SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION

Mayor Frank happens to live in SD 35 and have been living in electoral hell with one special election after another due to the appointment of Chris Cox to the SEC, the subsequent CD race to replace him, Arnold's Special Election, and now the SD race to replace John Campbell. So, with that being said, I bring you the latest chapter in my saga...

SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim and order that a special election shall be held on the 6th day of June, 2006 within the 50th Congressional District of the State to fill the vacancy in the office of Member of Congress from said district arising from the resignation of office by Randy "Duke" Cunningham.

I also hereby proclaim and order that a special election shall be held on the 6th day of June, 2006 within the 35th Senate District of the State to fill the vacancy in the office of California State Senator from said district arising from the resignation of office by John Campbell.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have here unto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this the fifteenth day of December 2005.

/s/ Arnold Schwarzenegger

Governor of California

Let Arnold Do His Thing

Rusty Hammer, writing in the Business Perspective on the LA Chamber of Commerce's website makes an excellent case why the business community should support Governor Schwarzenegger's choice of Lesbian Democrat Susan Kennedy as his new Chief of Staff. Hammer notes her past experience on the California Public Utilities Commission and her ability to help the Governor bridge partisan waters in Sacramento as being ultimately good for business. We agree. Still, the blue-hair, gay chasing, caveman sect of Republicans is up in arms over the appointment and seemingly unwilling to support the Governor's move. The California Republican Assembly (CRA), better known as the Taliban wing of the GOP in the Golden State, has gone to the extreme to call on the state party to reconsider its endorsement of Arnold in the 2006 GOP Primary. Please.

Arnold's the best thing to happen to our party in years. Do they want to blow it now? Sure lets yet again put up another Bill Jones-Bill Simon whatever and hand the Governor's seat to Phil Angelides. And while you're at it, lets give Cruz Bustamante a blank check at the buffet. Cause that's what will happen without Arnold. The Republican's only chance to succeed in California is to go back to the party's roots of smaller government, less taxes, personal freedom & responsibility and a strong national defense. Can we forgot about the gay marriage and stem cell crap?

Eugene McCarthy, 89

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Minnesota Sen. Eugene J. McCarthy, whose insurgent campaign toppled a sitting president in 1968 and forced the Democratic Party to take seriously his message against the Vietnam War, died Saturday. He was 89.

McCarthy died in his sleep at assisted living home in the Georgetown neighborhood where he had lived for the past few years, said his son, Michael.

Minuteman Loss Or Victory?

by Walter Moore

Minuteman Jim Gilchrist will not be rushing to catch a plane to Washington, D.C., today, to start serving as Orange County's newest Congressman. You can, however, nonetheless conclude that Gilchrist won a huge victory -- even if you don't smoke crack.

Gilchrist scored a victory by moving us much closer to the day when a majority of voters have the guts to vote for the best candidate, rather than settling for the proverbial "lesser of two evils." Unfortunately, voters consistently outsmart themselves by voting for candidates they hate. They vote for the less horrible of the two "front-runners," thereby reinforcing the self-fulfilling prophesy that an independent can't possibly win. This vicious cycle encourages the two main political parties to take their members for granted, and discourages anyone but party hacks from running for office. Thanks to Jim Gilchrist, however, we may actually live to see the day where a majority of people in a California election are "stupid" enough to "throw away" their votes by voting for the best candidate.

Consider the numbers. Gilchrist got 25% of the vote (i.e., 23,237 votes), even though his American Independent party constitutes just 2% of the registered voters in his district. So where did he get the rest? Assuming that voter turn-out was essentially the same regardless of party affiliation, the answer is as follows:

Republicans provided 5.3% of Gilchrist's 25%: the Republican candidate got just 44.7% of the vote, even though the party constitutes 50% of the registered voters. In other words, over 10% of the Republicans voting were willing to cross party lines to vote for the candidate they deemed best. Independents provided the remaining 17.7% of Gilchrist's 25%; they constitute 19.1% of the district's registered voters. Democrats, however, did Gilchrist no favors: they constitute 27.1% of the registered voters, and their candidate got 27.96% of the vote -- not much more than Gilchrist.

