Unlike George Will, LA Times columnist George Skelton understands California politics. Skelton’s impressed that Cal Reeps are piping down on social issues, evidenced by the recent state convention:
Said Assemblyman Ray Haynes of Murrieta, another unabashed conservative who backs Schwarzenegger: “We social folks realize that being in your face all the time is a turnoff.”
Haynes says “pro-choice” and “right-to-life” Republicans have reached an “accord.” The former will help move the latter’s agenda when there’s no political cost, and the latter will stop constantly harassing the former — like slipping those “baby killer” fliers under delegates’ doors.
If Republicans really have stopped railing about social issues, the politicians and activists who will miss it most are Democrats.
These are signs of intelligence, showing that even the hard right can learn a lesson every once in a while. Let’s hope it sticks.