A Word From
Mark Hershey, CCR President
What I Learned Running as a Republican in California
Peter Coe Verbica
November 14, 2022
sanjoseinside.com
Pull up a chair and I’ll tell you a story. It’s not about little red riding hood or houses built out of straw. But there are pigs and wolves.
I’m a fifth-generation Californian who grew up on a cattle ranch and went to MIT. So, I’ve looked back at the old and looked ahead to the new. I have training in real estate, law and finance. I work as an investment advisor and an investment banker. I have four daughters and am a baptized Episcopalian. I have served on many non-profit boards, though I prefer being on horseback. This year, I bucked the advice of many friends and ran as a Republican for the Board of Equalization (“BOE”). I’m in District 2 which covers 19 counties that cling to the coast from the Oregon border down to Ventura County.
What’s the BOE? It was created in 1879 to ensure that counties charged property taxes uniformly. It collects alcohol and pipeline taxes. Perhaps most unique to the Board is its Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office. Some want the BOE folded under the governor’s office. Those wary of consolidating power have argued otherwise.
As a Top Two candidate, I made it to the General Election. To my surprise, I beat one of Gavin Newsom’s former hand-picked replacements. (He appointed her to the SF Board of Supervisors when he jumped to his next gig.) The good news? Our campaign bumped up the district’s CAGOP percentage of votes by over 13% versus the last election cycle. They’re still counting the votes. So far, 584,090 voted for yours truly – more than 2.5 times the number of Republicans in the State of Wyoming! The bad news? I still lost decisively to a hard-Left progressive. It makes you scratch your head and take stock.
Here’s what I learned, running as a commonsense Republican in California…
Welcome to CCR!
Mark Hershey, CCR President
The CCR has many objectives, some of which are: (a) to become an influential political force for constructive action to preserve and protect responsible constitutional government, (b) to educate members and the public at large regarding pending legislation, candidates for public office, and the important issues of the day, (c) to encourage qualified Republicans to seek public office, (d) to help Republican candidates get elected, (e) to increase Republican registration and voter turnout, and (f) to promote unity, effectiveness and loyalty among all Republican groups.
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Speaker Series
To achieve some of CCR objectives, we partnered with South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition (SPARC) to provide a monthly “Speaker’s Series” presentation. An important and timely topic is selected and then an outstanding speaker is scheduled for the event. These topics include: “What’s Next for the Supreme Court”; U.S. and China relations; California ballot initiatives; post-election analysis; legislative attacks on Proposition 13; and the effects of Propositions 47 and 57 on the criminal justice system.
About the CCR
The California Congress of Republicans (CCR) is a grass-roots political organization, founded in 1989 and permanently chartered by the California Republican Party. CCR is built upon the shared Republican principles of Limited Government, Lower Taxes to create genuine economic opportunities, individual liberty, personal responsibility and leadership in world freedom.
Join the CCR
California Congress of Republicans provide an opportunity for like-minded individuals who share important core values to network and socialize with each other. This camaraderie can be furthered by participating in or joining a chartered organization in their community. Because CCR is statewide and a chartered organization, its members’ voices are heard at the California State Republican Party level.
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CCR Chapters
California Congress of Republicans (CCR) is a statewide organization, permanently chartered by the California Republican Party with chapters throughout the State of California. Many of our members also serve on their respective county Republican Central Committees and local Republican clubs.
New Chapter website for South County Congress of Republicans: http://sccrepublicans.org/
Chapter Events
CCR Chapters hold local events. You can view all the current events here
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The numerous Chapters of the CCR publish Newsletters or important information for their respective Chapter.
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Leadership
The page contains a listing of all the CCR and CCR Chapters leadership and their titles.
From the Capitol
News/Articles from Sacramento
- NEW: Gavin Newsom calls for bill modeled on Texas abortion ban to crack down on gun manufacturers
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Gavin Newsom aims to ban oil drilling
- Newsom Recall
- No More Taxes Please
- Kalifornia
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The California Congress of Republicans provides resources to its chapters throughout the State, and hosts monthly events to inform voters. Please help us continue to make these services available to California voters. You can enter the amount that fits your budget.
Contact Us
We welcome new members with diverse ideas, who relish the power of teamwork. We will assist you in building your chapter. CCR helps identify, bring forward and endorse statewide candidates.
To discuss or have questions concerning the CCR or it’s Chapter’s you can reach out to:
- Mark Hershey – CCR President
[email protected] - John Murphy – Membership Secretary
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