AS THE HAMBRICK TURNS
As reported here yesterday, Speaker-of-the-Weak John Hambrick declared on Wednesday that there will be no more meetings of the Republican Assembly Caucus (RAC) so as to avoid a caucus vote that might either oust him as Speaker-designee or affirm conservative Republican Assemblywoman Michele Fiore as Majority Leader.
For those just tuning in, Fiore was elected ML by the members of the RAC, but Hambrick sold out to the GOP establishment after his election with the support of the conservative members of the caucus and attempted to remove her unilaterally by dictat (“an order or decree imposed by someone in power without popular consent”) rather than a new election.
At the same time, Hambrick unilaterally appointed liberal Republican Assemblyman Paul Anderson as his #2 in the Majority Leader position and appears to be setting the stage to install liberal Republican Assemblyman Pat “The Appeaser” Hickey as chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee on opening day of the Legislature.
So anyway, here’s the latest…
Most of the caucus members were already planning to be in Carson City Monday for the inauguration, so Hambrick had scheduled a caucus meeting in Carson City for that same day before abruptly cancelling it – unilaterally, as is his wont – on Wednesday.
But some caucus members, bristling at Hambrick’s emerging my-way-or-the-highway imperial leadership style, aren’t accepting the meeting cancellation. My sources tell me that Republican Assembly Caucus Whip Jim Wheeler is polling the membership to see if there are enough votes to overrule Hambrick and convene the caucus meeting anyway on Monday…with or without Hambrick present.
Ah, to be a fly on THAT wall!
ROBO-CALLING OUT HAMBRICK
In the meantime, those in the GOP establishment who think we’re bluffing about pursuing a recall campaign against Hambrick once legally allowed to do so 10 days after the session starts should note that a robo-call campaign advising voters in Hambrick’s district that he’s breaking his promise to oppose any and all tax hikes began around 9:00 am this morning. Here’s the text of the message…
“This is an important taxpayer alert from Citizen Outreach.
“Nevada Assembly leader John Hambrick recently stated in two separate media interviews that he intends to break his signed Taxpayer Protection Pledge and support what many believe is a coming billion dollar tax hike in the upcoming Legislature.
“Nevada voters just defeated two huge tax hikes on the ballot in November. The people of Nevada have spoken loudly and clearly. We do not want higher taxes. The government should live within its means, just as you do. Press 1 right now to be immediately connected to Assemblyman Hambrick and tell him to read your lips, no new taxes.”
You can listen to the actual recording by clicking here
In case you don’t live in Mr. Hambrick’s district, or don’t receive the robo-call, you can still join this effort and contact him directly by calling either of these numbers: (702) 499-6169 or (702) 242-8580.
Yeah, we’re definitely bluffing.
DEAR JOHN: WE ARE SO OVER YOU!
In an email to Republican Assembly Caucus members on Wednesday, Speaker-of-the-Weak John Hambrick wrote…
“There are rumors that I am resigning as Speaker Designate. Let me put these rumors to rest now. I am the Speaker Designate and expect to be elected the Speaker of the Assembly on February 2nd. If you are getting communications that would lead you to believe otherwise, you are being lied to.”
Of course, if we take King John’s word as gospel, we’d have to conclude that…well, he will not resign.
Then again, we now know King John has a habit of changing his mind as often as he changes his skivvies and that his word is worth…well, nothing.
With that in mind, a “Dear John” coalition letter signed by a “who’s who” list of over 300 conservative and GOP activists was delivered to Assemblyman Hambrick at 8:30 am this morning.
You can access and read the letter by clicking here
RECALL FEVER: CATCH IT!
A number of you have emailed me asking about possibly initiating recalls of other wayward Assembly Republicans who might be inclined to participate in a “nuclear option” collaboration with Democrats on opening day of the Legislature and/or appear ready, willing and able to vote for the ginormous tax hike we all know Gov. Brian Sandoval is preparing to spring on us in two weeks.
The following is my Top Ten list of Republicans who strategically deserve serious consideration of a recall effort for a variety of reasons…not the least of which is because they are largely (mis)representing Republican friendly districts and have no reason in the world to be voting for higher taxes, yet have not taken Sandoval’s expected tax hike proposal or another extension of the “sunsets” off the table…
Assemblyman Chris Edwards: District 19 (Clark)
Assemblyman James Oscarson: District 36 (Nye, Lincoln, Clark)
Assemblyman Pat Hickey: District (Washoe)
Assemblyman Randy Kirner: District 26 (Washoe)
Assemblyman Paul Anderson: District 13 (Clark)
Assemblyman Lynn Stewart: District 22 (Clark)
Assemblywoman Melissa Woodbury: District 23 (Clark)
Assemblyman P.K. O’Neil: District 40 (Carson City)
Assemblyman Stephen Silberkraus: District 29 (Clark)
Assemblyman Derek Armstrong: District 21 (Clark)
If you live in the district of one of the above and are interested in forming your own district recall committee, let me know. I’d be happy to help you set it up, give you some guidance, and serve as your resident agent. Just shoot an email to chuck@chuckmuth.com
If you’re not sure which district you live in, just click here and enter your address.