By Daniel J. Smiechowski

December 3, 2012 (San Diego)--Locally in San Diego, as well as nationally, the Republican Party is on its way to the Land of Oz. We're not in Kansas anymore, says Dorothy to Toto. Federalists and Whigs and Republicans, oh my! Yes Wizard, demographics do count and America's GOP better not hide behind the curtain.

By Nadin Abbott

November 7, 2012 (San Diego)—While Democrats failed to retake control of the United States House of Representatives, right now seats by party are at Republican 232, and Democratic at 191, with 12 seats still not decided. Among those not decided is San Diego’s own 52nd District contest between Scott Peters (D) and Congressman Brian Bilbray (R), where Peters now leads by a narrow margin.

Courtesy of the University of Missouri

October 8, 2012 (Columbia, Missouri) – With near record viewership for the first presidential debate, expectations are now unusually high for the one and only vice presidential debate on Oct. 11 between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Paul Ryan.

Mitchell McKinney, University of Missouri associate professor of communication and internationally recognized scholar of presidential debates, points out that vice presidential debates present unique challenges for the vice presidential candidates and these debates function very differently than their presidential counterparts. Key features that typically characterize the vice presidential debate include:

Local Democratic candidates will also be on hand

September 27, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club will sponsor a 2012 Presidential Debate Watch Party at the La Mesa Community Center on Wednesday, October 3rd, at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The Club has arranged to have a large screen TV to view the faceoff between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney.

By Nadin Abbott

September 23, 2012 (Del Mar)-- Democrats gathered on the off ramp of Ted Williams Parkway at Carmel Country Road, waving protest signs as Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s motorcade passed by yesterday.

Among the crowd of about 50 people were veterans, senior citizens and workers, a cross-section of the “47 percent” slammed by Romney in remarks caught on video released last week. In the video, recorded secretly at a fundraiser with wealthy donors, Romney denigrated the 47 percent of Americans who receive some form of government assistance (including Social Security retirees, the military, disabled and poor Americans) as well as those who pay no taxes.

Nothing but the truth!

By Will Power

April 8, 2012 (San Diego)--Long before the time of man, all animals used to talk.  And they talked with each other, not just squirrels to squirrels and lions to lions. In fact, the animals did a lot of bitching and moaning behind each other’s back, which started all the trouble, as it usually does.

• Mayor: City’s structural deficit over (10 News)
• San Diego has most expensive gas in nation (UT San Diego)
• Low rainfall may mean more local conservation (10 News)
• Get to know new District 9 candidates: Speak City Heights (Voice of San Diego)
• Teen struck by trolley was becoming ‘man of integrity’ mentor says ; has shown improvement from brain injury (La Mesa Patch)
• Case shows flaws at special police force (UT San Diego)
• Boy accused of killing friend receiving ‘extraordinary care’ (10 News)
• Heroin use jumps 229 percent amongst county’s young adults (Santee Patch)
• Refugee moms and their American daughters bond through cooking (KPBS)

• Consumer advocates, unions back healthcare ballot measures (Sacramento Bee)
• California Republican party endorses auto rates initiative (Sacramento Bee)
• Fewer than 1 in 3 California registered Republican (Sacramento Bee)
• Democrats want to extend guaranteed retirement savings to private sector (Sacramento Bee)
• Investigation alleges abuse cover-up at California centers for the disabled (KPBS)

November 23, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Senator Joel Anderson is inviting the local community to a holiday open house, Wednesday, December 7, 6:00 p.m. - 8 pm. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Avenue in El Cajon.

The holiday season is a time to reflect on the experiences of the past year and this open house will provide legislative updates. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided (Paid For With Private Funds, Not Tax Dollars). RSVPs are requested to ensure there are enough hors d’oeuvres and refreshment.