what California voters expressed when they defeated Proposition 16 – affirmative action in college admissions is not the way to address underrepresented minorities. 

“Those who claim to want to lift people of color out of poverty need to focus on public education K-12 where test scores are at the lowest they’ve ever been,” said SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan. “We need to take politics out of the classroom and focus on preparing all children for the real world where they must compete against students from other cultures and countries with higher records of academic achievement,” Mahan said. “Removing exit exams from high schools and throwing out the SAT’s will not make students smarter, or better prepared to fully benefit from an expensive college education. Getting back to the fundamentals and relating curriculum to today’s job market will help students of all colors to qualify for jobs or college after high school.”

“The Supreme Court decision still allows college applicants to include how they overcame the challenges of racism and economic hardships,” said Mahan. “Merit should always be a factor in rewarding a person with an opportunity to advance.”

Democrats have been quick to criticize the conservative majority on the Supreme Court when they don’t like the outcome of their decisions, but it’s crickets when a decision works to their benefit, such as the recent case that overturned redistricting rights for state legislatures. It’s all about upholding the Constitution, not a political agenda, and our Republican-appointed Justices are keeping their promise to not legislate from the bench.

 

Manhattan District Attorney Weaponizes the Legal System to Appease His Donors

Sacramento, Calif.— (March 31, 2023) A lack of diversity in the population of Manhattan has given the District Attorney the green light to weaponize his office, setting aside cases involving violent crimes in favor of reversing his interest in prosecuting the former President of the United States. “The DA bragged about taking down President Trump when he ran for office, so he’s just making good on campaign promises,” said Sacramento County Republican Party Chair Betsy Mahan. “This is consistent with former Speaker Pelosi’s statement that Trump must prove innocence – a perversion of American’s system of presumed innocence”, said Mahan.

Democrats continue to show their fear of democracy as the Biden Department of Justice and IRS have implemented a two-tiered system of justice. Governor Newsom, forced to finally end his nearly three-year State of Emergency where he single handedly usurped the powers of the Legislature to implement major changes in California law that he couldn’t achieve any other way – has announced he will kick off his national tour of conservative states to demand compliance with his views. And a compliant corporate media continues to overlook the failures of the Biden Administration and his family’s greed, redirecting their viewers attention to parents who dare to speak up on behalf of their children, while criticizing the U.S. oil industry that is being shut down in favor of importing oil from foreign energy providers who produce with fewer environmental regulations.

“The Democrats and the media are doing their best to provoke a violent response from Trump supporters,” said Mahan.

“The most effective answer to Trump’s call for protests is for reasonable people to make sure they are registered Republican so they can vote for a Republican in the March Primary. Those who can see that the Democratic Party is no longer recognizable as they fight to completely overturn our system of government, must walk away and register Republican. Those registered No Party Preference or American Independent, must join the Republican Party – even just for the Primary Election, and send a message to Biden and those pulling his strings, that we value the freedoms that the United States Constitution guarantees. And our battle will take place at the ballot box, regardless of the barriers that will be put in our way.”

 

RNC Chooses Their Leader

Sacramento, Calif.— (January 27, 2023) “Congrats to Ronna McDaniel on her re-election as chair of the Republican National Committee,” said SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan, “and many thanks to Harmeet Dhillon for letting her know the grassroots is serious about a change in strategy and spending to win in 2024.”

Other action taken included unanimous support for resolutions addressing current issues. View them here: RNC Resolutions

Not Everyone Deserves A Trophy

Sacramento, Calif.— (January 27, 2023)  Jorge Riley needs to be held accountable for his actions on January 6th.

The Sacramento Republican Party did not hand out a trophy to Jorge Riley, and we do not agree that he should have been celebrated by the Sacramento Republican Assembly due to his actions taken on January 6th and subsequent posts on social media bragging about his experience at the Capitol.

“SacGOP denounces anyone who engages in violence to advance their political views,” said Chair Betsy Mahan, “including former leaders of Republican organizations.” 

SacCountyGOP Endorses Candidates Who Will Solve Problems – Not Lower Expectations

Sacramento, Calif.— (October 24, 2022)  In yesterday’s debate, Senator Brian Dahle told Governor Gavin Newsom what he needed to hear: He’s spending billions of taxpayer dollars, and talking a lot, but he’s not solving any problems. 

