• CA-26,  Linda Parks,  Steve Bennett,  Tony Strickland

    Update: CA-26 Video: Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks Issues Two Challenges

    January 23, 2012 /

    Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks announced her candidacy for Congress last Saturday at Freedom Park in Camarillo, California

    Go ahead, watch the video above and listen to the two challenges that Linda Parks gives to her challengers and the voting public.

    I say good luck with that, when traditionally races for Congress have been very partisan and very expensive affairs.

    A race for a highly contested Congressional District is NOT a local City Council or County Supervisor which are NON-Partisan and mainly low key races.

    It is interesting that Parks who is a registered Republican, but is unclear whether she will run as one as designated on the June 2012 primary ballot, did not mention her opponents – all six of them (Democrats and Republicans a like).

    By the way, when Parks beat former California Assemblywoman Audra Strickland (wife of California State Senator Tony Strickland, who has already announced for CA-26) in her 2010 re-election race for Supervisor, I received quite a few mail pieces in my mailbox and somebody paid for those. Parks knows how to campaign and will raise and spend campaign cash like the rest of the POLS.

    Has anyone seen Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett lately? It has been rumored that he will withdraw from the race and support Parks at the behest of Ventura County Public employee unions.

    Update:

    Steve Bennett is now reporting     $240K in political contributions and a California Democratic Party Pre-Endorsement Conference win.

    With Republican Tony Strickland reporting over $300K in contributions on his first day, this is not a good sign for Linda Parks. Also, it shows that the rumor Bennett would get out of the race, maybe just a rumor.

  • CA-26,  Tony Strickland

    CA-26: Stanislaus County Republican Party Loves Tony Strickland

    January 20, 2012 /

    Why is this important?

    Scott Lay lays it out and how the laundering operation works for both Republicans and Democrats.

    Tony Strickland, who recently decided to run for congress rather than re-election to the state senate has unusual support from the Republican Party 300 miles away in Stanislaus County. Unusual, that is, unless you know California’s campaign finance laws. In general in this cycle, donors to state candidates are limited to $7,800 ($3,900 each for the primary and general). However, donors can give $32,500 the state accounts of party county central committees, and spread it to several counties. In turn, party central committees wash the money and can give it in unlimited amounts to candidates.

    Both parties use this laundering method, which was knowingly written into Prop. 34, so please don’t take this as an attack on Tony or Stanislaus RCC. However, it’s a mockery of state contribution limits.

    The funny thing is that Strickland cannot use his state account for his federal Congressional run. Reportedly, Strickland will be returning some state account contributions to donors.

    But, who is to say these donors will not turn around and cut new checks to Strickland’s FEC regulated CA-26 campaign account?

    In any case, this illustrates a loophole in the law and why the supposed California campaign finance reform law, really is a crock.

    How about unlimited contributions with instant internet dosclosure when the check, say over $1,000, is cashed?

    Nahhhh, too simple.

  • CA-26,  Tony Strickland

    CA-26: Tony Strickland Announces First Day Fundraising Total of $318K

    January 18, 2012 /

    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.

  • CA-26,  Tony Strickland

    CA-26 Video: California State Senator Tony Strickland Announces His Candidacy for Congress

    January 17, 2012 /

    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.

  • CA-26,  Elton Gallegly,  Tony Strickland

    CA-26: California State Senator Tony Strickland Announces His Congressional Candidacy

    January 17, 2012 /

    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.

  • CA-26,  Linda Parks,  Steve Bennett,  Tony Strickland

    CA-26: California State Senator Tony Strickland to Run for Congress

    January 15, 2012 /

    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….

  • Elton Gallegly,  Linda Parks,  Steve Bennett,  Tony Strickland

    CA-26: Rep Elton Gallegly to Retire – Tony Strickland, Steve Bennett and Linda Parks to Run

    January 10, 2012 /

    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.

  • CA-26,  Elton Gallegly,  Steve Bennett,  Tony Strickland

    CA-26: Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett to Announce Candidacy for Congress

    November 16, 2011 /

    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.
  • Buck McKeon,  Elton Gallegly,  Tony Strickland

    CA-25: Rep. Elton Gallegly to Face Off Against Rep. Buck McKeon?

    November 14, 2011 /


    California Congressional District 25

    As 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:

    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.