I hope to see more comments from local Democrats.

DEMOCRATS ARE ONLY MORE UNITED BECAUSE VENTURA COUNTY IS REGAN LAND. GO BACK TO LIBERAL LAND!

Hey 1337 or should I call you as "Leet", short for "Elite". Remember when the original phrase was 31337, or "Elite", referring to the best hackers. I know it is still used today by some of the good hackers, but this word has been picked up and overused by so many losers and posers that its meaning has been corrupted. I know that this isn't you, is it?.

Well Leet! Haven't you ever heard of Reagan Democrats? According to Wikipedia the term Reagan Democrat is used by political commentators to describe traditionally Democratic voters, especially white working-class Northerners, who defected from their party to support President Ronald Reagan, in both the 1980 and 1984 elections.

It also used to refer to the smaller but still substantial amount of Democrats who defected to vote for George H.W. Bush in the 1988 Presidential Election.

The classic study of Reagan Democrats is probably the work of the Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg. Greenberg analyzed white ethnic voters (largely unionized auto workers) in suburban Macomb County, Michigan, just north of Detroit. The county voted 63% for Kennedy in 1960 and 66% for Reagan in 1984. He concluded that "Reagan Democrats" no longer saw Democrats as champions of their middle-class aspirations, but instead saw them as working primarily for the benefit of others, especially African Americans, the very poor and unemployed, and other political pressure groups.

In addition, Reagan Democrats enjoyed gains during the Reagan economic boom following the "malaise" of the Carter Administration. They also agreed with Reagan's strong stance on national security issues, and they opposed the 1980's Democratic party on such issues as pornography, crime, and taxes.

It is unknown what political path these voters took after the end of the Reagan/Bush administrations. Some believe they came back to the Democratic fold for Bill Clinton, but then voted for George W. Bush in 2000 and splitting in 2004.

They came back in the fold for Bill Clinton and in the coming months maybe for Hillary Clinton. Why? because Bill Clinton was a champion of middle class aspirations while talking about the problems that created the angst in their communities.

In today's world Democrats have the chance to follow Franklin Delano Roosevelt's big idea that Government has the "innate capacity to protect its people against disasters once considered inevitable and to solve problems once considered unsolvable. Especially needed in a world of Katrina and the Global War on Terrorism.

In Eastern Ventura County because of rapid growth in Simi Valley, Moorpark and Thousand Oaks we are facing the problems of urban sprawl and the angst of it's middle class values. The Democrats offer the chance to be the champions of these middle class aspirations, while maintaing a chance for all to strive for their dreams of a good education, a good job, good health and a home to live in and raise families.

I do think that the East County Democrats tend to be more moderate than liberal.

But let's really look at the L Word no not for loser but for the term Liberal.

Liberals share a belief in individual rights, free enterprise, representative democracy, and the rule of law. In this sense, almost all Americans accept liberal ideals, so much so that it is easy to forget how revolutionary these ideals were when the American Constitution was written.

Hey Leet, do you believe in the Rule of law? A Represenative Democracy? Free Enterprise? and the Rights of Individuals? If you do, you might be a liberal! or who knows you maybe a Reagan Democrat!

Democrats are doing well in Ventura County because the republican party is imploding in on itself. People figure out pretty quickly when they are being lied to and ripped off! Look for the dems to sweep in November!

Doc! We've been hearing that line for five years now. You'd better come up with reasons why the Dems should win rather than reasons why the Repubs will lose or it'll be 2004 all over again.

Tim Camarillo speaks "leet" I am very impressed with your understanding of youth culture.

The photo looks like a couple of Muppets. Vote for Muppets if you wish, Brian, but a great majority of folks in your district will be voting for Republicans. Bank on it.

Kermie, I love Kermie. I guess it is true! It ain't easy being green! But that Kermie is cool especially when he is holding that Flying V Guitar in that Weezer music video Keep Fishin'! Wocka, Wocka, Wocka! say's Fozzie Bear to Gallager.

Your right Gallager since this district is heavily Republican in nature the numbers may go to the them in the Congressional and State Races. For example looking at the 24th U.S. Congressional Primary Races 30,298 Democrats voted as compared to 50,652 Republicans who voted in the primary. That is a big gap especially when this is a primary race, looking at past numbers usually there are more Democrats that vote in the primary.

