One change I've noticed since Modesto's Dave Cogdill took over as GOP leader of the state Senate: more press conferences. The latest came today when Republicans announced several proposals they said would stimulate the state's sagging economy.

Among the ideas: Loosen up rules on when workers can take breaks to establish "a family-friendly schedule, making it easier for parents to pick up children or attend midday personal appointments." Another idea would give truck owners more time to retrofit diesel engines to comply with clean air laws.

Republicans also want to temporarily suspend greenhouse gas regulations, "which will allow technology to catch up with the changes in law and allow for a smoother implementation of the law." Good luck on that one. Gov. Schwarzenegger has made the global warming law the centerpiece of his legacy and it's doubtful he would go along with changing it.

The larger point is this: by holding press conferences like these, Cogdill is trying to give the GOP a bigger voice. Some members thought they lost the public relations war last year when the GOP held out for bigger budget cuts. One of Codgill's first acts was to hire a former Schwarzenegger aid, Sabrina Demayo Lockhart, as the caucus press secretary. Demayo Lockhart has been through the Capitol wars. Last year she was the main press contact for the governor's high profile, and ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to revamp the state's health care system.