Questions from the Audience

One cannot fault the penetrating erudition of  the Beach City Republicans.

The questions which they offered to Kessler permitted us to reflect on the failures of 2012 and regroup for success in 2014.

One question posed whether Romney's Mormonism turned off voters and turned way his chances. Kessler dismissed that notion. The negative ads and the anti-wealth bias propounded in the media did more damage. The psychological distance between Romney voters hampered his influence, as well.

I asked for his insight on the widespread failure of conservative-centrist candidates in the South Bay and Long Beach. Gary DeLong, Bill Bloomfield, and Craig Huey faced diverse circumstances in their races to unseat incumbents or win new seats.

Bloomfield ran as an independent and outspent Henry Waxman by $6 million in the 33rd Congressional District race. The demographics were D-44, R-28, I-28. He lost 47-53.

Gary DeLong ran as a fiscal conservative, social moderate in the new 47th Congressional District, which included Long Beach and Northern Orange County. The demographics gave Dems an 11 point advantaged. DeLong lost 47-53.

Craig Huey, a Tea Party favorite, although he was not allied with the Tea Party, ran in a new swing Assembly District in the South Bay. He was fiscally and socially conservative. His opponent outspent him 4-to-1. The district had a mere 3 point advantage for Dems. Huey lost 47-53.

Money was not the issue. Social views were not the issue. What was the problem?

Kessler cut right to the core of the matter: the Republican Party is a bad brand.  A weak governor from 2003-2010, Arnold Schwarznegger did nothing about the spending problems. He refused to enact comprehensive solutions with a Democratic legislature.  Upon leaving office, he refused to endorse billionaire candidate Meg Whitman, whose business background did not engage voters. She spent millions of dollars, yet lost to Governor Jerry Brown by ten points.

Kessler pointed out that Republicans must advance experienced politicians for office. Businessmen are not faring well in California elections. Too many assumptions and not enough outreach is putting the Republican Party at a disadvantage in the state. I would add that Pete Wilson staunch anti-immigrant stance also hurt the California Republican Party, and therefore GOP operatives ought to reconsider soliciting his assistance in future elections.

Community leaders, not just private entrepreneurs, can spark a resurgence for the Republican Party in California, along with more outreach to minorities and women, along with a better appreciation for the financial hardships of struggling men and women in this country.