Inland Empire Progressive

Democrats were staring down a moment of rare leverage, and they didn't hold the line. Moderates as usual caved. After November's strong electoral performance, the momentum is clearly with the Democratic Party. Yet here we are, with a government reopen with little to show for it. For weeks, Democrats of stripes have made it clear: they won’t fund the government without guarantees that the health-insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act will be extended. Republicans and the Trump White House flatly  rejected  that, refusing to negotiate while the government remains shuttered. Democrat could have kept the government shut forcing the Trump Administration to the table. Now that the moderates have caved, what are Democrats getting for reopening? A promise for a meaningless vote. That’s laughable. Recent elections delivered a message: voters believe Democrats must fight for something real. After wins in places like Virginia and New Jersey, the idea that the party s...

The gloves are off, and Democrats have a fighting opportunity to go on offense in all 52 California congressional districts, not just the competitive races that the consultant class like to obsess over. Conservatives have made their brand so toxic, so extreme, and so wildly detached from California values that even Republicans should be looking for the exit ramp that leads them straight into the Democratic Party.  For too long, Democrats have treated deeply red districts as write-offs with Democrats in those districts left to be sacrificial lambs. That mentality is outdated. California’s demographics have shifted, younger and more progressive voters are turning 18 every day, and even moderate Republicans are exhausted by the extremism dominating their party. Democrats in state leadership should fund organizers to canvass, register voters, and develop strong candidates everywhere from Modoc to the Inland Empire where affordability and opportunity are on the ballot. MAGA is incompati...

Despite its deep-red reputation, there is a compelling and urgent case for Democrats to concentrate resources, energy, and strategy on turning  Mississippi  blue. The state’s demographics, historical background, and recent electoral trends all suggest that the opportunity is real. First, Mississippi’s population offers a bright starting point: it has one of the highest proportions of Black residents of any U.S. state at nearly 39 %.  Given that African American voters overwhelmingly support Democrats nationally and are a critical part of the Democratic coalition, the base is already present. Mobilizing this base more fully in Mississippi could raise turnout and change the conversation. Second, although Mississippi has consistently voted Republican in presidential elections that very fact underscores the scale of the opportunity: it’s a state long neglected by Democrats, meaning the playing field is wide open. The state party itself has acknowledged the need to rebuild and...

This shutdown theater is not a football match where Democrats get to sit back and wait for the opposing team to throw a pick six. It’s a grueling slugfest of raw power, public perception, and who blinks first. And as the standoff drags on, the option to sit this one out or play it safe is fast turning into a coward’s compromise. The  hallway  showdown between House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and GOP Rep. Mike Lawler demonstrates why resolve is needed in this shutdown. Lawler ambles up and tries to casually ask why Democrats won’t just sign onto ending the government shutdown. Jeffries scoffs at the notion and retorts: “Did you get permission from your boss?” This is the fight that was sorely missing from the first shutdown debacle back in March. Republicans only understand the language of power, and it isn’t begging or wagging a finger—it’s cutthroat persuasion. Democratic messaging needs to highlight what’s at stake, call out Republican obstruction when it happens, and o...

                                                                      Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash Democrats need to hold a Mid-Term Convention. Given the stakes, that’s not just a good idea, it may become essential. During this fucked-up timeline that we are all living in, Democrats need to think creatively and always be on offense, instead of constantly reacting to what Republicans. I'm tired of Democrats being a day late and a dollar short. A convention provides a platform to unify around a coherent theme. Democrats can similarly use a midterm convention to frame what’s at stake in 2026 (Congressional control; protecting democratic institutions; defending rights) and focus on the future. A large, visible gathering can generate energy: fundraising, media attention, vo...

The first major domino has fallen for Congressional Republicans.  This happened in the senate where Senator Joni Ernst will not be seeking reelection in 2026. This is a cause to celebrate here in the Inland Empire because being the bluest state in the Union our California-hating Republican should be scared because they are about to be shown the door whether they like it or not. There is wave building here in the Empire and I think it will culminate with the passage of Prop 50.  With the passage of Prop 50, Obernolte will have to do one of three things. He will either retire, which I don't think it is likely because he has the resources to compete. However, I don't think those resources will be enough to overcome a Democratic backlash.  Second, he can double down on his support for Trump, Elon, and the billionaires. I think this is the most likely scenario. He is already dodging townhalls, is cagy on the release of the Epstein files, and supports the building of concentrat...

  Above is an overview of the precincts that 23rd Congressional District won in 2024. As I said in an earlier post, I believe that Victorville, Adelanto, and parts of Hesperia make up the majority votes that Dems should focus on. However, as you can see above, Dems have won in other areas of the district as well. Redlands, Loma Linda and Barstow as well. You can also see that Dems won in parts of Fort Irwin and Baker.  The most surprising result of my analysis is Joshua Tree. I didn't know it was that Democratic and many precincts were won there.  The overall weakness is turnout. In 2024, the base Democratic cities only were able to turnout 50-55% of voters. That is why I think this race is winnable. With the right coalition we can overcome Obedient Obernolte's stranglehold on the district.  