“The issues in this election are not partisan,” said SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan. “People are hurting whether it’s filling up their car to take their kids to school or to get to work; buying groceries; or affording supplies needed to run a business. Parents are seeing their kids are not reading, writing, or computing at grade level.  Democrats keep putting expensive band-aides on serious problems, whether it’s homelessness, gas prices, or the impact of increased crime in our businesses and neighborhoods. We need solutions – not lowered expectations.”

 
“The working class is feeling the impact of failed policies to address inflation. Sending out a check within a few weeks of election day is not going to sway voters,” said Mahan. “They see through the timing of this, and we expect a large number of disenchanted Democrats and No Party Preference voters to support Republican candidates in this election.”
 
The SacCountyGOP’s Voter Guide lists 45 endorsed candidates including Brian Dahle for Governor, Lance Christensen for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Lanhee Chen for Controller, Roger Niello for Senate District 6, and Josh Hoover for Assembly District 7. 
 
The Sacramento County Republican Party recruits and elects Republicans at all levels of Government and is the official organization representing Republican voters for the County of Sacramento.
 

SacCountyGOP to Hold Endorsement Meeting for School Board Races

Sacramento, Calif.— (August 17, 2022)  Tonight, the Sacramento County Republican Party will hold the first series of candidate presentations and endorsements for local races in Sacramento County. There are several school board candidates who will be considered, including an important race in the San Juan Unified School District where Tanya Kravchuk is challenging incumbent Michael McKibbin.

As the Sacramento Bee reported today, there is another candidate who will appear on the ballot in that race and will not be considered for endorsement by the SacCountyGOP. “Jeffrey Perrine was promoted in the Assembly District 7 primary by Assemblyman Ken Cooley who wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars boosting Perrine’s name ID in hopes that he would prevail over Republican endorsed candidate Josh Hoover,” said SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan. “Of course, it backfired on Cooley, and Hoover is now in a strong position to flip this seat. Perrine thinks he has some momentum, thanks to the few thousand votes gifted from Cooley, but he will not prevail as he has a long history of conduct that cannot be accepted of a candidate for any office.”

“All endorsed candidates are listed on the SacCountyGOP’s Voter Guide, and we expect Tanya Kravchuk to be added to that list this evening,” said Mahan.

The Sacramento County Republican Party recruits and elects Republicans at all levels of Government and is the official organization representing Republican voters for the County of Sacramento.

SacCountyGOP Calls On Assemblyman Ken Cooley to Stop Promoting Proud Boy

Sacramento, Calif.— (May 20, 2022)  The Sacramento County Republican Party today called on Assemblyman Ken Cooley to stop promoting the Proud Boy running against him for a new seat in the State Assembly. “We were surprised to see Cooley has followed Attorney General Bonta’s tactic of promoting the candidate least likely to provide him a challenge in November,” said SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan reacting to a mailer Cooley sent to Republican voters. “This seems to be too common in this election where Republicans are expected to win over voters who are fed up with the Democrat’s failing policies that have led to skyrocketing gas prices and inflation, shortages of food and other essential items, and undeterred crime at our businesses and in our neighborhoods. Cooley should read his own mailer that admits this Proud Boy was expelled from our committee by fellow Republicans. We don’t condone violence or intimidation to promote any cause.”

What Cooley fails to mention is that the Sacramento Bee and the Sacramento County Republican Party agree that Josh Hoover will be the best Assemblyman to represent the 7th District that includes Folsom, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, and Rancho Cordova. “Josh Hoover has proven his leadership abilities as an elected member of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District where he made sure kids got back to in person learning, and parents’ views were respected when it came to their children’s education and health,” said Mahan.

The Sacramento County Republican Party recruits and elects Republicans at all levels of Government and is the official organization representing Republican voters for the County of Sacramento.

Downtown Sac No Longer Safe

Sacramento, Calif.— (April 3, 2022)  Early this morning a tragic shooting took place in downtown Sacramento. So far, six have died and at least 10 more have been injured. As the Governor and other Democrats call for an end to gun violence, we must step back and think about their policies that created this unsafe atmosphere. The people of Sacramento need more than our prayers after these acts of violence occur. We need preventative solutions to keep our residents safe and downtown businesses open.

