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CA-26: Tony Strickland Announces First Day Fundraising Total of $318K
California State Senator Tony Strickland at yesterday’s Congressional announcement
From the press release:One day after he launched his campaign for Congress, State Senator Tony Strickland announced that he has raised $317,915 in his first day as a candidate for the newly drawn 26th Congressional District.
“I’m running for Congress because it’s time to put an end to politics as usual that has left too many in Ventura County worrying about their future,” said Strickland. “I’m honored that so many are uniting behind our campaign to create more jobs and opportunities for every citizen.”
The funds raised to date come from a diverse community of supporters including small business owners, community leaders, and working families throughout the Congressional District.
“I’m humbled that so many have joined me in this effort in just one day,” concluded Strickland.
The total of $317,915 in one day alone would place Strickland among the top funded Congressional candidates the country for the previous three-month quarter. Noteworthy about the influx of financial support is that none of the contributions reflect transfers of any kind from Strickland’s state senate campaign account and only represent new financial contributors.
Not a bad first day of fundraising at all.
But, remember that Democrat Rep. Brad Sherman who is rumored looking at this Congressional District has over $3.5 Million already in the bank.
There is little doubt that this contested race will be very expensive and in the multi-millions of dollars expended when the dust clears in November.
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CA-26 Video: California State Senator Tony Strickland Announces His Candidacy for Congress
Tony Strickland and his family, including former California Assemblywoman Audra Strickland
California State Senator Tony Strickland is in the race for CA-26.
From the press release:
Surrounded by family and supporters, State Senator Tony Strickland today announced his campaign for Congress in an event at the Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum.
I remember the most important lesson my father taught me: that it’s the duty for every generation to leave their community in a better place than they found it, said Strickland. And that’s why I’m asking to become your next Congressman.
I expect the campaign ahead to be spirited but I’m committed to uniting our community; Republicans, Democrats, and Independents behind policies that create jobs and economic opportunity for those struggling to make ends meet.
Strickland also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong national defense and developing alternative energy sources.
Send me to Congress, and I’ll stand up to those who want to weaken our military and threaten our defense related jobs, he continued.
Dependence on foreign energy sources makes our energy prices vulnerable and too reliant on unstable and sometimes hostile foreign regimes. We can no longer afford to fund both sides of a war. Energy independence is truly a national security issue, he added.
Strickland announced at the Aviation Museum at the Camarillo Airport before a group of 100 or so supporters and Ventura County political activists. He joins previously announced candidates, Ventura County Supervisors Steve Bennett and Linda Parks, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jess Herrera, Moorpark City Councilman David Pollock, retired longshoreman Zeke Ruelas of Oxnard and businessman David Cruz Thayne of Westlake Village.
The seat is being vacated by long-time incumbent Congressman Elton Gallegly who has announced his retirement.
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CA-26: California State Senator Tony Strickland Announces His Congressional Candidacy
Tony Strickland and his family, including former California Assemblywoman Audra Strickland
California State Senator Tony Strickland is in the race for CA-26.From the press release:
Surrounded by family and supporters, State Senator Tony Strickland today announced his campaign for Congress in an event at the Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum.
“I remember the most important lesson my father taught me: that it’s the duty for every generation to leave their community in a better place than they found it,” said Strickland. “And that’s why I’m asking to become your next Congressman.
I expect the campaign ahead to be spirited but I’m committed to uniting our community; Republicans, Democrats, and Independents behind policies that create jobs and economic opportunity for those struggling to make ends meet.”
Strickland also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong national defense and developing alternative energy sources.
“Send me to Congress, and I’ll stand up to those who want to weaken our military and threaten our defense related jobs,” he continued.
“Dependence on foreign energy sources makes our energy prices vulnerable and too reliant on unstable and sometimes hostile foreign regimes. We can no longer afford to fund both sides of a war. Energy independence is truly a national security issue,” he added.
Strickland announced at the Aviation Museum at the Camarillo Airport before a group of 100 or so supporters and Ventura County political activists. He joins previously announced candidates, Ventura County Supervisors Steve Bennett and Linda Parks, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jess Herrera, Moorpark City Councilman David Pollock, retired longshoreman Zeke Ruelas of Oxnard and businessman David Cruz Thayne of Westlake Village.
