Abel Maldonado drops out of Governor's race

◼ Former Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado dropped out of this year's gubernatorial race Thursday, ending an eight-month campaign that never gained momentum. - San Jose Mercury News

CA GOP Leadership Responds To Governor's Budget

◼ The Governor released his proposed budget today - and Republicans warn the Democrats that increased revenue doesn't mean we have a "surplus" and that they shouldn't ignore the reality of California's massive debt. - CaGOP

Assembly GOP Leader Connie Conway:

“While the budget is out sooner than the Governor planned, it gives us more time to review the fine print. I hope that Gov. Brown is successful in convincing his fellow Democrats to resist the urge to spend away any fiscal progress the state has made. We’ve been down this road before and I’d strongly caution my legislative friends across the aisle from traveling it again. In the not-so-distant past, California has seen unexpected revenue spikes that have evaporated overnight – quickly turning modest surpluses into enormous deficits.

“Now is the time to tackle the wall of debt, avoid the budget mistakes of the past and invest in our future so that our economy grows. The Governor sounds receptive to those ideas and Assembly Republicans stand ready to work in good faith to achieve those goals.”

Senate GOP Leader Bob Huff:

“The big question is, can the Governor hold strong against the spending demands made by his fellow Democrats. Judging by the way they want to spend money, you’d think California was booming. Sadly, that’s not the case. Our unemployment rate is still among the highest in the country and that’s not acceptable. Ramping up state spending before making sure we’re on solid fiscal ground is a recipe for disaster. What’s the good of building up programs only to tear them down in a couple of years? We’ve seen this movie before, and it doesn’t have a happy ending.”

◼ Tim Donnelly’s Statement on Governor Brown’s Budget Release

“After picking the pockets and balancing California’s budget on the backs of hardworking taxpayers through the largest Tax increase in State history, Governor Brown this morning declared all of California’s problems magically solved. It must be nice to view the State’s problems through such rose-colored lenses. The reality is, a magnitude of problems still face California.

“The Governor’s surplus is a myth. It will be short-lived, as businesses flee the state to escape Prop. 30. This so-called surplus is largely due to a one-time Tax increase bailout – this is no long-term solution.

“There are several flaws with today’s Budget proposal...

◼ Maldonado responds to Jerry Brown's proposed California State Budget

Brown budget leaves in place some of the nation's highest taxes, undermines Proposition 13, and offers no reforms to the state's byzantine tax system
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Jon Coupal on Jerry Brown's proposed budget: "However, it is what the Governor did not say that concerns us. CalSTRS huge unfunded liability continues to harm California’s financial health and a massive shortfall in the unemployment insurance fund will stunt job growth."

Maldonado names Suzette Martinez of Los Angeles to Post of State Volunteer Chair for 2014 Governor Campaign

◼ "I'm excited by the volunteers who are coming aboard our campaign because a strong grassroots team is so important to victory. Suzette Martinez is an outstanding Republican volunteer organizer and I'm delighted to have her lead the Volunteer Leadership Team," said Maldonado.
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◼ abelmaldonado.com

On the Campaign Trail for a Better California Abel Maldonado for Governor

◼ Maldonado campaign with first video release: "On the Campaign Trail for a Better California"

California's former Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado naturally connects with people and in his first campaign video, it shows. The Abel Maldonado for Governor Campaign today officially released "On the Campaign Trail for a Better California."

"Abel Maldonado is an extraordinary candidate. He connects with people on a very personal level, and that really shows," said Rick Tyler, Senior Vice President of the Strategy Group for Media, which produced the spot, an early version of which was previewed to select audiences at the GOP convention last month. "Abel shares many of the same experiences of most Californians and can understand their struggles, making him the polar opposite of Jerry Brown. The contrast couldn't be clearer."

The video follows Abel Maldonado for a day on the campaign trail, beginning in the early morning in Santa Maria followed by stops and visits in Ventura County, Orange County, Long Beach, and San Diego. He is shown listening to the concerns of voters and demonstrating his commitment to supporting the Republican team in 2014.

"We wanted people to see Abel for who he really is, and how authentic and real he is when meeting with people," said Ron Nehring, former California Republican Party Chairman now senior advisor to Maldonado. "We're excited about the opportunity to highlight how Abel connects so strongly with people. No one ever accused Jerry Brown of that."