“It’s tragic that people can’t go out late at night to enjoy downtown Sac,” said Betsy Mahan, Chair of the Sacramento County Republican Party. “Whether you’re walking back to your parking spot from a Kings game or concert, or leaving a local club, you’re no longer safe on the streets of Sacramento. And there are so many reasons why, including thugs who are out to prey on the innocent, mentally impaired and drug addicted people who have no place to go and little control over their behavior, and a political atmosphere that wants to limit the police presence. Democrats always use these tragedies to denounce gun violence, but local leaders don’t enforce the existing laws that would take guns away from those who use them to commit crimes. This is not a winning strategy for law-abiding citizens or downtown businesses. It takes a human to shoot a gun and that’s where the focus should be. Our prayers are for those who are injured or lost loved ones. Our actions will be to elect new leaders.”

The Sacramento County Republican Party recruits and elects Republicans at all levels of Government and is the official organization representing Republican voters for the County of Sacramento.

SacCountyGOP Makes Additional Endorsements for the June Primary Election

Sacramento, Calif.— (February 16, 2022) The Sacramento County Republican Central Committee approved new endorsements of Republican candidates in the June Primary.

“There are several new districts in Sacramento County that provide voters with better opportunities to elect new leaders who will tackle the many challenges facing our State,” said Sacramento County Republican Party Chair Betsy Mahan. “It’s time to stop placing expensive band aides on our failing education and health systems, stop the mandates, and restore safe neighborhoods and parental rights. Our endorsed candidates are all up to that task.”

Recently endorsed candidates include Tamika Hamilton (CD 6), Max Semenenko (CD 7), Ted Gaines (BOE-1), Roger Niello (SD 6), Cathy Cook (AD 6), Josh Hoover (AD 7), Assemblyman Heath Flora (AD 9), and Eric Rigard (AD 10).

The Sacramento County Republican Party recruits and elects Republicans at all levels of Government and is the official organization representing Republican voters for the County of Sacramento.

Assembly Rules Chair Ken Cooley Releases Measure to Take Over California Healthcare

Sacramento, Calif.— (January 7, 2022)Taxpayer-friendly organizations and legislators released warnings today that AB 1400, and its companion measure ACA 11, would increase taxes on Californians by nearly $163 billion per year – the biggest tax increase in state history. The Sacramento Republican Party called out Rules Committee Chair Ken Cooley who previously held the measures in the Rules Committee but allowed it to move forward now that the Recall of Governor Newsom is over.

“Evidently, our hard-earned dollars are burning a hole in the pockets of the Governor and the Legislative leaders,” said Sacramento County Republican Party Chair Betsy Mahan. “Democrats would like the same government that brought you months-long wait lists at EDD and $20 billion in fraud to now take over your entire health care system.  Their policies have brought Californians sky-high costs for homes, energy, and gas. But don’t worry, they promise healthcare will be cheaper. What could go wrong?”

Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldren said, “The Rules Committee used to be a place where reasonable people stood as a check against the bad ideas of radical ideologues. Apparently, that is no longer the case.” Waldren said she looks forward to shining a light on “how much taxes will increase on the middle class, how many people will be kicked off their current health care plan, what Democrats will say to the seniors whose Medicare funds will be raided, how long wait times will be, the extent to which bureaucrats will ration care and how many hospitals will close.”

“AB 1400 is the biggest proposed tax increase in state history and is a direct attack on the middle class at a time when everyday Californians are already struggling to pay their bills,” said Josh Hoover, Vice President of the Folsom Cordova School Board and Candidate for the newly drawn 7th Assembly District in Sacramento County. “Stopping bills like this is why I chose to run for the Assembly. These policies show a complete disregard for families who already pay more to live here than almost any state in the nation.”

Mahan said, “Ken Cooley’s liberal voting record is one of the best kept secrets in Sacramento politics. As Chair of Rules, he has facilitated all of the failed policies that have resulted in California’s high cost of living, unprecedented increase in homelessness, frivolous spending, increase in crime, and the exodus of fed-up families and businesses from California. If Cooley decides to run for re-election, we’ll be ready to show the impact of his tenure as Governor Newsom and Speaker Rendon’s good soldier, running our State into the ground.”

The Sacramento County Republican Party recruits and elects Republicans at all levels of Government and is the official organization representing Republican voters for the County of Sacramento.

Response to Biden Administration on Parents’ Right to Engage Elected Officials

Sacramento, Calif.— (October 8, 2021) This week Democrat leaders from Washington to Sacramento took a stand against a parent’s right to protect their child. First, Governor Newsom announced mandatory vaccines for school children, regardless of natural immunity, and then President Biden’s Administration weaponized the FBI and the DOJ against those who speak out against education officials engaging in indoctrination and politicized healthcare mandates. 