The seat is being vacated by long-time incumbent Congressman Elton Gallegly who has announced his retirement.
I will have video of the announcement later in the afternoon.
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CA-26: It’s Official – California State Senator Tony Strickland to Announce for Congress Tomorrow
As I said yesterday, my Republican California State Senator, Tony Strickland, will announce tomorrow morning for Congress (CA-26).I will be there tomorrow with my video camera.
Stay tuned…..
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CA-26: California State Senator Tony Strickland to Run for Congress
Republican State Senator Tony Strickland and wife Audra, a former California Assemblywoman
I was actually informed about this announcement a number of days ago, but was asked to embargo the announcement until Monday. Obviously, there was a change of plans to “leak” the announcement by the Strickland Campaign.
So, here is the announcement.Sen. Tony Strickland, who represents western portions of the Santa Clarita Valley in the California Senate, has scheduled a press conference to announce his candidacy for Congress.
Strickland’s campaign announcement is calendared for Tuesday morning, Jan. 17, at the Aviation Museum in Camarillo.
I don’t why there is a hurry to announce, but it could be that politics in Ventura County is becoming like musical chairs. The filing deadline is March 9.
First, there is the rumor that Democrat Rep. Brad Sherman will move to run in the new CA-26. This will avoid a nasty June primary election against Democrat Rep. Howard Berman.
Then, there is former Democratic Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg who has said (more or less) that he is running in Tony Strickland’s California State Senate District where another Democrat State Senator Fran Pavley (Agoura Hills) will be the incumbent.
So, Strickland will announce, but I hear that local Republicans are worried that Strickland might not be able to beat Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks who is going to run as an independent (where in the past she has been a registered Republican). Some have suggested that Parks may re-register as a Democrat.
Other sources have told me that the Ventura County Public Employee Unions are pressuring Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett to drop out of his previously announced decision to run in CA-26.
The unions and local Democrats are worried that Republican Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper would easily win Bennett’s seat, should Bennett vacate it to run for Congress. I guess the LEFT wants to protect Bennett’s seat and he has the campaign cash to do so. So, will Bennett withdraw?
In talking to a number of Republican and Democratic activists, it is clear that nobody is happy with the previously speculated big three candidacies of Strickland, Parks and Bennett.
I would not be surprised to see Rep. Brad Sherman to take a look at this race and I have heard Republicans are talking to Michael Reagan, the son of the former President.
So, it is all complicated. Plus, add in four other candidates (including two Hispanic Democrats from Oxnard) and the top two election system.
This race is going to be a whirlwind…..
Stay tuned….
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CA-26: Rep Elton Gallegly to Retire – Tony Strickland, Steve Bennett and Linda Parks to Run
I was in Santa Fe, New Mexico at a funeral when I received notice that long-time Republican Congressman and friend, Elton Gallegly was releasing that he was retiring.
When I was at Elton’s home a few weeks ago, I received the impression that this would be Elton’s choice. He did outlay the scenarios of re-election strategy, but I could see that his interests were elsewhere. He wants to start a new phase of his life – outside the Congress.
And, who can blame him?
Now, who will seek the seat?
California State Senator Tony Strickland a conservative Republican has informally announced his candidacy, along with Democrat Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett (Ventura Ojai). Moderate Republican Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks who represents the Thousand Oaks and Oak Park area has also informally announced her candidacy.
Plus, there are some other lesser known Democrats: business man David Cruz-Thayne and Moorpark City Council member David Pollock.
Remember the June primary election will be a top two process – whether it be Democrats or Republicans. Therefore, it is possible that the two Republicans Linda Parks and Tony Strickland could be running in the November general election.
There will be a lot more later, since this seat will be one of the few contested California Congressional races this cycle.
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CA-26: Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett to Announce Candidacy for Congress
Today, Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett, a former Ojai High School teacher and administrator will announce he will run for Congress next year. The Ventura County Star has the full story.
Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett has scheduled a speech at Patagonia headquarters at noon today at which he is expected to announce he will be a candidate for Congress next year.
Bennett, a Democrat, is scheduled to speak with employees of the renowned Ventura-based outdoor gear company, and sources close to the supervisor said this morning he will make his announcement at that time.
The announcement will end months of intense speculation as Bennett, who will be forced to end his service on the Board of Supervisors, has weighed the pros and cons of staking his political future on a run for the new 26th Congressional District seat.