So what should you make of the numbers?

Well, if you're pessimistic, you can say they prove that only candidates from the two major parties can win. But when is the last time you heard of a third-party candidate getting 25% of the vote in a California election? That's huge. That 25% may encourage, say, another 10% in the next election to vote for the best candidate, rather than the lesser of two evils. Think "snowball effect:" 25% turns into 35% , which emboldens another 10%, and, after a few elections, you could get over 50% of the people actually voting for the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. You never know till you try. And there will be plenty of opportunities, because there's an election in California every 73 days or so.

The Minuteman did his part. He fought the battle hard, captured some serious political real estate, and survived to fight again. The American Revolution wasn't won in a single battle. And the odds were overwhelmingly against us. Plus, we didn't have snazzy uniforms like the Brits. But we won anyway. Let's remember that when the next election rolls around, and the one after that.

It's A Christmas Tree

Speaker of the House Denny Hastert is standing firm and urging that the Christmas tree in front of the US Capitol be called, well, a Christmas tree.

That's what it is right?

"I strongly urge that we return to this tradition and join the White House, countless other public institutions and millions of American families in celebrating the holiday season with a Christmas tree," said Hastert.

In the last few years, bureaucrats at the Capitol building started calling the tree a "holiday tree." What the hell is a holiday tree? What holiday?

Its like calling a menorah a "seasonal candleabra. " Very silly.

Go Denny Hastert!

BOB WOODWARD DEFENDS HIS SOURCES: VIDEO DEBATE

Full Disclosure unleashes it's newest video entitled "BOB WOODWARD DEFENDS HIS SOURCES: VIDEO DEBATE." In the new video blog featuring Bob Woodward and Ed Meese, the two debate the use of unnamed sources.

Enjoy the video!

Ben Franklin & The True Story of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has not always been a but-gusting, stuffing eating soiree of football and food. In the early days, our forefathers sought to appease God and highlight the suffering of early colonial life by fasting and being miserable.

Ben Franklin comes along years later and tells the story of how one farmer stood out from among the orthdoxy of the day and suggested we celebrate the blessings and bounty we have through a joyous feast.

Mrs. Cubbison, the Butterball folks and the planners of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade remain forever grateful.

The Real Story of the First Thanksgiving
By Benjamin Franklin (1785)

“There is a tradition that in the planting of New England, the first settlers met with many difficulties and hardships, as is generally the case when a civiliz’d people attempt to establish themselves in a wilderness country. Being so piously dispos’d, they sought relief from heaven by laying their wants and distresses before the Lord in frequent set days of fasting and prayer. Constant meditation and discourse on these subjects kept their minds gloomy and discontented, and like the children of Israel there were many dispos’d to return to the Egypt which persecution had induc’d them to abandon.

“At length, when it was proposed in the Assembly to proclaim another fast, a farmer of plain sense rose and remark’d that the inconveniences they suffer’d, and concerning which they had so often weary’d heaven with their complaints, were not so great as they might have expected, and were diminishing every day as the colony strengthen’d; that the earth began to reward their labour and furnish liberally for their subsistence; that their seas and rivers were full of fish, the air sweet, the climate healthy, and above all, they were in the full enjoyment of liberty, civil and religious.

“He therefore thought that reflecting and conversing on these subjects would be more comfortable and lead more to make them contented with their situation; and that it would be more becoming the gratitude they ow’d to the divine being, if instead of a fast they should proclaim a thanksgiving. His advice was taken, and from that day to this, they have in every year observ’d circumstances of public felicity sufficient to furnish employment for a Thanksgiving Day, which is therefore constantly ordered and religiously observed.”

---

Ben Franklin wanted the turkey, not the bald eagle to be our national symbol. Read why in Ben's own words at MS2.

Races Called, Arnold's Measures Mostly Failing

Arnold Schwarzenegger's redistricting measure, Proposition 77 appears to be losing with 43% of the vote in, going down 57% to 43%.

Another measure supported by the Governor, Proposition 76 which sought to reduce the rate of state spending is also likely to be defeated, 60% to 40%.