But there is a wild card in the mix that suggest that there is a growing Democratic movement in the East County! It is Jim Dantona's run in the Ventura County Supervisor Race. It may change the way we see Simi Valley and Moorpark. I do think we will see a Democratic Supervisor emerge from this race. Dantona will appeal to the moderate base in these areas than Foy's extreme viewpoints.

The choice may come down to Local Republicans to choose Barry Goldwater's statement "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." in electing Peter Foy. Or to choose a path of moderation with Jim Dantona. Either way the East County will be changed forever.

Hi Tim Camarillo.

Thanks for starting this conversation re: how Dems can regain ground.

Peter Bienert’s THE GOOD FIGHT: Why Liberals – and Only Liberals – Can Win the War on Terror and Make America Great Again also provides a history and analysis of how Democrats bled middle class, industrial-labor-based, less anti-Vietnam Northerners to the Republicans. He sees the emergence of the New Left’s anti-Vietnam movement and its dominance over the ADA (the Schlesinger-Eleonor Roosevelt ‘Americans for Democratic Action”) rather than the civil rights movement as the main reason for the migration of Northern Democrats. Civil rights played a more important role in losing the South.

Bienert argues for a new Tough Liberalism in terms of the war on terror and for Americans to regain our self- and the world’s respect. His points are worth considering. Republicans have exhausted and punctured the myth that they are good, even competent, at doing war or keeping us safe. And I believe that we already know that Democrats are better at making peace – without being “soft.”

Republican HUBRIS (looking forward to reading Isikoff’s book on Katrina!) and its TRAGIC consequences – on so many levels -- require credible Democratic responses.

On your views re: Liberals shared beliefs of individual rights and free enterprise, Thomas Friedman’s UPDATED AND EXPANDED The World Is Flat offers a way for Liberals to think about and to create innovative economic solutions without compromising our core values of equal opportunity and economic justice.

Mary Louise Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

GS
You want reasons why they should win? How about pulling the troops out of the civil war in Iraq and saving the 271 million a day spent there and instead invest here at home? Maybe it could be better used to rebuild the Gulf states, fully fund education, put more cops on the streets, provide homeland security, save our healthcare system,etc.

To Doc: Yes.

All good suggestions but HOW do they translate to the Supervisor's race? ALL politicals are local. If one of the candidates can show how he'll bring our troops home, he'll win. Since neither can, its a question of what issues hit home the closest and NONE of those you mention come close. If what you're sugegsting is the Dem platform in Ventura County District 4, then you've lost already.

Try local issues instead: Over Development (Foy's all for it Dantona's against it.). Good Administration (Foy's gotten himself into so many financial problems he's the LAST one that should be allowed to adminster a county office. Dantona's a proven task master and problem solver, superbly suited for the office of Supervisor). WMI (Foy's for allowing them to do whatever they want. Dantona's willing to make them work with the voters to come up with an expansion plan). Lack of Representation in Unincorporated Areas (Foy couldn't care less. Dantona's prepared to fight to make sure they have power thru representation). Youth (Foy does nothing. Dantona's devoted his life to helping kids). Community Safety (Foy wants to cut police & health budgets cause they provide spend too much on illegal aliens. Dantona wants to get MORE money from the State & Feds). Support (Foy's support comes from ultra extremists that are forced to brow beat Republcian leaders into supporting an unworthy candidate. Dantona' been given unqualified support by the conservatives that know him). The list goes on and on.

It's not a battle between Republicans and Democrats! That's simply letting the Extremists set the dialogue. This race is a battle between an Extremist and a Moderate. The question is do we want a BushBot bringing his devisive national agenda into our homes or do we want someone devoted to Our Community. When the voters realize THAT, then we WILL have a Democrat in the Suprevisor's office.

Grab the dialogue!

Gallagher, I shouldn't have to remind you that attacking people looks is the sign of someone with a weak argument and isn't very kind.

Anyways, saying that a Republican district will vote Republican isn't taxing anyone's mental abilities. The point of the article was that the Democratic party with strong operations in West County is united while the Republican Party has recently been divided.

Any comments on that divide? I hope your attacks aren't a drive by operation.