He will join Moorpark City Councilman David Pollock and Westlake Village businessman David Cruz Thayne as announced Democratic candidates in the race, which is expected to be highly competitive and attract national attention as one of the nation’s key congressional battlegrounds in 2012.
No Republican has yet announced, as potential candidates await an announcement from Rep. Elton Gallegly of Simi Valley as to whether he will choose to seek a 14th term by running in that district.
Bennett will likely face off against either incumbent GOP Rep. Elton Gallegly or GOP California State Senator Tony Strickland.
My bet, although it is not the conventional wisdom, is that Gallegly will be running against Bennett come November 2012.
Here are the demographics of the 26th Congressional District:
And, how the CD performed:
This race may very well be a key national battleground with a very competitive Congressional District. I look for an expensive campaign easily into the $ millions. -
CA-25: Rep. Elton Gallegly to Face Off Against Rep. Buck McKeon?
California Congressional District 25As you recall, my GOP Congressman Elton Gallegly from Simi Valley was redistricted out of his current Congressional District 24 with the new census and by the work of the California Citizen’s Redistricting Commission.The CD boundaries exclude his home in Simi Valley which game the long time Representative options:
- Retire
- Run in the new CD 26 (mainly Ventura County based)
- Run in the new CD 25 which has another Republican incumbent, Rep. Buck McKeon.
Apparently, Elton has decided to run in CD-25 and run against a fellow Republican incumbent Congressman.
The Antelope Valley Press last week reported last week that Congressman Elton Gallegly is either planning on retiring or running in CD25 against fellow Republican Buck McKeon. “‘As near as I can pin him, down, he’s running against me,’ said McKeon, who said he met with Gallegly last week.” This is consistent with what I’m hearing from locals as Gallegly isn’t sold on running in the Ventura’s CD26.
This opens CD26 up for Republican candidates that have held back awaiting Gallegly’s decision. The most likely serious candidate is State Senator Tony Strickland.
Here is the poop on CA-25:
And, the demographics:
It may very well be that Elton Gallegly would prefer to run against McKeon and if he wins represent a district where he lives, rather than a Ventura County seat. Maybe he has done polling and feels it will be an easier campaign. Frankly, I think Elton would have an easy time winning in CA-26.In any case, California State Senator Tony Strickland must be jumping for joy, since he will be the likely favorite in CA-26. But, CA-26 is a swing district and Strickland is not a sure bet. He will have to work to win – as will Gallegly against McKeon.
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CA-24: Rep Elton Gallegly Third Quarter Fundraising Report Reveals $800K Cash on Hand
California Congressional District 24
Third quarter fundraising reports are out and Rep. Elton Gallegly, my Congressman, reports over $823 K cash on hand.- Contributions: $229,221
- Expenditures: $157,407
- Cash on Hand: $823,988
- Debt: $0
Here are possible candidates, who may indeed challenge the long-time Republican incumbent.
- Steve Bennett – Ventura County Supervisor (D), Ventura
- Richard Francis – Former Ventura City Councilman (D)
- David Pollock – Moorpark City councilman (D)
- David Cruz Thayne – Westlake Village Businessman, tennis coach
Here is the poop on the district:
Gallegly saw his home drawn into Buck McKeon’s district, but he has represented Ventura County for years. With the additional of Democratic coastal communities in Ventura County added to this district and a resurgence of Democrats in the county this district is very competitive. Gallegly has been rumored to be retiring and this district may just push him over the edge. Democrats have 6-point registration advantage, Obama won this district by 16-points, but Brown lost it by 1-point. GOP state Senator Tony Strickland is looking at running here, though the district is competitive, there are no term limits.
With this fundraising activity, Gallegly is not laying down or looking like a retirement is imminent. He is active in GOP circles in the district and is home most weekends. Elton would either have to live just outside the district or move a few miles to be within the CA-24 borders.
However, he is widely know throughout Ventura County, having represented most of the CA-24 for decades.
I look for Elton to run for re-election, barring any health problems. If he doesn’t, look for California State Senator Tony Strickland to enter the race.
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Flap’s California Morning Collection: August 17, 2011
A morning collection of links and comments about my home, California.Internet poker battle waged in Sacramento
A group of casino operators has taken to radio and television with ads urging state lawmakers to legalize Internet poker in California, prompting opponents to step up pressure for legislators to table the proposal for the year.
