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California Republicans: Irrelevant or on the Way Back?

These Days checks up on the health of the California Republican Party. Has the party made any strides since the election in finding a vision acceptable to voters or in expanding its base? The answer

California Republicans: Irrelevant or on the Way Back?

Maureen Cavanaugh : It was only a few years ago that California Republicans were riding high. In 2003, the GOP managed to unseat Democrat Grey Davis with rising Republican superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger. There was a popular Republican president in the White House and the mood of the country seemed to be moving right of center. In fact, there were folks who were even talking about a permanent Republican majority in the US Congress.

Oh, how times have changed. And now the Republican party in California is suffering such a major identity crisis that even potential GOP gubernatorial candidates are talking about it. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner was recently 34ed saying the state Republican party is pretty aimless.

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Guests

  • Leo McElroy , independent Sacramento political consultant and contributor to KPBS's Morning Edition.
  • Thad Kousser , associate professor of political science at UCSD, and co-editor of "The New Political Geography of California."
A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.