Read more: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2009/10/30/tea-party-bus-stopping-at-fairgrounds-today/#ixzz0i0rjPISg

"...More than a year after taking a beating at the ballot box, the California Republican Party is energized by "Tea Party" revivals and declining Democratic poll numbers as it heads into a three-day state party convention this weekend, charged up and "on the offense" for the statewide and mid-term elections.

That's the official mantra as nearly 1,000 California Republican activists, candidates and officials gather at the Santa Clara Hyatt starting today to hear from statewide candidates - including those in crucial gubernatorial and U.S. Senate contests - and to prepare for fundraising and get-out-the-vote activities in this year's elections.

"This convention marks the shift from the GOP being on defense to going on offense," state party chair Ron Nehring said Thursday.

"A year ago, Barack Obama's approval ratings were up and (Democrats) had a commanding lead in congressional ballot strength" and in the number of voters who identified with their party, he said. But "what a difference a few government-owned automobile companies, a multibillion-dollar federal stimulus plan and a takeover" of health care "can do for the political environment," he said.

With Republican statehouse victories in Virginia and New Jersey, and in the Massachusetts Senate race this year, "here in California, we're taking the next step," Nehring said.

Less than three months before the June primary, the GOP's gathering this weekend serves as an important election-year marker because it provides a key platform for candidates to connect with party activists - and their success can go a long way toward building enthusiasm and donor bases heading into the elections."