  The 23rd Congressional District is one of the largest congressional districts in the county totaling over 33,000 square miles. It includes the Mojave Desert which encompasses both the high desert of Hesperia, Adelanto, Victorville and the low deserts of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms.  Based on analysis of precinct data from the 2024 election, the Democratic Base consists of Adelanto, Victorville, and parts of Hesperia. Candidates would be wise to focus on turnout in these areas to ensure a competitive race. Candidates who live in the High Desert have an advantage because of the geographic distance of candidates who live outside of this area. It is not impossible, but it does represent a challenge. Overall, if Democrats in this district can focus on turning out the base, picking up Dem-Coded independents, and capture some moderate Republicans this district can be won.

Mac Taylor the influential legislative analyst has guarded optimism about Gov. Jerry Brown's budget. While biased toward the downside, California Democrats in the legislature would do well to heed his advice this time. He sees (and I concur) a lot of volatility due to outside forces (Washington DC and the fiscal cliff) and our tax code. If Dems want revenue, they should go bold on stabilizing our revenue base. I think that would be a smart move politically and might actually achieve some revenue enhancements with little political cost.

I am elated at the prospects for 31st Congressional District in 2014. In the 2012 election, the Democratic Party both state and nationally focused purely on Riverside County. I think this was because there was much…giddiness, of San Bernardino County Democrats of the possible pickups we possessed. In the end, it was a total meltdown of epic proportions. We gained only the safest of Congressional and Legislative seats. However, in 2014 I know its going to be us this time! The primary focus will be the governors race but with limited and lackluster challengers from the Republican Party, we have a great opportunity expand on majorities in all legislative houses. I also think we can afford some risk taking in more traditionally conservative areas. The 31st Congressional District will be a prime target and so will the 40th AD. As of today, Russ Warner has 49% of the vote and ballots are still being counted! I need to get my canvassing shoes ready, cause this 2014 is shaping to be a good ...

With both houses in the state legislature at a 2/3rd majority, my hope is that state Dems can get their priorities straight to govern California effectively and over the long term. State polling giving the legisature all time low approval ratings, this hold on power is tenuous at best. If the Dems can't effectively govern, then I wouldn't be surprised that this mandate will be short lived. Most of the prioritzation comes in balancing the state budget. Californian's deserve a state budget that is both stable and prioritized effectively. A balanced approach would be to cut underperforming policies while increasing revenue for most income brackets. Hopefully, Prop. 13 reforms will be included in the policy discussion. Another issue is our school system which performs inadequately for the needs of low income and minority students. Education equality is the next civil rights movement of our time. Our poor performing schools will not be able to...

I was listening to the Political Hour podcast hosted by Mark Westwood the other day, but (for those interested) can as well listen to the program on the radio Tuesday's at KCAA 1050 on the AM dial. Mr. Westwood was interviewing the Inland Empire regional director for the Obama for America campaign. She was commenting on how different walks of life come to support the President in his reelection efforts by paticipating in phonebanking or taking road trips to battleground states. However one thing in particular stuck out. She said that Democrats from normally Conservative parts of Riverside County have been excited to hear from a fellow Democrat. They were excited because they thought they were the only ones who were Democrats in the area and were glad to here from someone with the same values contacting them. I laughed because that is way some Democrats felt in San Bernardino...

CITY DEM VOTE REP VOTE DIFFERENCE Colton (Dem) 2199 1057 1142 Fontana (Dem) 694 730 -36 Grand Terrace (Rep) 768 920 -152 Loma Linda (Rep) 1271 1138 133 Rancho Cucamonga (Rep) 6256 11140 -4884 Redlands (Rep) 5562 6279 -717 Rialto (Dem) 2657 1513 1144 San Bernardino (Dem) 7923 5723 2200 Upland (Rep) 1565 2168 -603 Unincorporated (Mixed) 1507 1596 -89 After the Primary, the folks in Washington D.C., Sacramento, the Media, and whoever else was paying attention to this race were shocked by the results of this election. I was only mildly surprised because I didn’t think that Mr. Dutton would make it through. Early in the Primary, I let my candidate of choice at the time, Renea Wickman, know that I was worried on a purely mathematical basis that Dems would not make the top two. Dems had a 1 in 4 chance of making the ticket versus a 1 in 2 chance of Reps making the ticket. We have seen those results play out and my worst fears realized....

Rep. Gary Miller fears the National Rifle Association more than he does the minorities in the 31st Congressional District. The black and brown community is adamantly against holding Eric Holder in contempt of Congress. They are also against gun violence, which has surged since Rep. Gary Miller has started running for Congress in the Inland Empire.  I think some gun running is going on right here in my city of San Bernardino. What with 26 deaths so far? Why don’t we hold you in contempt? But I think the American public hold Congress in contempt these days with polling down in the dumps. What ever happened to jobs, jobs, jobs? Wasn’t that the Conservative mantra of 2010? How about Fast and Furiously reducing unemployment? This witch hunt amounts to nothing more than election year politics.

