George H. W. Bush once said "I have nothing but contempt and anger for those who betray the trust by exposing the name of our sources. They are, in my view, the most insidious of traitors.�

Well, we still haven't found out exactly who in the government leaked the name of a CIA agent for partisan political gain, but at least we have something to laugh at.

Valerie Plame is now suing Dick Cheney and others to find out the truth.

Hopefully one day someone will have the character to admit it.

After all the turmoil in the local Republican Party of late Democrats have something to brag about. According to a recent e-mail the Ventura County Central Committee is united heading into the elections this year. I can vouch for her claim of growing clubs. The Simi Valley/Moorpark Democratic club has had record meetings this year with well thought out events.

For the full e-mail click on "continue reading".

I talked to John Flynn a few days ago and I found out he reads this blog. Anyways, thanks to Mr. Flynn for reading and thanks to all the other political junkies for making this a great place where we can all get together and discuss politics.

One of my readers Brian Mack is creating photoshops of local politicians. If you have any nominations leave them here for him to create.

Nominate a person and what they should look like. Keep it clean and let's have some fun.

My first nomination is Mark Van Dam as Shaq ( The guy is really tall) standing over Moorpark.

My second Nomination is for Mayor Paul Miller as Crockett from Miami Vice.

To add your own nominations click on continue reading.

The Rev. Jill Martinez ( CA-24 House of Reprentatives. Incumbent: Elton Gallegly) had an op-ed in The Star today. At the end of the article it mentioned what she was running for. Too bad that her campaign couldn't of been mentioned more.

Anyways, for the whole article about The Iraq war, click on continue reading

ML Peterson ( Incumbent County Board of Education Seat # 1 , running against Charles Watson) has just recieved the endorsement of The Ventura County Democratic Party. Her area covers Ventura so I would imagine that this endorsement combined with being an incumbent will put her over the top.

Of course, I don't know what vision and what resources to explain that vision Charles Watson will have to fight back. I look forward to him answering questions that might shed light on why he has a strong chance to win and what his main concerns would be.

( Ferial Masry with Democratic National ChairpersonHoward Dean)
Ferial Masry ( Running again against Audra Strickland for state assembly) has an amazing life story. I support her for many reasons but the 1st would have to be because it would show the greatness of American democracy to elect a Saudi born WOMAN who's son served in Iraq to office.

It would also really upset Osama Bin Laden.

I support her not because of Audra Strickland's leadership, but because she would be great in a number of offices. In fact, I hope she will run for another office that might be easier for a Democrat in this area.

Anyways, click on continue reading for some upcoming parties she will be at.

There is a cool links page on Tony Strickland's website where you can write a letter to the editor to your local paper. But if you click on it you might notice a couple of key cities that you'd think he would never forget since they were his launching pad in politics. If it is just an Anti-Star thing, I understand, but what about The Acorn?

Imagine, we knew Tony Strickland way back when. In fact a few months ago I spotted him eating at Baja Fresh on Tapo Cyn. Political junkies are a weird bunch. For me it was like a celebrity sighting. Kind of like the time I saw Elton eating good in the neighborhood at Applebees.

Also on his website he has an upbeat poll showing him ahead bya few points. I wonder what his chances are running for statewide office in California?

Oh well, bookmark his page and you can use it to write letters to papers all around ( except here) the state for your pet cause or candidate.

Editor's note: This is just one video in a series from candidates for school board. If you want a video, let me know by e-mail)

A reader Scott once told me the best question to ask any candidate. It seems rather obvious but it goes " Why are you running?" Some candidates don't have an answer. Some do. It tells worlds about a candidate if they have a well thought out answer.

Here is a short clip from Thurlow Partridge ( candidate for Simi Valley School Board) explaining some of the reasons he is running.

I am not here to tell you who to vote for. I will post information on any candidate that contacts me and would like to have their information listed. I figure candidates that respect democracy will take advantage of many ways to inform voters. Candidates that don't really respect our system will try to hide behind meaningless cliches and well worn phrases on countless junk mailers.

With ten candidates in this race it will be tough for them to seperate themselves from the crowd. I will provide a forum so voters can discuss the issues and ask the questions most important to them. Consider me the moderator and this website to be the debate. May the best candidates win.

After you watch the video join the discussion. Ask Thurlow a question or leave your response to others questions. You can be critical, but not personal. If you ever see a nasty comment you want deleted, e-mail me and I will take it down.

If you want to learn more about Thurlow Partidge e-mail him at fundtime@aol.com

Jim Dantona, candidate for county supervisor, is back on the campaign trail with another fundraiser with many local politicians.