During at-home schooling, parents saw firsthand how their kids were being taught, and now they’re engaging their elected school boards to demand change. “SacCountyGOP is on record as strongly opposing any acts of violence or intimidation to advance a political agenda, regardless of the cause,” said Sacramento County Republican Party Chair Betsy Mahan.

“This announcement by AG Merrick Garland is an attempt to discourage parents from standing up for the most important thing in their lives – their kids. Actions being taken by politicians at the local, state and federal levels have provoked a passionate response from moms and dads from all political parties, and no one should be surprised,” said Mahan. 

The Sacramento County Republican Party encourages parents to express their opinions and influence decision makers without crossing the line of violence. “Threats and intimidation will only lead to closed minds and spreading a false narrative that we are politically motivated rather than caring about our kids’ health and future,” said Mahan. “Now is not the time to be silenced, and civil discourse must continue.”

The Sacramento County Republican Party is working with parents, taxpayers, and school board members to make sure those who engage are informed and effective. More information is available on their website at SacCountyGOP.com/Schools.

Statement by SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan on the Crisis & Loss of Lives in Afghanistan

Sacramento, Calif.— (updated August 31, 2021)  “On behalf of the Sacramento County Republican Party, I called on President Biden to make certain every American, and Afghan who worked with the USA over the past twenty years, was escorted safely out of the country. His administration failed miserably to accomplish this important goal, and now hundreds if not thousands may lose their lives in the cruel and vindictive hands of the Taliban.”

“As the Sacramento region mourns the loss of lives, including that of Roseville’s own Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, we must speak out and push back against the Biden Administration’s gross inadequacies and outright lies to the American people.”

“Sacramento has a large Afghan community, and we are in solidarity with the families who were anxiously watching the bungled exit. Now, many may never see their family members and friends who were left behind.”

“The U.S. soldiers who fought to protect the Afghan people over the past twenty years gave them a reprieve from what we now see unfolding. They should stand proud of their service in this war-torn country, and we thank them for their sacrifice. We can’t help but to believe this botched retreat from Afghanistan could have gone differently if Biden had followed the plan left by President Trump’s administration. Trump made that agreement from a position of strength. Now, terrorists throughout the world know the USA is unwilling to use the resources we have available to us to defend our allies, and therefore ourselves. The Taliban does not belong in the 21st Century, and should not be acknowledged as a legitimate government, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris do not belong in the White House as the leaders of the once greatest nation on earth.”

Statement by SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan on the CAGOP Endorsement Vote

Sacramento, Calif.— (August 7, 2021)  “I congratulate CAGOP Chairwoman Patterson for bringing the Recall endorsement vote to the full delegation.”

“The election that will take place starting August 16 is an opportunity for Republicans to inform all voters that there can be a better California. We don’t have to breath smoke-filled air from fires that could have been prevented, our kids should come first over the interests of unions, our water should not need rationing, especially to farmers who feed the world, our businesses should not have to stand by while looters brazenly take their lives and livelihoods away, we should be able to register our cars and fill the gas tank without having to remortgage our homes, and people of faith should not have to fear their right to gather and worship may be taken away.”

“Voters who aren’t involved in the political process don’t care about Party, but they do care about quality of life. They’re turning off the news and leaving social media because they no longer trust the messengers. While the Democrat Party holds all leadership positions in our major cities and in Sacramento, more voters are registered Republican and No Party Preference than Democratic. In fact, according to the CA Secretary of State’s February registration report, 11,926,160 voters do not want to be Democrats. Voters like balance in their leadership, and the Recall brings this opportunity.”

“California cannot afford another year of total Democrat rule, and our job is to let people know that electing a Republican will bring balance back to the policy making process in Sacramento. We need to ask voters who are not politically involved to answer the question: How’s this working for you? And we need to let them know there’s a wealth of talent in the Republicans who are running to replace the tyrant we know as Governor Newsom. We ask voters to Vote Yes on the Recall and to see first-hand how Republicans govern differently.”

