Throw another one on the “no one could have predicted” pile: Tony the Jolly Green Independent Strickland has proven himself a reliable enough GOP shill to become the Assistant Senate Republican Leader in just three months’ time. That’s an enormous level of trust for the Yacht Party to place in a guy who refused to even campaign using the word “Republican”, right?

From KHTS:

California State Senator Tony Strickland proudly announced that, in just his third month in the state senate, his caucus has showed confidence in his leadership abilities to elevate him to Assistant Senate Republican Leader. Senator Strickland will serve the Senate Republican Caucus under newly elected Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth.

Says Strickland:

“I am honored to have the confidence and trust of my Republican colleagues to serve as Assistant Senate Republican Leader. I look forward to representing the views of my caucus as well as the constituents in my district as we continue to address Californians dire economy.” Senator Strickland added, “As the Assistant Senate Republican Leader, I will continue to focus on transitioning to a renewable, more energy efficient economy to jumpstart the economy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve the environment, and lower energy prices.”

Wow. All of a sudden, Tony Strickland manages to find the word “Republican” in his vocabulary. Amazing. Who could have predicted?

The only question at this point is whether the voters of SD-19 will allow themselves to be conned again by Phony Republican Tony Strickland four years from now.