37 Quotes by Jack Pitney

Even in recent history, Republicans had a convenient Democratic target. During the Clinton administration, they ran against Clinton. Then (former Senate Majority Leader) Tom Daschle and the obstructionists of the Senate, but now that they control, if you want to separate yourself from Washington, you have to separate yourself from other Republicans.

At the depths of the '82 recession, Reagan looked like a goner, but the economy came back and so did Reagan's fortunes? He stayed the course. Had he faltered in his policies in '82, we might not have seen as much progress in '83 and '84.

At the moment, a lot of people regard both major parties as unattractive. That's partly due to the polarization of politics. The Democrats might be a little too liberal and the Republicans a little too conservative.

Core supporters will take this a cue, particularly Republicans who have not been paying close attention. And a lot will depend on whether Republicans can follow through in the ground game.

There's plenty of time to criticize. I think two years from now, nobody is going to remember what these people said.

Schwarzenegger has huge problems. But other governors have climbed out of the poll pits to win re-election.

Public opinion has a short list of bad guys, and the drug companies are on it. That can be hurtful to Proposition 78.

After governor, most people are pretty hazy about what these offices do. I'd be surprised if one Californian out of 100 can tell you the difference between the controller and treasurer.

That's why an early announcement makes sense. Nobody wants to give to a campaign that may never start.