Republicans gather in Atherton Republicans gather in Atherton (July 27, 2005)

By David Boyce

Almanac Staff Writer

The Atherton home of City Councilman Charles Marsala attracted some 300 guests Saturday night who paid $40 each to socialize and hear Republican candidates speak.

The ingredients for a pep-rally were there -- an open bar, free food, a pleasantly warm evening, and exhortations from party officials -- but the audience seemed in a reflective mood and not given to applauding on cue.

"We're going to have bumps in the road, and what we're experiencing right now is a bump in the road," said state Republican party chairman Duff Sundheim in an apparent reference to troubles Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is having, including in the opinion polls.

On hand with speeches were two candidates running in the Republican primary for insurance commissioner in 2006: Los Angeles physician Dr. Phil Kurzner and recent Assembly candidate and former Silicon Valley entrepreneur Steve Poizner.

Dr. Kurzner called for unity regardless of who wins the primary, while Mr. Poizner related an anecdote from his days as a White House fellow in 2001.

Also speaking at the event were state Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, who is running for state controller, and Assemblyman Keith Richman, R-Northridge, candidate for state treasurer.

"We can't win this state on just the Republican vote," said Michael Vallente, the state party's chief operating officer.

The Republican National Committee is helping its California brethren to "microtarget" non-Republicans and talk with them about issues they care about, said Mr. Vallente. "We are going to grow this party with every single opportunity we have."

The idea is to find people who think like Republicans but aren't registered as Republicans, said Portola Valley resident John Gable in an interview. Mr. Gable is a member of the San Mateo County Republican Central Committee.

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