Blogcabin California

The Log Cabin Republicans of California Political Action Committee held a fundraiser yesterday for Assemblyman Keith Richman’s campaign for State Treasurer at the home of Eric Siddall in Pacific Palisades.

Richman spoke about the structural deficit of moderates in the California legislature. Lacking competitive districts or an open primary, the State Legislature is filled only with those who represent the most extreme elements of either party.

Richman warned the attendees to pay attention to surging pension and retiree healthcare costs. In localities across the State, the costs of paying pensions and healthcare for former public employees are taking up more and more of the budget–diverting funds away from education or infrastructure investments.

Richman, who has been among the most supportive Republicans of gay rights in the State Legislature, faces off against Claude Parrish in the Republican Primary on June 6, 2006.

Whether one may be a Republican or a Democrat, it often becomes very important for all of us to try to set aside political party differences in order to work together in finding solutions to pertinent issues that may adversely affect our well-being. One very perplexing issue has been brought to the forefront in recent weeks by demonstrations against our nation’s plans to do something about the influx of illegal immigration. Don’t forget that the key word here is “illegal.” It is not “racist” nor is it “prejudiced” to discuss matters of legal vs. illegal immigration in a civilized manner. It has nothing to do with the people who come into this country by applying for work permits and visas, nor with those who are seeking to immigrate into this country in order to become citizens. (more…)