Tim,

You said:

"For example looking at the 24th U.S. Congressional Primary Races 30,298 Democrats voted as compared to 50,652 Republicans who voted in the primary. That is a big gap especially when this is a primary race, looking at past numbers usually there are more Democrats that vote in the primary."

But you're forgetting that the Democratic Primary had no challenger. And the Republican Primary did!

Wouldn't you be more willing to make the trip to the polls if you'r vote would actually help decide who your nomineee is?

I'd say that more than 30,000 votes is really impressive for a non-challenged primary!

Great point, Jay! Also, a little-watched battle was fought in the SE corner of District 4 where Jim Dantona received 75%+ of the votes in the biggest turnout of the entire county. Admittedly, that section has some very local issues driving their interst but the swell of volunteers willing to knock on doors and talk one on one about local issues is what got those votes. State and National issues will play a bigger role in November but it's the local issues that bring out the casual voter.

The gs comments of 2:02 p.m. Aug. 30 made little sense and definitely do not pass the smell test. From Foy's own website, messages we saw and heard over and over and over when he gathered the most votes in June:

"Overdevelopment in Ventura County has caused traffic and growth to spin out of control. I am the only candidate who as pledged not to take any campaign money from developers.

Public service is a public trust. I will vote to end the era of career politician by passing term limits. I will vote for strict new rules governing the relationship between public officials and lobbyists. Special interests should not determine our public policy- I will refuse to take money from political action committees.

Instead of cutting government waste, our incumbent Supervisor has voted time and time again to cut funding for local public safety. I believe the first job of local government is making sure we are safe in our homes, streets, and schools."

GS is just spouting out BS if he says "Foy is all for overdevelopment." The comment about "letting WMI do whatever they want" is backed by no evidence whatsoever; again GS produces the BS, en masse.

The comment that Foy wants to cut police & health budgets was just purely sophomoric.

The list of BS by GS goes on and on and on and on. But why exert energy trying to keep him honest? That just won't happen; he is too far in bed with his buddy Dantona. He likes to hear himself talk, even when what comes out stinks.

Hey Jay I vote no matter if there is one person on the ballot or if there are many challengers. My familiy has fought hard for their right to vote and I think it is one of my rights that I don't want to take for granted. I don't go to the polls anymore but I do make sure to vote absentee ballot, it's easier for me.

Jay about the numbers from the 24th U.S. Congressional Race it have been a pretty consistent number for both the Democratic and Republican Primaries.

Here the numbers from the 2004 Primary Brett Wagner received 39,234 votes in the Democratic Primary. Elton Gallegly received 63,593 votes in the Republican Primary. For the General Race Elton Gallegly received 102,682 votes against Bret Wagner's 57,401 votes.

In 2002 Fern Rudin received 27,180 votes in that Democratic Primary and Elton Gallegly received 50,700 votes in the Republican Primary. In the 2002 General Election Elton Gallegly received 98,564 votes compared to Fern Rudin's 48,817 votes.

As for local races I think that is different story I think Dantona can win in a very very close election I am predicting the numbers will be Jim Dantona 12,713 votes to Foy's 11,776 votes in the Supervisor Precinct. I am thinking that it will be within a 1,000 votes that will decide this Election. That is if Dantona can get 2/3 of Judy Mikel Supporters that tend to be moderate.

If Foy can show he can show an image of moderation in his viewpoints and keep 1/2 Of Judy Mikels Supporters Foy would win 12,442 votes to Jim Dantona's 12,047 votes a difference of about 500 votes.

In the School Board Election that I am running in. It is an open race and anything can happen, but clearly in this early race we have a front runner in Eric Lundstrom who received 8,153 votes or 10.1% of the vote from the last school board election and the other possible front runner is former school board member Steven Gould who received 4,983 votes in the last election or 6.2% of the vote. Both Candidates are going to have to reach out of their base of support in order to win. The magic number for this race is about 11,038 votes. The two who get over 11,038 votes will be Simi Valley's next School Board members.

How about me, I am a Registered Democrat and I think I have a shot at winning in this years Simi Valley School Board Race. I think my last name Camarillo may give me instant name recognition. But the name Camarillo stirs up a lot of passion and emotion in Ventura County and most people either love them or hate them.

Of intersting note, I know I'm getting off the subject before the building of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Camarillo. The Camarillo's including Adolfo, Juan E. and his son Robert B. attended Catholic services in a small Presbyterian Church in Simi Valley.

