Edgy Interview: Jim Brulte
Jim Brulte is a hero. He’s responsible for California Public Utilities Code Section 2874 which makes robocalls illegal in the state of California. You heard that right. While a State Senator, Jim authored a law that requires before you get a recorded message on your phone a live human being would have to get your permission to play the recording. Revolutionary and awesome as the law is, it has never been enforced. But Brulte is a hero for at least trying to curtail the robocall scourge.
Jim participates in this edition of The Edgy Interview while in his third term as Chairman of the California Republican Party. You’ll see in his answers hints of how difficult that job has become. Before serving as Party Chair, Brulte served in the State Senate from 1996 to 2004 and before that in the State Assembly.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when grew up?
A baseball player. I went to bed every night listening to the Angels playing their games in Anaheim. As I grew up I realized, however, that it actually takes skill to play most sports. I do think I could be an Olympic Curler. I am pretty good with a broom.
If you could go back in time, which former President would you like to chat with and what’s the topic?
Probably General Washington. He knew what it was like to fight an opponent with more resources than his team had–a plight that recent CA GOP Chairs must struggle with.
Tell us why you think California should or should not split into 5 states.
When I was elected to the Legislature there was a proposal to split the state in three. These split proposals are interesting exercises. They look better on paper than in real life. I doubt the United States Senate is going to allow eight additional Senators.
What’s the best thing about the USA?
The great American experiment was combining free speech and a free economy. This has created the greatest amount of opportunity and wealth for the greatest percentage of our people in the history of the world.
Who is your favorite artist, any medium?
I am a big Neil Diamond fan.
What was your favorite musical genre as a teenager and what is it now?
I hate to admit it, but I liked Disco. Fortunately, I’ve grown out of that phase of my life.
What music are you listening to these days?
Contemporary Christian
Favorite sport and why?
Football because I like watching team sports. And football requires many people with different skills.
If you were into competitive eating, which food would be your specialty?
Have you met me? I eat ALL foods.
Favorite breakfast and where do you get it?
Egg McMuffin at McDonalds.
When you retire, what’s your second career going to be, if any?
I am struggling with that right now. If the first act in my adult like was public service and the second act is business; with the fourth act as heaven, what will the third act be? This has been a question I have been asking for a couple of years.
Most people say they got a lucky break at some point. Tell us about yours.
I was lucky to land a job at the Republican National Committee in 1981 where I could learn campaign politics from some of the best in the business. It was an unbelievable experience that I will never forget.
If you could return to a place you’ve traveled, where would you go?
I just got back from a trip to Israel. It was my sixth time in the country. I love the people and the country. I hope to go again within the next two years.
Name a living person that you admire who I may not know. Why do you admire them?
Former Assemblyman Chuck Bader. He was my boss from 1987-1990. He has so many qualities I admire. He is smart, likable, polite and always makes you feel special. He has been married for more than 53 years to his college sweetheart and has successful children. He is the total package.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?
Always show up early and stay late is the advice my dad gave me. He told me I would probably not be the smartest employee around, but I could be the hardest working employee (he was right about the smart part).
