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THE GROWN-UPS STILL HAVE WORK TO DO

"Once again, California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi has proved himself to be an embarrassment to the people of California.  During the height of the recent Southern California wildfires, when MSNBC host Chris Mathews questioned Garamendi about the current situation facing hundreds of thousands of Californians, Garamendi lacked basic empathy and instead launched into a tirade on the war in Iraq.

"And now in the aftermath of the blazes, while Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger continues working with federal, state, and local agencies in helping displaced families rebuild, Garamendi has shamefully decided to use this tragic event to launch a false political attack against his colleague, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. 

"While Poizner and a bipartisan group of legislators continue to tour evacuation centers, meet with first responders, and establish fraud abuse prevention programs, the Lieutenant Governor should show some class and respect for those impacted by the fires and stop his partisan political attacks. After all, the grown-ups still have real, pressing work to do." 

Ron Nehring, Chairman, California Republican Party

Lt. Governor Garamendi Politicizing The Wild Fires In The Southland

"Rank politicization of the fires also can be found at the state level, where California Democratic Lt. Gov. John Garamendi said Tuesday that Bush's planned California visit is a "public relations" ploy that will distract firefighters from their duties. Garamendi might as well invite terrorists to return with the guard, because that's what many will do unless they're being occupied over there. would rather have "our National Guard back from Iraq" than to endure Bush's visit.

• With a congressional approval rating of 11%, an all-time low, members of the Democratic majority seem to be growing more desperate, more willing than ever to employ rhetorical tricks. They could save themselves politically - and do their country a favor - if they would instead focus on strengthening the U.S. and forget attacking opponents and the American character. If they don't, they're likely to get a surprise from voters next year. (Editorial, "Overheated Rhetoric, Investor's Business Daily, 10/25/07)

Garamendi Tries To Link Wildfires With The Current War on Terror

"This evening on Hardball with Chris Matthews, California Lt. Gov. John Garamendi discussed President Bush coming out to the state in the wake of the massive wild fires in the Southland. Transcript highlights follow...

Garamendi: I've got some doubt about the value of President Bush coming out here. How many times did he go to New York or to New Orleans and still, made promises but hasn't delivered. We have the Terminator out here, Gov. Schwarzenegger is doing a good job, and we'll see.

Matthews: Do you think its public relations rather than action?

Garamendi: Of course it's public relations. The actions taking place by the hard working firefighters, the men and women and the police that are out there on the line, and the community that's pulling together to support wach other, that's where the action is taking place. I know, okay, President Bush comes out, we'll be polite, but frankly, that's not the solution. How about sending our National Guard back from Iraq, so that we have those people available here to help us? (Inside Cable News, "California's Lt. Governor On Bush Visit To California," 10/23/07)

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