The Reagan Legacy
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Today's Republican party wants to purge any member who favors increasing taxes or the size of government, often in the name of Ronald Reagan. But Reagan raised taxes big time, in Washington and Sacramento, and the bureaucracies were bigger after he served both as President and as Governor. Could he win a Republican primary today? On this day after Reagan's birthday, we’ll hear from the GOP, past and present. Also, Democrat Jane Harmon is resigning from Congress, and Texas has a bigger budget shortfall than California. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, continuing unrest in Egypt.
Banner image: President Reagan Sworn in for Second Term, 1985
Making News
Jane Harmon Resigns Congressional Seat ()
Los Angeles' Westside Democrat, Jane Harmon, plans to resign from Congress to take over the Woodrow Wilson Institute for Scholars in Washington. That means a special election in the 36th Congressional District. Allan Hoffenblum edits The Target Book, which both parties call the last word on legislative and Congressional politics.
Guests:
- Allan Hoffenblum: Republican political consultant
Main Topic
The Reagan Legacy ()
Yesterday was the hundredth anniversary of Ronald Reagan's birth and, at a celebration in Santa Barbara this weekend, Sara Palin said it's time to get back to his principles of low taxes and small government. It's true that Reagan did say, "The most terrifying nine words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help." But as Governor — and as President — Reagan both raised taxes and increased government.
Guests:
- Ray McNally: Partner, McNally Temple Associates
- Jon Fleischman: Publisher, Flash Report, @FlashReport
Reporter's Notebook
Texas-Sized Deficit Eclipses Even California ()
California's continuing budget shortfalls have been subjects of derision for Rich Perry, the Governor of Texas. In last year's re-election campaign, Perry sneered at fellow Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger and bragged about "hunting trips" to California, persuading companies to come share the business friendly "Texas miracle." But last week, Perry wasn't answering any questions. It turns out that Texas now has a $27 billion gap between taxes and spending. California's is just $25 billion. Wayne Slater is senior political writer for the Dallas Morning News.
Guests:
- Wayne Slater: Senior Political Writer, Dallas Morning News, @WayneSlater
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, which supports study and research into policy issues of the Los Angeles region.
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