Governor Brown's Countdown

Governor Brown’s Countdown

Gov. Jerry Brown set March 10 as his deadline to put a special election on the ballot in June . The deadline passed without the needed Republican votes, but five GOP state senators have been negotiating with Brown to put his $60-billion tax extension on the ballot.

In an Action Alert from Tea Party Patriots, voters were urged to call the five wavering lawmakers. Dawn Wildman warned against a Special Election, “This would be a disaster for taxpayers because Brown’s government employee union allies are prepared to spend tens of millions of dollars on a campaign to fool voters into approving the largest tax increase in state history. It is critical that these lawmakers hear from taxpayers before a deal is struck.”

Patriots are encouraged to make the calls, telling senators to hold firm against a special election and any other attempt to extend or increase taxes.

  • Tom Berryhill, District Office (559) 253-7122, State Capitol (916) 651-4014
  • Sam Blakeslee, District Office (805) 549-3784, State Capitol (916) 651-4015
  • Anthony Cannella, District Office (209) 577-6592, State Capitol (916) 651-4012
  • Bill Emmerson, District Office (951) 680-6750, State Capitol (916) 651-4037
  • Tom Harman, District Office (714) 957-4555, State Capitol (916) 651-4035

Why would these five consider supporting the tax extensions?

Tom Berryhill of Oakdale (Central Valley representative) doesn’t have to worry about reelection until 2014.

Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo (Central Coast representative) replaced Abel Maldonado. Democrats have courted him with committee appointments.

Anthony Cannella of Ceres is the Central Valley representative in a district where Democrats outnumber Republicans. He isn’t up for reelection until 2014.

Bill Emmerson is from Hemet, and voter registrations in his district are increasingly Latinos and Democrats.

Tom Harman, Huntington Beach, is a moderate Republican who barely defeated Diane Harkey in 2006. He terms out of the Legislature in 2012, but he might be looking for a gubernatorial appointment.