Two other Schwarzenegger measures, Prop 74 which extends the probationary period for public school teachers and Prop 75 which would restrict the use of union member dues for political activities are currently too close to call.

In other measures on the ballot not directly tied to Schwarzenegger's reform measures - competing prescription drug plans 78 and 79 are also going down to defeat, and we've already called Proposition 80 - a measure dealing with electric service providers - as losing.

A measure to restrict abortion by minors without parental consent, Proposition 73, is also too close to call.

Bloomberg Re-Elected

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Republican New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was re-elected to a second term by a large margin on Tuesday after what is believed to be the most costly race in the city's history.

With some 95 percent of the votes counted, Bloomberg had 58 percent and Democratic challenger Fernando Ferrer trailed with 39 percent, according to unofficial election results.

Polls have shown New Yorkers giving Bloomberg, a political novice when he first ran four years ago, high marks for leading the city in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, steering the economy and keeping New York alert to security threats.

Proposition 80 Fails

Here at Sam Yorty's America, we're calling Proposition 80 as having failed to pass. With 27% of the vote in statewide, its currently losing 65% to 35%.

The measure would, among other things, restrict consumers' ability to switch power providers. Prop 80 was supported by consumer groups such as the Utility Reform Network and opposed by Governor Schwarzenegger and the energy industry.

Statewide Numbers on the Props

CA Secretary of State - Statewide Special - State Ballot Measures - Statewide

The Propositions

Once the polls close at 8:00 p.m., we'll be live blogging information here regarding the state ballot measures here. Feel free to add your own comments.

Proposition 73. Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy -- State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment)

Should the California Constitution be amended to require notification of the parent or legal guardian of an unemancipated, pregnant minor at least 48 hours before performing an abortion on the minor?

Proposition 74. Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal -- State of California (Initiative Statute)

Should the probationary period for public school teachers be increased from two to five years, and should the process by which school boards can dismiss a permanent certificated employee be modified?

Proposition 75. Public Employee Union Dues. Restrictions on Political Contributions. Employee Consent Requirement -- State of California (Initiative Statute)

Should public employee unions be required to obtain annual written consent from each member in order to use a portion of that member's dues for political activity?

Proposition 76. State Spending and School Funding Limits -- State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment)

Should Californians make major Constitutional changes to create an additional state spending limit, grant the governor substantial new power to unilaterally reduce state spending, and revise key provisions relating to Proposition 98, school and community college funding, and transportation funding authorized by Proposition 42?

Proposition 77. Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment -- State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment)

Should the California Constitution be amended to change the process of redistricting California's State Senate, State Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization districts, transferring the implementation of redistricting from the Legislature to a panel of three retired judges, selected by legislative leaders?

Proposition 78. Discounts on Prescription Drugs -- State of California (Initiative Statute)

Should the state adopt a new state drug discount program to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for Californians at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level?

Proposition 79. Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates -- State of California (Initiative Statute)

Should the state of California create a new prescription drug discount program for residents at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and change state law to make it illegal to engage in profiteering from the sale of prescription drugs?

Proposition 80. Electric Service Providers. Regulation -- State of California (Initiative Statute)

Should the state expand its regulation of the electric industry?

Tune Into Mayor Sam For Election Coverage

Tuesday, November 8th is election day and here at the Mayor Sam Network, we'll be covering all the angles.

Starting tomorrow evening, we'll be live blogging election news and information on all three of our sites.

For information, news and commentary relating to the Council races in CD10 and CD14, LAUSD's Proposition Y bond measure, and other local races throughout LA County, tune into the Sister City at http://mayorsam.blogspot.com.

We'll live blog the results and news surrounding Governor Schwarzenegger's special election and the state ballot measures over at Sam Yorty's America at http://samyortysamerica.blogspot.com.

And for stats, results of select races, hotlinks, graphics, photos and more, browse on over to MS2 at http://mayorsam2.blogspot.com.