Full Statement

Governor Newsom’s Attempt to Buy Redemption with Taxpayer Dollars

Sacramento, Calif.— (May 10, 2021)  Governor Newsom announced more taxpayer financed stimulus dollars for California residents. No doubt another $600 will be useful to struggling families, but what Californians really need is a permanent fix for the problems created under Newsom’s failed leadership. After the $600 is spent, Californians will still live in a state with the highest cost of living, the most homeless people, rising crime rates, a poor education delivery system, onerous and ineffective regulations that are driving businesses and the jobs they offer out of state, as the Newsom administration wastes billions of taxpayer dollars through unchecked fraud and insider deals.

Newsom put a band-aid on a huge set of problems in hopes of heading off a recall later this year. Californians see through this deception, and look forward to new leadership for the state we love.

Sacramento County Republican Central Committee Votes to Expel Jeffrey Perrine

Sacramento, Calif.— (Feb. 17, 2021)—During its February 17 meeting, the Sacramento County Republican Party Central Committee, in accordance with their Bylaws, voted in support of the executive committee’s recommendation to expel member Jeffery Perrine. The expulsion recommendation is in response to Mr. Perrine’s desire to maintain membership in an organization despite his views and actions being categorically inconsistent with the values of the Republican Party.

“The Committee took this action very seriously,” said Committee Chair Betsy Mahan. “We had to give consideration to the impact of Mr. Perrine’s behavior on our Party during a volatile time in our country’s history.”

Sacramento County Republican Party Treasurer and Natomas Unified School District Trustee Micah Grant, who made the motion to remove Perrine, issued the following statement in response to the committee’s vote to expel Perrine:

“Mr. Perrine’s beliefs, actions, and public statements are woefully out of touch with true conservative values and were a slap in the face to Republicans everywhere who are deeply embedded in their communities. I’m proud the committee took the necessary action to remove this individual.”

Under state law, any member of a political party may run for Central Committee. In Mr. Perrine’s race, there were equal amounts of candidates and seats available, so a vote did not take place and he was not on the March 2020 ballot.

During its February meeting, the Central Committee also adopted a resolution denouncing all groups that call for hate or violence against government officials, buildings, law enforcement, places of business and worship, or neighborhoods. “We invite all political parties to join us in denouncing violence as a means to express political opinions,” said Mahan.

February 17, 2021
Statement on Passing of Rush Limbaugh
 
Rush Limbaugh will be missed by conservatives in Sacramento County and across the nation. We’ve always considered Rush to be our hometown success story, and we give him credit for providing an enlightened perspective on the issues of the day. He taught his listeners to question what they heard from Sacramento’s Democrat leadership, and he provided background information not available through the media.
 
His constant references to voters in Rio Linda were meant with affection to address the working class voters who didn’t make politics the center of their lives.
 
Rush Limbaugh inspired other radio talk shows to provide a conservative perspective in Sacramento and across the nation. We are thankful he brought us out of the shadows and gave us the information and confidence we needed to highlight failed policies, such as those of Gavin Newsom in California, and others across the nation. RIP Rush.
 
Betsy Mahan
Chair, Sacramento County Republican Party

SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan and others discuss the opening of the RNC Convention.

August 24, 2020 on Insight – Link to interview.

SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan weighs in with local Sacramento politicians on the choice of Kamala Harris as Vice President.

https://www.facebook.com/SacCountyGOP/videos/890323118143808/

ABC 10 – Sacramento 
SacCountyGOP Chair Betsy Mahan discusses the Presidential Primary on Super Tuesday.

Capitol Public Radio
Insights with Beth Ruyak

Local Republicans & Democrats React To The State Of The Union

Another historic State of the Union has been delivered — This time, by a president who has been impeached. The last president who delivered this barometer of the nation’s health under the cloud of impeachment was President Bill Clinton. Though Clinton wasn’t speaking literally the night before his anticipated acquittal. But, Clinton was acquitted by the Senate and President Donald Trump is poised to be acquitted today. 

Trump covered many topics in a survey of accomplishments. He introduced a number of guests, including Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who had been invited to watch the speech in the House Chamber. 

Three local Democratic and Republican Party chairs join us to share their thoughts on the speech.

Guests

Sacramento County Republican Central Committee Votes to Expel Jeffrey Perrine

Sacramento, Calif.— (Feb. 17, 2021)—During its February 17 meeting, the Sacramento County Republican Party Central Committee voted in support of the executive committee’s recommendation to expel member Jeffery Perrine. The expulsion recommendation is in response to Mr. Perrine’s desire to maintain membership in an organization despite his views and actions being categorically inconsistent with the values of the Republican Party.

