Elton Gallegly Watch: Will Not Seek Re-election or Will he?

Ventura County Star: Gallegly says he won’t run again

Rep. Elton Gallegly, the Simi Valley Republican who parlayed a successful real estate career into a 20-year stint in Congress and became one of the nation’s most ardent conservative voices on illegal immigration, announced Friday that he will not seek re-election this fall.Gallegly said he was bowing out because of a potential medical condition. He declined to elaborate.

The Congressman’s Press Release is here.

But, will he be forced to run anyway?

Probably.

He will NOT be able to take his name off of the ballot and Gallegly is too much of a politician to throw this SAFE Republican seat to the wind.

Look for Gallegly to run in the June primary and again in November unless health concerns force a resignation.

The most likely scenario:

Gallegly runs for re-election, wins and then resigns allowing the next California Governor to call for a special election.

It is a shame that Elton’s distinguished Congressional career comes to an end in this fashion. However, nothing comes before your own health.

And the Stricklands…….does crass political opportunism come to mind?

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