The ads by the California Online Poker Assn. say legalizing web-based poker could help the state avoid deep budget cuts. The spots started airing in the Sacramento area this week. Legislators are less than a month away from the deadline to act on bills this year.
“Online poker will provide California with $250 million dollars immediately and billions more in the future,’’ said Ryan Hightower, a spokesman for the association.
The group includes Commerce Casino, Bicycle Club, Hollywood Park Casino and operators of American Indian gaming facilities, including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Other American Indian tribes have joined the California Tribal Business Alliance, which Tuesday sent a letter to legislators asking them to drop two pending pieces of legislation for the year.
The alliance includes the Pala Band of Mission Indians, which operates a casino near Temecula. The alliance argues that Internet poker could take customers away from brick-and-mortar casinos.
Dan Walters: A corporate tax break Democrats adore – The Film Industry
Democratic politicians and liberal groups, including unions, often rail against corporate tax loopholes as unjustified raids on the public treasury – as they should.
Loopholes are particularly troublesome during periods, such as this one, when state and local budgets are leaking red ink and basic public services are being slashed.
But one multimillion-dollar loophole draws vocal support from those who usually oppose corporate tax breaks – one that happens to benefit a heavily unionized industry whose top executives are overwhelmingly Democrats and contribute lavishly to the party’s candidates and causes.
That would be Southern California’s movie and television production community.
California revenues down, Department of Finance confirms
Gov. Jerry Brown’s Department of Finance said Tuesday that California was $541 million shy of its July revenue forecast, a total similar to one released last week by state Controller John Chiang.
School officials grew nervous last week because the state budget signed by Brown requires K-12 districts to absorb cuts if the state falls $4 billion shy of revenue expectations for the fiscal year. The budget also would impose cuts to higher education, social services and public safety programs.
State legislators and Brown tacked on that $4 billion expectation of higher revenues to finish closing the state deficit in June.
Finance officials, in a department bulletin, cautioned against early concern. They suggested that most of the higher revenues would come on the back end of the fiscal year, from December through June. And they said forecasts by the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Department of Finance in November and December would determine whether the “trigger” cuts are necessary.
The $541 million in missed revenues represents 9.2 percent of the $5.867 billion that Finance expected the state to receive in July.
November 2012 Targets – Part Three: The State Senate
Last week, I made my early picks a to where the action may be for Congress and the state Assembly in November 2012. Now, lets look at the state Senate.
First, only the 20 odd-numbered districts are up for election in 2012, and, barring a successful court challenge or referendum, the candidates will run in one of the newly drawn districts that the Citizens Redistricting Commission, in their final vote, are expected to approve today, August 15.
Senators elected in 2010 in one of the 20 even-numbered districts were elected to a four-year term and will represent those districts as drawn until the end of their current term in 2014. Should any of these senators resign his/her seat, a special election would be held to fill the unexpired term, but the election would be held under the old lines. The newly drawn even-numbered districts do not become legal until the 2014 election cycle.
Here are the odd-numbered senate districts that I pick as possibly being competitive, with the more likely targets being listed first.
27th Senate District: Republican Sen. Tony Strickland and Democratic Sen. Fran Pavley are gearing up to battle each other for this highly competitive district that encompasses Ventura County’s Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, and the L.A. County city of Malibu, stretching north through the west San Fernando Valley and ending in Santa Clarita. Forty percent of the voters in this new district reside in the current 19th District represented by Strickland, while thirty-six percent reside in Pavley’s current 23rd District. It’s also interesting to note that half of the new Senate district overlaps Assembly districts currently represented by Republicans Jeff Gorell and Cameron Smyth, while the other half overlaps Assembly districts currently represented by Democrats Robert Blumenfield and Julia Brownley.
Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman tied here, 47% -47%, while Carly Fiorina squeaked by Barbara Boxer 47% – 46%.
Side Note: Should Cong. Elton Gallegly (R) decide to not seek reelection to Congress next year, Strickland could decide to run for the Gallegly congressional seat. That would open the door for Asm. Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) to run in this district.
I look for Tony Strickland to run for the Congressional seat of a retiring Elton Gallegly
Enjoy your morning!