Republicans in California Legislature Act Like Republicans

How Do Republicans Act?  They Vote Against Republican Legislation When It is Supported by Democrats

The California state legislature has concluded its current session, and with Democrats firmly in control of the state one would have expected the new legislation to largely reflect Democratic priorities.  It did.  But as the LA Times reports, it did pass some legislation favorable to business and was more moderate than one might suppose.

The Legislature the Democrats dominate passed bills that would ease environmental rules on some developers and order bureaucrats to be more business-friendly. And after battling for months to raise taxes, Democrats championed tax cuts for small companies.

So how did Republicans react to their small victories, which were a serious accomplishment given their large minority status.  Not very well it seems



Calif. Republican lawmaker
reacts to Republican
friendly legislation
supported by Dems



Industry groups that often fight Democrats stood by them while Republicans, who have barely any voice remaining in Sacramento, were relegated to the sidelines. The Democrats were merely offering, the Republicans protested, weaker versions of ideas they've promoted for years.

Ok some nice whining took place by Republicans, nothing new there.  Meanwhile Democrats were acting uncharacteristically, i.e, as effective politicians.

most Republicans have moved so far right that even business groups can't reach them on some key issues. Democrats have seized the moment to try to co-opt some of the minority party's trademark positions

Now one of the major planks of Republican principles is job killing regulation, so here is what happened in that area

Acknowledging complaints that companies flee California because of onerous regulations, they passed a bill that would require state authorities to consider the effect on business of any future rule. Some Republicans joined in.

What is noteworthy here is the report that “some Republicans joined in”.  Wow, Democrats propose and support a Republican oriented law and only “some” Republicans support it.

The reason only a few Republicans supported Republican friendly legislation is that (1) Republicans will only support legislation that is 100% of their policy, they get their way or nothing and (2) they will oppose any action by Democrats even if that action supports Republican policy. 

California voters know this, which is why Republicans are in such a minority position in the state.  National voters don’t know this, which is why Republicans can still garner national support.