California Republicans elected former GOP legislative leader Jim Brulte as their new leader Sunday, hoping he can produce a turnaround in the party’s finances and election prospects.
Brulte, who served in the Legislature until 2004, faced no serious opposition in his bid to become California Republican Party chairman. He replaces Tom Del Beccaro, who opted not to seek a second term after a rocky run as chair.
Brulte says he wants to focus on “blocking and tackling” – seeking to revive the party’s fundraising, voter registration and turnout programs. Supporters passed out buttons with a picture of nuts and bolts before the vote at the general session of the party’s spring convention.
He plans to continue as a principal of California Strategies, a governmental and public affairs firm, as he assumes the volunteer chairman post.
Republicans also elected San Francisco attorney Harmeet Dhillon as vice chair.
Reprinted from The Sacramento Bee (3/4/2013)