I will also of course publish Peter Foy events if/when he ever sends them in.

Click continue reading for more details.

Tim Keaney has an article on the County Board race. Not anything new yet, but I bet the comments might be interesting.

I can't wait to see who he will vote for or support.

This one goes out to all the people worried about negative campaigns. After this video you will think Simi Valley campaigns are like a 6th grade class Treasurer debate.

If you feel disgusted after watching it feel free to donate to his opponent Brad Miller.

I recently sat down with Mark Van Dam a candidate for city council in Moorpark to record a few video clips. I will be releasing one every couple of weeks between here and the elections in November.

I am releasing these videos to help candidates get their message out, drive traffic to their sites, and start a discussion about important issues.

With that in mind after watching the clip feel free to leave questions for Mark to answer. You can also leave questions I should ask candidates for other positions ( County School Board, School Board, City Council etc.) so I can keep them in mind for the future.

If you know of a candidate that would like me publish their events, videos, or pictures e-mail them to me. I am open to publishing information on a wide variety of candidates. I look forward to doing my part to inform the electorate. You can help by passing on the message about this unique opportunity to candidates and groups around town.

Also, if you have a higher quality digital camera that you'd like to donate to democracy/me shoot over an e-mail.

( The above picture was from another recent Donna Prenta event. In the foreground is local city council member Glen Becerra who to my knowledge has not endorsed anyone in this campaign yet. In the background is Donna Prenta.) I have not endorsed anyone for The County Board of Education and I intend to post anything that current board member Dean Kunicki or his campaign sends in.

With that said Donna Prenta has sent in the news about another few events she is having that highlite the support she is gathering from the local community.

Click on continue reading for details.

There are ten candidates for The Simi Valley School Board. Our schools must be vital parts of our community to be attracting this type of attention. I do not see myself as endorsing a candidate as much as helping voters choose from a wide pool. I don't know all the candidiates, their platforms, and their talents. I am looking forward to learning who will earn our votes as much as most readers do.

I will be posting information on all the candidates that send me information. If you have a favorite candidate, have them send something in so we know they are serious. If you discover a website, see the candidates' campaigning, or something else of interest, send it in.

I will also be making video's of candidates for a variety of offices. If you are interested, let me know. You can help by making video's ( if you have a digital camera it most likely has a film function), scheduling filming, or letting candidates know. My first city council candidate will be posted this week. I am also filming school board candidates in the coming weeks.

The first candidate to send me something about the school board is Tim Camarillo. Tim, thanks for finding new ways of interacting with voters. It is telling when candidates want to engage the community in a variety of formats they aren't trying to buy an election, but they want an informed electorate.

Click on continue reading to read his whole press release.

After you have read it leave comments for Tim to read and respond too.

Funny video of Jon Stewart picking on Ted Stevens. Why is it that more meaningful news coverage is coming from Comedy Central then Fox or CNN? They actually ask tough questions like we saw a few weeks back. I think Comedy Central should be given a press pass. Couldn't be much worse than other members of the press.

Did you know that when you are flying over Greenland you can actually see the landscape with great clarity? I didn't until recently. Here is a short clip of it.

Of course it means something to me because I know Greenland is one of the key pieces to our current climate crisis. I am not arguing that anything in this clip can be used for scientic evidence as this was my only time seeing the place. Really I am posting it so that we can enjoy the wonder of creation and remember it is our duty to protect it.

Go to this site and look at the link for Peter Foy next time someone tells you that the county supervisor race is non-partisan.

Of course, same goes for Dantona with the mailer talking about proud Democrats that went around.

Brian Dennert exclusive, Must credit Brian Dennert Here. If you use this story please put a link to this blog.

Now that the Brits have stopped a massive terror plot planning on using sport drinks to smuggle explosives onto planes I don't think this commerical will be playing anymore. If you have seen it some joker is prevented from boarding a plane with some "Sierra Mist" but luckily we have security so the day is saved.

Shout out to the UK for stopping terrorists again. You guys rock!

Enjoy. If the Republicans can use terror as a fund raiser the day of the arrests, we should all be able to at least have a laugh. Especially since we can't bring "Sierra Mist" on flights anymore.

( The above picture was sent in by The Prenta Partners Campaign. The picture was from a recent campaign event.If your campaign has pictures to release I'd like to post them. Please send pictures, short video clips, and press releases to me)

.Some people come here for the funny photoshops. Some come to read my opinion about issues. Many come here to see the latest political events. But the greatest thing that drives day to day traffic is the conversation and comments people leave after each entry.

Earlier in the week I announced we were approaching comment # 3000. Well, we are there. But first a bit of an intro.

