I have always seen California as a conservative state. If you look at the way local matters are dealt with, this notion of liberalism is more of a myth than a reality. If you look at the states treatment of matters such as welfare, affirmative action, minority contracts, and education — it has clearly moved in a more conservative direction. Outside of Cali we tend to think of Hollywood and San Francisco which does not represent the local base.

California may have some of the most liberal cities in the country, but it can also be shockingly conservative as a state overall. Since 1900, they have only elected 4 Democratic governors, and the only one to be elected in the past 20 years was recalled by the angry citizens.

Gay rights is a tough political issue to step up to the plate on because the constituency that it directly affects is a ridiculous minority and even a lot of the abstract (straight) supporters of gay rights often cringe if they think about it too much.

I would be interested to hear what Chris, our resident Californian-conservative, has to say about this. Is he still around this blog?

http://www.slate.com/id/2191530/

Doesn’t the state “represent the foundation of Western Civilization.” I was reading through Aristotle’s Politics today and came across the statement that the state (the city-state) preceded the family, “since the whole is of necessity prior to the part.” I’m not sure if I entirely agree with Aristotle’s statement, but its hard to imagine the “the family” is the foundation of Western Civilization. I’ll just stop there.

how do log cabin republicans exist?

Good question. The best answer I’ve heard is that they’re Libertarians who recognize that Libertarians don’t garner as much political support in issues as do Republicans. Perhaps log cabin Republicans are Republicans minus the religious right or social conservatives. Rudolph Giuliani was probably the closest the Republicans will ever get to having a log cabin type represent the party.

I severely doubt that it will last. . .

In California, it just might (as it has in Massachusetts). Consider San Fran’s legally defiant act in 2004 to allow gay marriages.

This is my favorite part of the whole page:

“The family represents the foundation of Western Civilization and civil society and John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman.”

His primary stance on gay marriage, as far as I can tell, is to let the states sort it out.

Just reading over his issues page, he doesn’t seem to have many plans for anything, just words. Just words.

I don’t want to hijack your post (which is wonderful, btw), but how do log cabin republicans exist?

Good post, though. This is a very interesting development, but I severely doubt that it will last or that it could survive in the federal court system.

listen to the last episode #18, and see how that matches with what you’ve said in this post