According to Simi Valley A Journey in Time published by the Simi Valley Historical Society and Museum page 433. The small Presbyterian building became the home of the Catholic Congregation. Juan E. Camarillo's June 1910 dairy entry states: "Roberto and I left very early for Simi in the buggy. The Mass was said in the old Presbyterian Church and it was crowded to the door. I acted as an usher, and Roberto served for Father Laubacher. The Choir did themselves proud today..."

On October 23, Juan again wrote "I went to Church again at Simi with Adolfo and his familiy in the Auto, and after mass we all went up to Tapo and took lunch under some beautiful trees...After lunch we went to Mrs. Gillibrand's place and were entertained by looking at their beautiful collection of so many interesting things. We also went to the Tapo home now in ruins (The Tapo Adobe), and got many Tunas and Granadas". Four similar 1910 entries were made in the Camarillo diaries, published in the October 1968 Pleasent Valley issue of the Ventura County Historical Society Quarterly.

Just some interesting Camarillo Family-Simi Valley Connections I thought.

FYI- For Your Information Adolfo Camarillo was a lifelong Democrat who had a large painted portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt hanging in his office. Adolfo also served on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 1914. Juan E. Camarillo was another lifelong Democrat while his son Roberto was a prominent Republican and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Civil Division for the Southern California District Court.

Thanks for the opportunity No More! Yeah, Foy said he wouldn't take a penny from developers but he has from contractors all over Southern California. just check the County election records. Besides, Foy's promise left out MORE than he thinks we know. Foy's NEVER said he would slow down development to a smart level...only Dantona's said that. In fact, from Foy's own mouth he's announced he doesn't believe in Zoning restrictions...what does that leave us with: UNBRIDLED DEVELOPMENT. So that's Hypocrite #1, the Pro-Development Candidate that tells the Voters just the opposite.

Term Limits?? Why?? They've created a nationwide generation of incompetent law makers and even Arold Schwazenegger is looking to do away with them because they create incompetent government. Besides, if Foy's so willing to trade in experience and ability for some hair-brained scheme to get more incumbents OUT of office and more Extremist novices IN to office, he can take his snake oil show on the road.

As for cutting sheriff & health budgets Foy's said over and over he intends to audit ALL County departments and cut the budgets of ANY that spend money on illegal immgrants. Well, that means he intends to cut sheriff & health budgets, doesn't he, cause they're two county departments that are besieged by costs due to illegal immigrants. Or did Foy simply make a blunder when he made that promise? And was that blunder made because Foy doesn't have a clue how the County runs? Either way, that promise makes him unfit for the Supervisor's office.

You can try to marginalize what I have to say but you can't defend what the candidate's said and done himself. Sure, Foy got the most votes in June but Judy got the most moderate Republican votes and you, Foy and your Extremist hatchetmen have attacked us long enough. My bet is they'll do what they do EVERY Supervisor election: vote for the moderate with experience and ability.

You bet I support Jim Dantona!

Do not overlook the courts. Foy would have to cut funding there also!

A muppet, huh? Well, I've been called worse, LOL. In fact, right here on this blog.

Gallagher, we all can't have gleaming smiles like Karl Rove, and curvy adams apples like Ann Coulter. I assure you that I weep at the thought that I don't meet with your approval, as I'm sure does Phil Angelides.

While I may not agree with GS on many issues, at least his posts are well thought out, with adult frames of reference, appropriate for the adult discusssions at hand.

I'm afraid that your Sesame Street references, and 1337's Disneyland real estate characterizations only serve to reinforce the general impression that you're both attempting to engage in a battle of wits, completely unarmed.

I will delete any junk attacks if you ever feel like it. Just e-mail me at briandennert@yahoo.com

Laura, I only left it up there because the arguement is so weak ( Phil looks funny) that the public deserves to see how sad the opposition has become.

Brian--

It appears Phil Angelides received 9 million from Sacramento developer Angelo Tsakopoulus in the primary and is set to give more this November. Waht do you think this developer is trying to buy?

probably the same thing The Terminator's East Coast Bond Mavens tried to buy by spending tens of $$$ on Arnie's race....INFLUENCE! In their case it bought them more bond issues than water over Niagra.