Brian Dennert here with some political rumors. I received the following ( bulk) e-mail from Brett Wagner, the Democratic candidate that ran against Elton Gallegly in 2004 and is very likely to run again in 2006.
Dear Friends,
As many of you have already heard, rumors are
flying in
Republican circles that Elton Gallegly is
planning to
retire after his current term in office. That
means
there's a good chance that our congressional
district may
be an open seat in 2006!
And as many of you already know, rumors are also
circulating that Governor Schwarzenegger will
back a
ballot initiative next October to begin redrawing
California's congressional districts as soon as
possible.
Those backing this proposed initiative claim they
just
want to redraw the districts so that voter
registration is
more evenly divided between the two parties.
While the
truth may be closer to a bald-faced attempt to
steal
Democratic seats, in our district it would
probably
back-fire: creating a congressional district that
might
finally be poised to switch from Republican to
Democrat!!
How's that for Great News on New Year's Eve!!!!!
As you might imagine, I'm watching all this with
great
interest. I can't begin to tell you how much it
would
mean to me to represent our district in
Washington two
years from now.
In today's political reality, congressional
campaigns
don't begin 6 months out.
They don't begin 12 months out.
In fact, if you're a Democrat you'd better start
a couple
years early just to keep pace with the
Republicans'
ability to suck up corporate PAC money like
Hoover vacuum
cleaners.
Please help us start off 2005 on the right foot.
Please help us get the jump on the Republicans
already
vying for Gallegly's seat.
Brian Dennert back. Who are the Republicans? I have some guesses.
Tony Strickland.
Plusses: Experience, Money, Connections.
Minuses: His wife Audra just got elected to the Assembly and that would create alot of time apart
Glen Beccera
Plusses: GOP activist, went to convention in New York, Simi Valley City Council
Minuses: Only elected to city council, GOP activist, not as well known
Steve Sojka
Plusses: Business owner, Simi Valley City Council
Minuses: Doesn't seem as ambitious as the other two politically.
Any other Guesses? Then leave a comment.
I have heard for several years that Glen Becerra is being "groomed" for the Congressional seat. He is young, intelligent, energetic, and has very deep roots in the community and the county. His family has been here for generations. He will probably get Gallegly's support.
As for Strickland, I believe he will wait for Tom McClintock's State senate seat.
There will probably be Republicans from the East County that may be interested, also.
2006 will be a great opportunity for Brett Wagner.
I have heard for several years that Glen Becerra is being "groomed" for the Congressional seat. He is young, intelligent, energetic, and has very deep roots in the community and the county. His family has been here for generations. He will probably get Gallegly's support.
As for Strickland, I believe he will wait for Tom McClintock's State senate seat.
There will probably be Republicans from the East County that may be interested, also.
2006 will be a great opportunity for Brett Wagner.
I think you've overlooked Tom McClintock himself, a man with unparalleled political ambitions.
McClintock's going to need a new job when he terms out of the Senate in 2006; and Congress would be just the ticket to give him the lifetime job that a state legislator could never hope to have. His exposure in running for Governor certainly didn't hurt his chances, either.
I kinda don't know what this entry has to do with my life, but I will support the website just by posting a comment that says: "Politics are important aspects of life that every American should take into consideration."
Looks like McClintock already has his eyes on another gig: http://www.helptom.com/
Great reading, keep up the great posts.
Peace, JiggaDigga