“We took this action very seriously,” said Sacramento County Republican Central Committee Chair Betsy Mahan. “We had to give consideration to the impact of Mr. Perrine’s behavior on our Party during a volatile time in our country’s history.”

Sacramento County Republican Party Treasurer and Natomas Unified School District Trustee Micah Grant, who made the motion to remove Perrine, issued the following statement in response to the committee’s vote to expel Perrine:

“Mr. Perrine’s beliefs, actions, and public statements are woefully out of touch with true conservative values and were a slap in the face to Republicans everywhere who are deeply embedded in their communities. I’m proud the committee took the necessary action to remove this individual.”

Under state law, any member of a political party may run for Central Committee. In Mr. Perrine’s race, there were equal amounts of candidates and seats available, so a vote did not take place and he was not on the March 2020 ballot.

During its February meeting, the Central Committee also adopted a resolution denouncing all groups that call for hate or violence against government officials, buildings, law enforcement, places of business and worship, or neighborhoods.

For more information about the Sacramento County GOP, visit SacCountyGOP.com

by Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks

California’s 7th Congressional District was once a key battleground seat for Republicans.

Just a few years ago, the seat held by Democratic Rep. Ami Bera was actively targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The district was home to the country’s most expensive congressional race in 2014.

Two years later, the Elk Grove Democrat edged out Republican Sheriff Scott Jones with 51.2 percent of the vote, outspending Jones 3-to-1.

….

Sacramento County Republican Party Chairwoman Betsy Mahan lamented the party’s struggles in a November blog post, writing, “Andrew Grant couldn’t have worked harder, or been a better prospective Congressman, but voters were not listening and the money to run a proper campaign was not there.”

In particular, Mahan criticized Ivy, who has promoted himself as a “progressive Republican” pushing for universal healthcare, marijuana legalization, raising the federal minimum wage and adopting the framework of the Green New Deal. Ivy said he has been a no-party preference, Democratic and Libertarian voter at various points in his life.

“We have a delusional, newly registered Republican candidate, who doesn’t live in the district, and thinks he’s going to convince Republicans to support the socialistic policies of Bernie Sanders. No kidding,” Mahan wrote, later referring to Ivy as “Poison Ivy.”

“I am looking forward to more Republican candidates (real ones..) getting into the race to represent our principles and not play games with the election,” she continued. The local party endorsed Patterson, a former White House military aide under President Bill Clinton, for the seat.

Read More

by Rick Boone, CBS-13
 

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — DC Democratic lawmakers are getting support from some Sacramento-area Republicans who are calling for President Trump to leave office immediately.

“I have to speak up because he has become a threat to our democracy, our constitution, and our republic,” says Mike Madrid, a California GOP Political Consultant. “Donald Trump not only obstructed the law but he was involved in bribery.”

Madrid is part of a growing group of Republican political consultants who are on a mission to unseat the president and are willing to take on members of their own party to do it. He says he knows he has an uphill battle, especially when some Sacramento Republicans say they aren’t buying his argument.

At the Sacramento County Republican Party meetings, there’s no shortage of Trump fever.

“I knew he was going to be a little unorthodox, but that’s what it took to make some changes,” Republican Eric Ragard said.

To them, the word “impeachment” is just a hurdle in the presidency that they say continues to be unstoppable.

“It’s not going to hurt President Trump”, says Deborah Johns, a Sacramento Republican.

Local Republicans are defiant in swatting down any belief Trump could lose a Senate trial or face a mass exodus of GOP voting support. GOP members insist their party won’t be shopping for a new candidate come 2020.

“He has put up with an amazing amount of abuse, and he keeps at it,” Betsy Mahan said.

Still, on the other side of the GOP spectrum, the anti-Trump movement is still alive in California. Madrid believes all his group needs to do is shave 5% of the vote from Trump’s support, and the president could lose his re-election next November.

Madrid’s group has gotten the attention and support of Trump critic George Conway, the husband of Kelly Ann Conway, who works for President Trump.

Democrats bank on ‘Trump effect’ in California congressional races

Emily Cadei
Sacramento Bee – October 10, 2018

…The president isn’t on the ballot this year, nor is he expected to come stump for Republican candidates in California the way he is elsewhere. Yet his influence in the 2018 election is unavoidable in a state where his popularity is among the lowest in the country.