The web allows people to connect in new ways. For politics it allows candidates, volunteers, voters to a certain degree, the press, donors, and more to discuss, learn, organize, and argue. A candidate that gets the idea is a future looking candidate. A candidate that ignores the entire medium is living in the past. I am suppossed to call back an activist group tonight that wants to donate time and money to a local campaign but they want help choosing. Should I choose a campaign that has a poor web presence and doesn't engage voters in a variety of ways? There are some candidates that ignore everything the web can do. Bad mistake.

I haven't endorsed Donna Prenta. I don't know much about her opponent. But I do know that Donna Prenta wants to engage people about the issues wherever she encounters them. That is a good thing in a campaign. So, Mrs. Prenta good work and I hope to see more from you and all the other candidates in the races this fall. We will have another posting for comment # 4000 when it occurs.

Here is Donna Prenta's comment:

If you have any further questions or would like to let me know the issues that are important to you I can be reached at tprenta@aol.com or 805-404-0914.

Donna Prenta

( Editor's note: Ralph Nader is a symbol of The Green Party although he refused to join.)

Is the Green Party an outright faction within the Republican Party? Republicans organize, fund, and run their campaigns to change the outcomes of elections. Pretty much any person that pays attention to politics would admit that except for some real extremists that have listened to themselves so long they believe the lies coming out of their own mouths.

Now it seems Haliburton is funding a Green candidate in a pivotal campaign that could be the key to which party controls the senate. In fact almost his entire campaign was paid for by supporters of the incumbant Republican senator. I respect ( even if I don't agree with) with The Green Party's issues, but I can't respect their lack of honesty. Their average voter is a caring, dedicated activist. But their party leadership has cozy relationships with the people they pretend to attack during their campaigns.

I would tell you to call and ask him questions, but as of yet Republicans haven't bought him a phone.

( The above picture was created for me by Brian H. Mack. It is Glen Becerra, Simi Valley council member as Maj Alan "Dutch" Schaeffer from Arnold's movie the Predator.)

I recently stumbled upon a press release ( i En Espanol! ) and story that Glen Becerra is helping Arnold team up to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Simi Valley in the past has not had statewide leadership. In fact it seems frequently our assemblymembers, state senators, and others ( With Gallegly being the exception) that represent us are not from here. There is nothing lacking with effective leadership from outside the area, but it is refreshing to see our leaders making a larger impact.

Of course, cynics may see this move as a way for Glen Becerra to cozy up to Arnold for his future run for Gallegly's seat, but nothing is wrong with ambition in the public's interest.

I would imagine council member Becerra will laugh when he sees the picture. I am hoping it will scare off anyone that wants to mess with Simi Valley.

Glen when you see the picture please leave a comment on what you think Arnold offers California and why you helped found Hispanic Families for Arnold group.

Yesterday Democrats knocked Cynthia McKinney ( the rep. who hit a Capitol Hill Police Officer) out in a primary.

They also forced Joe Lieberman to run as an independent if he wants to stay in the senate. Although Lieberman hasn't been accused of being corrupt, he has been taken to task for not holding this administration accountable for its mistakes. Although Democrats will most likely win either way in Conn. it is nice that politicians have the idea that no seat is a "safe" seat and they must work to earn our votes. I believe Joe Lieberman has a decent chance because when he sobers up from the hangover tomorrow he will remember to go and campaign, not lecture.

And know they are running a candidate against Congressman Jefferson of Louisiana who was found with a large amount of cash in his freezer.

If Republicans would do the same to their incumbents this whole lobbyist scandal and culture of corruption would be behind them before election day. But Tom Delay won his primary. So did Rep. Richard Pombo. Bob Ney of Ohio dropped out at the last minute and now the GOP is struggling to find a candidate. Blind following of party politics which dictates that no incumbent can be challenged is bad for the nation. When will the Republicans got on board with the idea to clean your own house before someone cleans it for you?

For an upcoming entry I need a photoshop of Glen Becerra's head on the body of Arnold from either Terminator or from Predator.
I also need a picture of Michelle Foster as a ninja.

Please send all submissions to briandennert@yahoo.com

This video is really bad quality. Freeway traffic was messing the audio. When I took it I was only taking it to use for the notes, but I figure I might as well post it for those that would love to watch a fuzzy, incomplete, video with bad audio. It stars a local city council woman, a park district official, and a candidate for county supervisor.

Anyways, if you are smart and refuse to click on the video, here is a basic summary.

If you have an interesting video, or would like me to take one of a campaign you support, e-mail me.

The filing period for local races ends this week and the Simi Valley city council might have an election after all. There are two seats to fill and at least three candidates. Glen Becerra is running again and Michelle Foster ( who was appointed to her current term) is running for the first time.

