From SFGate.com:

“A year ago, Barack Obama’s approval ratings were up and (Democrats) had a commanding lead in congressional ballot strength” and in the number of voters who identified with their party, he said. But “what a difference a few government-owned automobile companies, a multibillion-dollar federal stimulus plan and a takeover” of health care “can do for the political environment,” he said.

With Republican statehouse victories in Virginia and New Jersey, and in the Massachusetts Senate race this year, “here in California, we’re taking the next step,” Nehring said.

Less than three months before the June primary, the GOP’s gathering this weekend serves as an important election-year marker because it provides a key platform for candidates to connect with party activists – and their success can go a long way toward building enthusiasm and donor bases heading into the elections.

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