And voters like Scholes — educated, suburban women who can’t stand Trump — could tip the balance. “My observation is what’s happening in the organizing in District 4 is the majority of the feet on the street and the people doing the work are women,” Scholes said.

Republicans are countering by highlighting state-level policies and problems. Betsy Mahan is among those who think Democrats are overly optimistic.

Sacramento County Republican Party Chairwoman Betsy Mahan says she’s seeing a surge of interest at local headquarters from people who think this election is less about a president who’s kept his promises and more about how Democrats have mismanaged the state.

“Do I see people coming in here and saying bad things about Trump? No… We have a lot of people who are very very encouraged by what he’s accomplishing,” she said. “I see people coming in here and saying we need to get things done in California.”

Mahan pointed, in particular, to the sky-high cost of living in the state. Her oldest child has moved to Idaho because he couldn’t afford a California apartment. “People are feeling like they are under siege,” she said.

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CapRadio – October 8, 2018
The candidates for Governor debated on public radio on October 8, and Sacramento-based CapRadio with Beth Ruyak had local political representatives on her show to recap the debate. Betsy Mahan’s comments can be found late in the program in a segment that starts with Mike Madrid of Grassroots Lab (43:00) and Betsy’s comments begin at 43:50, followed by Mayor Steinberg. Listen to the entire recap at this link.

Listen to the Debate at this link.

September 26, 2018 – With support from Sacramento area voters, Carl DeMaio announces the gas tax replacement measure has been filed. The “Citizen Lockbox would fix roads without tax hikes, providing $7.9 billion more to fix roads and fund infrastructure once voters approve Prop. 6.

Read the story from the Sacramento Bee

Learn more about the Citizen Lockbox initiative that will be circulated for the 2020 ballot.

More articles from the Sept. 26 DeMaio Press Conference

View the story on KCRA

Read about it in the Epoch Times

 

Out-of-state Republicans poured money into repeal effort hoping to weaken Dems

By Graham Womack
NewsReview.com
August 23, 2018

As city governments marshal their opposition to a Republican-led repeal effort of California’s new gas tax, the fate of the 12 cent-per-gallon surcharge could have broader implications for the Democratic Party.

There’s a question if more voters in November will believe this or insistence from gas tax opponents that California already had ample transportation funds.

“I think that voters are seeing more and more that the Democrat leadership in the legislature, it has an insatiable appetite for tax dollars,” said Sacramento County Republican Party chair Betsy Mahan. “We think they need to learn to live within their means and we don’t think that we have an obligation to enable their spending habits.”

Skepticism remains, though, with Mahan saying Prop. 6 supporters were preparing a 2020 ballot measure to dedicate original gas tax revenues to road maintenance and improvements, and to divert the car sales tax to state transportation rather than the general fund.

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California billionaire hosts town hall calling for Trump's impeachment

By Brandi Cummings
KCRA
June 18, 2018

The effort to impeach President Donald Trump came to Sacramento Monday night.

California billionaire Tom Steyer made his case before a large crowd at Beatnick Studios on S Street. He has spent more than $40 million in his efforts that launched in October 2017.

KCRA 3 contacted the Sacramento County Republican Party. Chairwoman Betsy Mahan sent this statement:

“Steyer is wasting his fortune on this endeavor. The voters have decided, and it’s time Democrats accept their decision.”

View the story…

Democratic Congressman Ami Bera is in an unfamiliar position – he’s a heavy favorite

By Emily Cadei
Sacramento Bee
July 19, 2018

After barely edging out his opponents in three straight congressional races, Sacramento-area Rep. Ami Bera is in the unfamiliar position of being the odds-on favorite this November.

Local Republicans, however, insist that the narrow divide between Democrats and Republicans in district means it will inevitably be competitive and say Grant, a former Marine, has a shot at ousting Bera despite his lack of cash. As of June 30, Bera had $1.7 million in his campaign account, compared to just $72,000 for Grant.

Sacramento County Republican Party Chairwoman Betsy Mahan predicted that gap would close now that Republicans are uniting behind Grant. He bested another Republican, Fair Oaks Dr. Yona Barash, in the “top two” primary to advance to the general election against Bera.

“I think you’ll see very different numbers coming out going forward,” said Mahan, who added that the contest remained one of local Republicans’ “top priorities.”

“We have a much more aggressive grassroots operation this year,” she added.

Read the story…

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