Can a Republican ever win California again?

[Kevin]

No, because the Cali of 2011 is radically different from that of the 70's-80's. From what I see and understand CA has experienced a huge infusion of "robot" Democratic voters since them i.e. those would overwhelmingly vote Dem under all  circumstances like Blacks/Hispanics, left-wing whites, gay's, etc.

Additionally, as a symptom of this state political influence  it can be seen seems to have shifted away from Republican leaning or moderate conservative parts of SoCal like Orange county to more left of center parts of the state like outlying areas of SF. Furthermore, traditionally heavily Republican areas of CA like San Diego and the more inland areas have seen their voting power and influence diluted in recent years by demographic changes.

California was probably going to lurch hard left in the 1990's regardless if the Pubbies moved Right or not based on what I've seen and read.

Expect CA to become as Democratic on all level's of government as say Maryland in the coming years.

Republicans would be be better of spending their time and money in states like Nevada, Oregon, or Washington if they want to make inroads out West.