RSLC President Chris Jankowski published a new post to his blog, President’s Perspective, outlining the trend of Democrats in state legislatures to block the will of the people through what he calls “election nullification”:

“Democrats in state legislatures across the country are picking up in 2012 precisely where they left off in 2011 – with brazen “election nullification” tactics. The Democrats participating in these undemocratic and unlawful election nullification exercises do so under the guise of protecting a “fundamental policy issue.” I am talking about, of course, the practice of legislators not coming to the chamber floor to deny a legislative body the required quorum of members present. The most recent case is in Indiana, where Big Labor is opposing Republican efforts to enact a right to work law. While some might question the term “election nullification” as too dramatic, it’s actually the simplest way to describe the intent of the actors here: to prevent public policy changes enacted by lawfully elected Republican majorities.”

Continue reading at RSLC.com…

Alexandria, Va. (January 12, 2012) – RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie joined New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez to address Republican officials at the RNC Winter Meeting today regarding the ongoing state level Hispanic recruitment efforts and the RSLC’s Future Majority Project (FMP). Gillespie highlighted the need to engage, recruit, support and successfully elect Hispanic candidates to help grow the Republican Party and help it thrive in 2012 and beyond.

“If the Republican Party nominee in 2020—just two elections after this one– gets the same percentage of the white, African-American, Hispanic and Asian-American vote, according to current projections the Democrat will win the White House by 14 percentage points,” said Gillespie.

“Efforts such as the FMP are significant and needed if our party wants to establish long-term success, not only among Hispanic voters, but the entire electorate. I have always believed that to compete for Hispanic votes, Republican candidates must look each person in the eye and communicate their vision to create jobs, improve education and reform the way government functions. Hispanic voters overwhelmingly agree with so much of the Republican Party’s message – but we need to begin to take major steps in articulating that vision this election cycle,” said Governor Martinez, who is a Future Majority Project advisory board member.

This summer, the RSLC launched the FMP, aimed at building support for Republican candidates among Hispanics, women and the youth, three pivotal constituencies that leaned strongly Democratic in 2008. Many of FMP’s efforts are aimed at candidate recruitment, including our Hispanic initiative to spend $3 million and work with Republican organizations to identify 100 new state level Hispanic candidates and elect 30.

As part of the FMP, the RSLC has been extensively reaching out to Hispanic communities and organizations to foster increased cooperation, messaging and coordination. The RSLC will also be working with other key national groups to do extensive microtargeting, data work, message testing and focus groups to identify the right voters and the right messages.

In 2011, candidates in New Jersey and Virginia received direct financial and programmatic assistance through the FMP.

“Americans of Hispanic descent, like an overwhelming majority of Americans, first and foremost want to know how candidates articulate their plan for jobs and economic recovery,” said Gillespie. “Our Party has better solutions to these challenges, and we will focus on presenting them. Our focus and determination will drive us to success.”

About the RSLC

The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican office-holders. Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC has more than 100,000 donors in all 50 states. The RSLC raised more than $30 million for the 2009-2010 cycle as part of an effort that picked up 20 legislative chambers, six Attorneys General, three Lieutenant Governors and seven Secretaries of State. The RSLC spent $4.5 million during a successful 2011 that resulted in a net pick up of more than 20 seats and control of two new chambers.

From the Christian Science Monitor:

Democrats in Indiana are replaying a scene from last year by refusing to allow the state’s House to come to session and vote on a controversial bill that they say will weaken unions.

The Indiana House returned Wednesday for a 10-week session. On the agenda: a so-called right-to-work bill that would ban negotiations between a union and company if workers are forced to pay fees for representation.

Democrats did not show up for the legislative session and instead remained in private meetings, which prevented the Republican majority from having a quorum to start the session. Indiana law is written so a quorum is needed for every vote, whether or not it involves spending money.

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From nmpolitics.net:

A judge’s decision to side with Gov. Susana Martinez in redistricting of state House seats is certainly a win for Republicans, but it’s arguably more significant as a loss for Democrats.

The Democratic judge, James A. Hall, ruled Tuesday in favor of Martinez’s plan, saying it’s better because it protects Native American-majority districts while changing districts less than other plans.

The critical quote from Hall’s ruling about the Democratic-controlled Legislature’s plan, which Martinez vetoed and Hall rejected, states that it “contains significant population deviations between districts which are not justified by historically significant state policy or unique features.”

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Part 2:

SGLF.org to serve as hub for state based policy education

Alexandria, Va. (December 1, 2011) – The State Government Leadership Foundation launched a new website today as part of a substantial ramping up of the organization’s efforts to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of smaller government, lower taxes, balanced budgets and efficiency in governing. The new website includes a dynamic, state-by-state legislative tracking tool, in-depth policy discussions regarding the top ten issues state lawmakers are facing, news articles, email updates and other resources.

In addition to today’s launch of the website, the SGLF – an affiliate of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) – will devote significant resources in the form of research and training, public communications, conferences and other means of dialogue among conservative state leaders.

“State governments face a broad range of policy issues and the influence that state leaders have on them is immense. Through this new website and with regular engagement of experts, policymakers and the public, the SGLF will take the lead in spotlighting smaller, smarter and more efficient government solutions,” said Chris Jankowski, SGLF Executive Director.

The first major SGLF event will take place next Wednesday when the group partners with The Heritage Foundation to host a forum that includes Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), six Secretaries of State, and former Federal Election Commission member Hans. A. von Spakovsky. The event will examine the Electoral College and the effort being made to effectively abolish it with the National Popular Vote Plan.

The SGLF firmly believes that good policy will ultimately be realized at the state level. While Washington continues to struggle with gridlock, out of control spending and lack of direction, leaders within the states are taking action and productively getting things done.

To visit the new website and learn more about the SGLF, visit http://www.SGLF.org.

About the SGLF
The State Government Leadership Foundation (SGLF) spotlights hotbed issues and conservative policies that state government officials wrestle with most. For too long, out-of-touch leaders in the states have colluded with special interests to raise taxes, swell state budgets, and increase the size of government. The SGLF is taking the lead on educating elected and appointed state government officials, providing support to local officeholders, and highlighting meaningful, conservative solutions. The SGLF is a 501 (c)(4) social welfare organization affiliated with the Republican State Leadership Committee, one of the largest conservative caucuses in the country.

From the Republican State Leadership Committee:

Alexandria, Va. (December 1, 2011) – The Republican Attorneys General Association, a caucus group with the Republican State Leadership Committee, announced this week that members of RAGA will join FOX News’ Mike Huckabee in co-hosting a Republican presidential candidate forum on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

The participating Attorneys General include Pam Bondi (Florida), Ken Cuccinelli (Virginia) and E. Scott Pruitt (Oklahoma). The event will be moderated by former Arkansas governor and host Mike Huckabee and will air live from 8 – 10 p.m. (EST).

“This forum is an excellent opportunity to engage each of the candidates in a candid conversation about issues that are important to voters in our state and across the nation,” Bondi said. “This will be a historic election, and I am excited to play a part in helping voters gain a better understanding of candidates’ beliefs on fundamental issues such as constitutionalism and the role of government.”

The forum is an opportunity for state attorneys general and the presidential candidates to elevate the discussion of constitutional issues and the federal government’s overreach into state matters. The format will be one-on-one questioning of the candidates directly from the attorneys general.

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