Keith Mashburn has also picked up papers to run, but I haven't heard if he has turned them back in or not.

So, what have you folks heard about him? Here are a few links to articles that mention his name or have a picture of him.

I ran across another blog that had an entry about the most popular rentals in Ojai. I was thinking that maybe dvd rentals could tell us something about an area's demographics and politics. I thought it could be data mined for tech savy candidates. So, I sent an e-mail asking if they would run through Netflix Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Thousand Oaks.

I got the results and they were not what I was expecting. Let's just say some people in Simi Valley really like Robin Hood.

Thousand Oaks likes artsy foreign films more, but Simi Valley loves Robin Hood. Maybe the sample size is too small, but what do you think this might say about us? Do we enjoy lovable rogues? Do we detest subtitles?( I do!).

I think it is kind of disturbing that Netflix offers this service, but I guess that it doesn't tell you who really loves Robin Hood. And the ACLU hasn't complained, yet.

Anyways, Click on continue reading for the entire breakdown.

A man cannot have two masters. John Doolittle was an employee/congressman for Jack Abramoff. He helped promote alleged sweatshops for money. Why do voters keep returning him to work for others. is there nobody in that part of California that will work for the district?

If Democrats take over congress it will be because the Republicans refused to police themselves of funny stuff like this.

The battle to keep a local island open to hunting is heating up. But for some reason every relevant politician has siad something, but not Elton Gallegly. Did I miss something? If there is a story out there please post it. If so, I apologize, but it seems strange that Elton hasn't done much one way or another on this issue.

I am sure Dick Cheney would love to hunt there.

Here is a short trailer for the movie " An Incovenient Truth" with Al Gore. The hope displayed in the movie was really optimistic. But is it too optimistic to think people will see a movie about something important every once in awhile?

The Ventura County Republican Central Committee has voted to oust their leader Leslie Cornejo for cimes against Gallegly. Leslie Cornejo endorsed Michael Tenenbaum when Elton Gallegly tried to withdrawl. After Elton announced his clear bill of health ( and found out he couldn't withdrawl) he decided to jump back in. Cornejo stayed with Tenenbaum and didn't flip flop. I guess this is what is at heart in the current fight? The fact that she didn't flip flop?

The odd thing is how the party is proud to have done it in quite without talking to the media. One fo their candidates who might not be the biggest fan of The Brown Act, said:

"I am telling you as much as I comfortably can," said Martin, who is running for the 35th state Assembly seat. "We agreed we wouldn't discuss the matter with the press."

Will Martin share her leadership within the Republican Party with the general public? Of course the local Republican Party is private organization and they can do whatever they want. But I am curious. Was Cornejo really ousted for being a moderate? If so, I would expect many nice things from the Pro-Lieberman crowd.

Why the haste to remove her. What was she going to do between here and December when she was planning to step down? It would be like impeaching Bush with a few months left in his term, no?

Many people are upset the some Democrats are about to toss Joe Lieberman overboard. They bemoan the loss of so- called moderate Democrats. Well, if you want to help Democrats stay moderate you can help by defeating Cynthia McKinney. You might remember her for the run-in with capitol police. Anyways, the election is next week. You can help her opponent in the primary by donating a few bucks.

Democrats are cleaning our own house this Tuesday. But when will Republicans stop defending and voting for criminals?

Sometime in the next week or two I am expecting to hit 3000 comments.

Thank you for all the comments. I think one of the best things about blogs is the give and take. I would say that about half of the people that read this blog read it mostly for the comments. Thanks again. If you post under a pen name I will keep your identity secret as long as you follow the basic rules of fair play. ( Don't spread unfounded rumors, don't knowingly tell untruths etc.) I think being able to post under a pen name helps the discussion to keep going. But all that said, I give more credit to things I hear from people willing to put their names out there then those who don't. It doesn't mean I discount everything said by someone if they don't use their real name, just that I take it with a grain of salt.

Thanks to everyone who has participated in the vital discussions about our community.

Will it be yours? I will post the 3000th comment on the front page.

Do most Americans realize that residents of DC can't vote? But they do get taxed. I think I remember something about that being bad from a history book.

Well, hopefully this clip will help change some more minds about letting DC vote. If not, shouldn't they be allowed their own Olympic Teams like Puerto Rico?

This picture was from a car outside I saw parked out on a street. This is one way around the new "No signs in Simi Valley" rule.

Donna Prenta announced the endorsements of three out of the five school board members. Difatta, Collins, and Sandland.

Prenta Partners ( her campaign team name) also said many more endorsements are in the works.