Brulte Hopes to Resurface on State Tax Board

When Sen. Jim Brulte left his post as minority leader of the California Senate last month because of impending term limits, he appeared destined for the political pasture.

But don't write his political obituary just yet.

Brulte may be easing out of the limelight, but colleagues and political pundits who have watched the Republican's ascension in the Legislature predict he will continue to be a dominating force in California.

"I cannot imagine Jim Brulte getting out of politics at this point," said Assemblyman John Longville (D-Rialto), a colleague who also must abandon his seat due to term limits. "He is much too young to fade into the sunset."

Term limits are catching Brulte, 48, at the height of his influence and at a time when his party controls the governor's office and the White House. Because Brulte is still relatively young and in his political prime, his next step is a hot topic of discussion in political circles.

Brulte refuses to speculate on his future other than saying he will run for the Board of Equalization in 2006. The five-member board panel rules on individual tax claims and state tax policy. Brulte has already amassed nearly $1 million for the campaign. The only other person to open a campaign committee for the board is Michelle Park Steel, wife of attorney and Republican fundraiser Shawn Steel.

Meanwhile, Brulte said, he will continue to support the state's Republican Party and work to reelect President Bush this fall. "I'll always be a party man," he said.

Brulte stepped down as minority leader seven months early to make the transition easier for his successor, Sen. Richard Ackerman of Irvine. "It's time to let others take the lead," Brulte said.

Still, his political allies say he is too ambitious to be content serving on a relatively obscure tax panel.

"I don't see Jim Brulte sinking into the woodwork," said Assemblyman Robert Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga), who is vying to fill Brulte's Senate seat, which represents parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

If elected to the Board of Equalization, Brulte will advise the state's Republicans on legislative and political matters and help raise funds for the next crop of GOP candidates. But he could also use his position on the board as a layover until he should decide to run for controller, treasurer or another statewide post.

"I'd be surprised if Jim does not return to elected politics in some form," said Republican political consultant Allen Hoffenblum.