Please do feel free to forward any tips, news, gossip, and other items to us. If you have a camera phone and want to send us pictures, we'll take those too. Be a roving correspondent for Mayor Sam! Email all items to mayorsamyorty@aol.com.

Clinton Still Trying To Score With Young Chicks In DC?

Dubya wants the dad for the Supreme Court, Bubba has his eye (or hand?) on the daughter.


The Alito Family in the Capitol following the nomination of patriarch Samuel to the Supreme Court seat being vacated by Sandra Day O'Connor.

Alito Nomination: Liberal Activist Full Employment Act

President Bush has nominated a red meat conservative to the Superme Court (and one who at least has been a judge and been one for more than a couple of weeks). Let the liberal cash machine go into high gear!

All the usual suspects are shouting out and are ready for more of Babs' checks. Miers was a big wet blanket for the leftists, this guy is a very early Christmas present to the left wing special interest groups looking to balance their books before the year end.

Expect a fight and neither side to give up easy. My prediction is however that barring some proof that Alito has been found with a "dead girl or a live boy" or he's a registered Nazi, he will be confirmed.

It's Alito

President Bush has nominated conservative judge Samuel Alito to replace moderate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Who Set Him Up This Time?

Former Washington, D.C. Mayor and current Councilman Marion Barry has once again run into trouble with the law. On Friday, he plead guilty Friday to two misdemeanor counts stemming from his failure to file tax returns in 2000.

Barry served four terms as mayor. In his third term, he was videotaped in 1990 in a hotel room smoking crack cocaine in an FBI sting. You might remember Barry's eloquent description of the woman seen in the videotape with him in the room, "The goddamn bitch set me up!" The following year, he served a six-month prison sentence.

Amazingly, in 1994, he regained the mayor's office for another four-year term. Voters then sent him to a Council seat last year.

What's the problem with Washington, D.C. voters that they keep re-electing this loser? Are they blind or do they just not care?

Rich, Liberal Kids Inconvenienced by Commander in Chief

The Daily News had a very silly story the other day. Liberal, upscale, latte sipping dumbshits in Brentwood upset because their precious little Jordans, Mallorys and Dakotas didn't get to go see the latest rehash of "The Wizard of Oz."

Why? A visit by President Bush and his motorcade shut down traffic in the area making the buses carrying these precious children to the production, late.

"My poor children - they were so disappointed. They're all so sad. They were inconvenienced by a silly motorcade down Sunset (Boulevard)."
Julie Fahn - Limousine Liberal Mom

There was a time when if the President came to town - whether you voted for him or not - it was a proud moment and you showed him the respect that the OFFICE deserves.

At a Starbucks on San Vicente Boulevard, motorists drank lattes in resignation. "A lot of people were stuck," barista Denise Johnson said. "Traffic wasn't moving. It literally wasn't moving. I heard a few horns honking."

Sadly, our culture has become so damn selfish that this is even a story. You would hope that the parents would teach their children that sometimes shit happens, and you don't always get what you want. Instead, I am sure they are teaching them that its all the Republicans' fault.

Other takes:
Martini Republic
Wylie Post
No More Mister Nice Blog
The Conspiracy to Keep You Poor and Stupid
DobbsReport.com
Under No Circumstances
ModBlog

When Union Wackos Attack OR Where Did You Go, Jimmy Hoffa?

California Conservatives for Truth is reporting that union leaders, in fear of the passage of Proposition 75 which would give union members the right to decide where their membership dollars will go, held a major rally in LA's Pershing Square that grew quite emotional.

In a report by KCAL 9 in Los Angeles, a supporter of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's reform measures was attacked by union activists, and in fact, her pro-75 sign was ripped up by a security guard who was there to guard the protest, not necessarily participate.

The blog Free Republic also has a report on the woman, Genevieve Peters, who was bold enough to take on the the union thugs.

At what point are these unions, which are doing a pretty good job to pull the wool over their members' eyes, going to be held accountable? I guess the days of Jimmy Hoffa still continue.

Scooter Libby Indicted

WASHINGTON (AP) Vice President Dick Cheney's top adviser, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, indicted on obstruction of justice, false statment and perjury charges.