The latest on California politics and government

August 27, 2012

CA reputation at RNC: 'scary,' 'hyper environmental,' great wine'



ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. - Sunday's Republican National Convention welcome party brought California Republicans together with delegations from all corners of the country.

So what do those other Republicans think about the home state of the convention's largest delegation?

"You don't want my honest opinion," Ann Sullivan, a delegate from North Carolina said as she swayed to music blasting through the speakers at St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field.

"They're very liberal and you just don't know what they're going to do," said Christine Pilozzi, a delegate from New York. "That's scary."

"Are there any?" J. Michael Collins of Maryland asked of California Republicans.

Other impressions included "surfers," "ganja" and "hyper environmental."

"If you want to do something odd and weird, go to California," Pilozzi said, offering that, on the plus side, the state produces "great wine."

Despite the California's solidly blue reputation, delegates from other states were quick to throw their support behind the Republicans hailing from California.

"I'm proud of the Republicans coming out of California," Sullivan said. "They have my sympathy."

Her advice for members of the Golden State GOP?

"Stand up for (your) beliefs and give them some moxie," she said.