By Kevork KURDOGHLIAN

Assemblymember Tim Donnelly, a candidate for governor, spoke at a Republican Club of the Foothills meeting held at the La Cañada Thursday Club on Thursday. In his introduction of Donnelly, Phil Downs, president of the club, described the Democratic controlled state government as a “liberal bash.”

As the crowd of approximately 100 people made their way to the buffet while awaiting Donnelly’s arrival, a series of unflattering Obama cartoons flashed on the screen at the front of the clubhouse.

Donnelly opened his talk by discussing his opinion of the reasons for a “deeply divided” Republican party. He claimed that the moderate wing of the party “wants to abandon everything we believe in so we can be liked.” But he still sees an opportunity for party appeal among the growing number of independents.

He also shared his distaste for the unnamed moderates in the California Republican Party who he feels focus on demographic data to win elections.

“We treat race like ice cream flavors,” he suggested instead. “I like them all.”

Donnelly lamented that the Republican Party hasn’t produced a candidate that could “touch [the people] emotionally.”

“We haven’t had anyone like Ronald Reagan and that’s a problem,” he said.

He then spoke about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” claiming that it is contributing to the departure of many California small businesses.

“Now healthcare has become a civil right,” he said disdainfully. Government is a “millstone around the neck of a company.”

At the microphone, Donnelly continued with the resentment of government theme as he moved on to topics like jobs, taxes, regulations, rights and race.

“The best social program we can offer the poor is a job,” said Donnelly. Recounting on a debate he had with a Democratic colleague on the Assembly floor, he said, “He ought to just stamp socialist on his forehead.”

Donnelly then invited the audience to send a message using their cellphone to the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Obama Administration.

“Don’t sell us out,” he said of the message to send. “Stand up for principles.”

Donnelly called the 5% salary increase awarded to the State legislature, which he attempted to reject, “an embarrassment.”

Toward the end of his hour-long speech, he shared his platform for governor. He said that he wants to lower taxes and reduce regulations, protect the Second Amendment and repeal the California Dream Act. He is also a proponent of drilling for American oil and fracking for American natural gas.

“Before that Ronald Reagan or Clint Eastwood walks in the door, I’m going to ask you to get behind me,” he said as he concluded his speech.

For more information about Tim Donnelly’s candidacy for governor, visit his website
www.electtimdonnelly.com.

  Kevork KURDOGHLIAN