I thought Progressives were the ones to challenge authority. I guess not by the way we have been bowing to the Establishment in the Democratic Party. Progressives have passion and we have principle, but when the rubber meets the road we cave to our ever compromising selves. We have a ground game that is almost a throwback to the early 20th Century Labor Unions in the way we engage online through New Media. Voter Engagement and finding the true sentiment of the average voter is our bread and butter. But do we listen to the average voter? NO!!! The average voter wants accountability for Wall Street. But do we have it? NO! The pussy-willows of Democratic Leadership cater to Wall Street interests and could give a damn about the working man. The average voter wants a job that pays a living wage. But do we have it? NO! The pussy-willows of Democratic Leadership a living wage will harm big business. The average voter wants safe streets with no gun violence. But do we have it? NO! The p...

The Press Enterprise has an article about how much was raised in the area. However, I wanted to dig a little deeper into the financial statements of Blue Dog Pete Aguilar since he claimed the above on his Facebook Page. The financial statements of the Pete Aguilar show how much he is beholden to the conservatives of the Inland Empire. The sentence that really had me going was the last one: “…we have a robust grassroots coalition in place.” Pete Aguilar has no grassroots support. Period. Please Do NOT Vote for Mayor Aguilar, June 5th. Thank You He can make all the proclamations he wants, but I have not seen hide nor hair of Mr. Aguilar’s so called grassroots supporters. What I have seen and what Pete Aguilar’s financial statements reflect is an entrenchment of conservative interests that are trying to buy the 31st Congressional District. True grassroots support usually comes from the quantity of small dollar donations, not the quantity of the amount given.

  Rep. Joe Baca has tried to extend his empire by pushing his sons and corrupt allies to run for office. The voters have wisely and sometimes soundly rejected the nepotism that Joe Baca has tried to foist upon Inland Empire residents. His commitment to build a grassroots legacy is non existent. The only commitments  he attempts to make to Progressives is during election year. These hollow proclamations to sponsor policies that get Progressives excited have now fallen on deaf ears. Progressives have had enough! It is time to demand results. This Blue Dog has no principles on which to stand and deserves to be challenged in every election that he runs in. One day he will be defeated.  Mr. Baca has won election after election with more than 60% of the vote, why not try to build upon that and expand influence into more challenging areas of the Inland Empire. It is because his corazon is not with the grassroots, it is focus on the elite. All Mr. Baca is concerned about is...

Another article in a series revealing the true nature of Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar. Why did Pete Aguilar choose to run as a Democrat? Pete Aguilar has many questionable, unscrupulous, and disreputable relationships with corrupt Republicans that other Progressive Democrats and I find very unsettling. These are just a few of Pete’s Conservative Pals that I have recovered: Jerry Lewis Republican politics in the Inland Empire begins and ends with one man, Jerry Lewis. Mr. Lewis’s corruption is well known, but since he hails from a safe district that brings in the pork (earmarks), he was never seriously challenged. Pete Aguilar knew Jerry Lewis through Larry Sharp the former CEO of Arrowhead Credit Union. During the Lobbyist Copeland Lowery scandal, Redlands Councilman Mr. Aguilar defended the lobbyist by giving the rational that public officials have no relationships with other public officials.  How can they not? They sit on many boards and commissions together.  Mr. Lo...

Rep. Joe Baca’s love for golf is a legendary in Inland Empire. However, try as I might, I have never witnessed the Congressman in golf pants or seen a photograph of him in them and probably never will. However, I have seen photographs of him sporting Dodger Blue throwing fastballs across home plate. Also being a member of the Blue Dog Coalition whose stated aim is: Blue Dogs advocate for mainstream American values, a commitment to fiscal responsibility , and a strong national defense. Rep. Joe Baca’s “concern” for the deficit is also advocated in almost every press release that concerns the budget. What do the Golf and Deficits have in common and why do I mention them? Well as the post implies these are the concerns of the wealthy. Incomes above $250,000 are the majority of those who play golf. With a median income of $50,000, cities represented by Rep. Joe Baca simply do not have the leisure time or prosperity to play rounds of golf. Don’t let me get started on the wasted water ...

  From the City of San Bernardino: Please do not elect Blue Dog Rep. Joe Baca. He does not share your interests. We, the residents of San Bernardino know, because we once thought he did too. However, he has left our city in such poverty in both education and business that it will take generations to fully recover. He has done this while enriching his own kingdom of Rialto: “The home of Joe Baca.” as he calls it. All you have to do is travel the streets of Rialto to see where all the pork barrel money has been spent. Have you seen the projects behind Eisenhower High School? Have you seen the new bridge on Riverside Ave. or the Omnitrans bus stops that line the streets? He had an office in San Bernardino but that was pretty much it. He was never there, but always on the golf course or in Washington D.C. We in San Bernardino never saw him and it’s a guarantee Pomona that you will never see him too. He claims he represents over 65% of the your district, but he only cares about 5...