Despite what you will read, watch and heat in the MSM, the Republican party in California may poised to make serious gains in the seven constitutionally elected offices and possibly make small gains in the state senate and assembly.
Before one dismisses this as wishful thinking, consider that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will win reelection possibly by a landslide because his opponent, Democrat Phil Angelides is so condescending and shallow that his top campaign aide, California Democratic party hack Bob Mullholand compared Gov. Schwarzenegger to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il(www.drudgereport.com).
For Lietentant Governor, the Republican candidate is party stalwart state Sen. Tom McClintock. In his bid for governor during the recall campaign against Gray Davis(from here on referred to as the Gray Era), he made a respectable third place showing and his Reagan-like platform was put out for all to see. Infact, he was seen as the most principled candidate in the race. After two close failed races for state wide office, this third time should be the charm. He is running against the Insurance Commissioner, John Garamendi. Sen. McClintock should win this one but it may be close.
For Secretary of State, look for the incumbent, Bruce McPherson to win election outright. He was appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger to replaced the disgraced Democrat, Kevin Shelly who resigned under corruption charges. This may also be a potential landslide.
The most interesting race will be for Attorney General. The Dems have nominated former Gov Moonbeam himself, current Oakland mayor Jerry Brown. His stance against the death penalty is well known. He claims that as AG, he will be able to fight death penalty appeals despite his personal opposition to the death penalty. It, like many other Roman Catholics convoluted positions on abortion will cloud the race. The Republicans have nominated state Senator Chuck Poochigian. This may be a close race and the former governor's past may come back to haunt him. I say to look for the GOP to pull out a very close race.
The three other constitutional offices that look like the Democrats will keep. The Controller, Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner should stay in the hands in the Dems. One area that could be a fifty-fifty chance of GOP gains is the state assembly. Maybe two to three seats. It may not seem like much, but it will help rein in spendthrift Democrats come budget time. I do not think that there will any gains in the state senate but even one seat will be a good thing.
Now, while the national MSM is fixated on national polls and the like, California is an example of the Republican strategy of keeping focus on local races. A large Republican turnout in California will do everything to help the Republicans in all races. And before any Republican says that they can not vote for Gov. Schwarzenegger because he is too moderate, remember the alternative is worse. We will have a huge tax hike and more socialist inititives than ever under a Gov. Angelides.
Oh, and if you think that I am just wishfully thinking, Gov. Schwarzenegger already has as much as  a seven-point lead in some polls. If Mr. Angelides thinks that having aides make moronic anti-Arnold statements on pandering to gay activists saying he will sign legislation legalizing same sex marriage when he can not, constitutionally with overturning Prop 22, that lead will grow.
Go GOP in Cali!!