According to conventional wisdom, this is the rap on the California Republican Party: Sure, voters like many GOP issues. But Republican candidates can't win statewide races - or majorities in the legislature. California GOP Chair Tom Del Beccaro says candidates should base their platforms on popular ballot measures - with the hope voters will take note.
Del Beccaro: "They agree with us on the tax issue; they agree with us on budget reform; they agree with us on law and order issues; they agree with us on local control for education. We should be promoting these ideas - not just as a party but as candidates throughout the state - so we can do better."
That starts with the state spending cap on the November 2012 ballot. Pension reform is also popular, but Del Beccaro says his party isn't planning to put resources into that fight.