California ‘moved further to the left,’ state GOP chairman says

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Tuesday’s election was not a good one for the GOP in California, and State Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro says it portends worse things to come for residents.

California on election day ‘moved further to the left with a big push from public employee unions,’’ he said in a statement. ‘There can be little doubt now that California public employee unions are, by far, the most powerful political force in this state. However, that comes at a heavy price for struggling Californians.’’

Unions helped Gov. Jerry Brown pass the tax increases in Proposition 30, and their involvement appears to have helped expand Democratic control of the Legislature to the point where the majority party will be able to raise taxes even if all Republican lawmakers refuse to vote for the measures.

At the same time, the Republican share of voter registration dipped below 30% just before the election.

‘In my view, Californians will now get to see the plain results of the Democrat-controlled policies both nationally and here at home as the California economy undoubtedly continues to struggle, if not get worse, under those policies,’’ Del Beccaro said.

‘In the meantime, it will be up to Republicans to continue to reach out to more voters and make the case that we need to bring balance to our policies in California. This task has been made more daunting but ever more necessary.’

ALSO:

Voters reject Proposition 32, AP says

Jerry Brown confident of Proposition 30 victory

Assembly speaker confident he has a two-thirds majority

--Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento