Dos anyone think Elton Gallegly should retire and allow a new member of congress to start building up seniority?

He wants to lose with his boots on..... Almost makes me like him.
I can see all those old noble men thinking so hard.....
Let's break it down:

If the Republicans said Elton was leaving then all these candidates would come flying in. (control freaks hate that)

If the Republicans say Elton is running it might scare off people and they can embolden someone and Elton can do a handoff....

NOT.

My Position:
Either way who cares.

To the person who write the above comment, it is obvious you are Michael Stein or DOJ.

How about you check a real video from Conservative Firebrand Michelle Malkin!

From now on all Republican advertisments have to have a statement that says:
TED HAGGARD DID NOT INJURE ANY SHEEP IN THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO.

It is time to send Elton Gallegly back home!

Since 1986 Gallegly has trumpeted tough talk on illegal immigration and crime, and tough talk on terrorism and winning the Bush Wars in Iraq and the Middle East.

In the last two decades:

Has illegal immigration been stemmed or alleviated? In other words, despite the rhetoric, are we better off now than we were when Elton Gallegly was first elected to Congress?

Do you feel safer from the threat of crime or terrorism? Do you feel any more secure in your personal letters and private conversations? Are we safer now than we were then?

Since Gallegly took office, the national debt has quadrupled and government surpluses have been turned into record deficits. While Mr. Gallegly continues to cater to the needs of the rich and connected, real wages of working Americans have remained stagnant for over thirty years and the gap between rich and poor is now larger than at any time since the Gilded Age.

I don't have a problem with Mr. Gallegly being tough on immigration or terrorism; it's just that he isn't very effective. Talking tough and mugging with the President or policemen or soldiers isn't enough, it is also important to be skillful, intelligent, farsighted and productive. Gallegly evokes none of these characteristics and the people of the 24th District deserve better.

Two decades ago, Mr. Gallegly was in favor of term limits for Congress and voted in favor of a Constitutional amendment supporting such limits twice in the 1990's. He once opined, "New ideas come with new blood .... I want to get the career politicians out of Washington and make them go home and live under the laws they've passed." In twenty years time, he's become the very politician he ran against in 1986.

Rant all you want guys, the bottom line is he'll win no matter who runs. As the saying goes, the only way you'll get him out of there is if someone gets a picture of him with a little boy or a dead body.

Unless you're Ted Kennedy of course!

The question asked if him changing his mind would hurt him even by just a percentage point.

There aren't too many people saying the Democrats will have a chance so saying mindless statements like " He will win" is like saying the Lakers will beat the Clippers. Everyone knows that already. But how does this change things.

As a Republican, I would like to have a choice this upcoming primary. It doesn't mean I wouldn't vote for Elton, but I'm tired of the mindset that it is a sin to challenge an incumbent. I wish some of our other potential "leaders" would show some leadership and actually throw their hats into the ring. Sitting around waiting for something to happen or being afraid to act because it might alienate some Republicans is why the local Republican party is stagnating right now.

First of all, the Lakers beating the Clippers isn't a given anymore. Just look at this last season.

Second, of course it will probably affect the vote a percentage, but when you've won by about 23 - 28 points over the past few elections, who cares?!

If the Ventura base closed down, it probably would have affected the vote by a couple percent. The strong dem showing in November affected the vote for him. I'm sure the "health problem" he was having affected the vote a percent or two.

No offense Brian, but if that's the question, would this affect the vote a percentage, then it's pretty pointless. Out of the 175k votes cast, I'm sure theres about one percent who are going to look disfavorably on him for "changing his mind".

My point is, SO WHAT?

What county are you living in now Katie? The local Republican Party had an event 2 nights ago at the Reagan library with over 100 people showing up. Earlier this month there was another event with about 125 at the 4 Seasons. About a month ago they had an event with about another 100 people. Keep in mind, these events were paid for by the participants and they all raised money (actually MAKING money over the cost of the event).

I was at a county party BBQ 2 years ago, your annual big event, and there were about 75 people there. I've been to central committee meetings in the past and you guys barely get a quorum. This all the while Leslie was in charge with you as her minion.

Fact is, the current leadership in the party has done its job more in the past 6 months - raise money, help candidates, bring political opportunities and events to republicans in the county - than you guys did in 4 years! You can disagree with the philosophy of the leadership all you want. But the bottom line is that you can't stand the fact that they are actually doing their job - and DOING IT WELL! Probably several times over the previous leadership.

Please, at least have the guts to use your real name. You just personified what I'm talking about what is wrong with the Republican party locally. No guts and no leadership.

Also, please remember I was never an elected anything in the Central Committee - just a volunteer. What were you?

Katie is obviously drinking the kool-aid again. Her statement that the local Republican Party is stagnating is a working definition of denial.

I attended the event at the Air Force #1 exhibit at the Reagan Library and I've got to tell you the room was packed. They even had the Vice Chairman of the CRP show up. Great event! Everyone there was talking about what a positive turn the Party had taken, and how great it was to be a part of it. I joined right then and there.

I'm going to be a part of the success. The VCRCC is on the move.

You are right Ron - we had such a stellar election year and have gained so much ground. I'm going to read some Stephen Frank or FlashReport right now and find out how well we are doing. In the meantime, maybe you can pontificate on how great it is that Republican voters in this county don't have a lot of choices when it comes to state assembly or congressional seats. It's far right or nothing.

You are truly pathetic. You can't even admit that you were a large part of a do-nothing central committee. All you did do was whine about how Gallegly, the Stricklands, Foy, Kunicki, etc... were right wing extremists out of touch with the average voter. Yet with the exception of Foy, they have been elected and re-elected over and again by double digit margins.

You want to pontificate on how the county rep registration has slumped? You were a part of that central committee leadership that dropped the ball for 4 years, sorry 3.75 years.

Can't justify your attack, huh Katie? OK we'll change the subject.

Why don't you name three issues that either Elton, Audra, Tony or Cameron have either championed or fought that you disagree with.

You throw around "far right" as an attack on its own without any backup.

I think these people keep getting elected because the people support them. You think they keep getting elected because the people are stupid, and don't know any better. There have been choices in every recent primary and the people have spoken, live with it.

You supported a challenger to Elton last time, he got 19% of the vote. Are you right and 81% of the voting public wrong? I don't think so.

You complain because you can't win. It should occur to you that you may be out of the mainstream.

Move on.

I don't think personal attacks are ever necessary - even when hiding behind a screen name.

I have no clue what leglisation has been put forth other than tiger permits, bear permits, rooster permits and pregnant women/handicapped parking permits.

Meanwhile, we still have uncontrolled immigration, poor VA benefits, lousy schools, lousy infrastructure, lousy healthcare and until recently out of control workman comp.

I completely supported Mr. Tenebaum's right to challenge Elton. However, I was employed by the CRP at the time and did not get involved or support any race.

Recent local Republican races have been unethically financed - from school boards on up. I would be happy to go there if you would. Otherwise, leave it with the DA and the FPPC. If I were some of the candidates you mentioned, I would be really ashamed. I'm ashamed of them and I'm not going to lie or cover up for them. I don't believe in this "keeping it the family" crap - too much like incest if you ask me.

RE: Republican Registration Slumping.

Both parties are slumping and the largest voter block is the Decline to State (DTS). The Democratic party has gotten a clue. Evidently, the Republican party hasn't.

Interesting that the mere mention of supporting a challenger to a 20 year incumbent can raise so much bile that you two are resorting to name calling, etc.

SO YES, AS A REPUBLICAN I SUPPORT A CHALLENGER TO ELTON'S INCUMBENCY!!!!!!!!!!

I'm heating up the tar and plucking the chickens.

I never expect guys like Elton to tell the truth, he is a bigger flip flopper than Mitt Romney!

Correction: Should read largest GROWING voter block the the DTS.

This phenomena is why I started the California Association of Political Centrists - lots of people are unhappy with how both parties have been taken over by extreme ideology and they feel they aren't being representated. CAPC hopes to bring both parties back towards the middle. For more information, or a copy of our business plan you can contact me directly at KatieTeague@verizon.net. We are not a third party organization, we are a non-partisan organization that encourages good candidates to run and good government reform to be passed. I've asked Brian to start a thread on the subject of Redistricting - which California desperately needs and incumbents of both parties will desperately fight.

The attack was your's Katie. I just pointed out flaws in your thinking. You call people "far right'" and I challenged you to give examples to support your claim.

You gave none. Once again you attempted to shift the debate. Nice try.

You talk about unethical conduct where none has occurred, except in your imagination. The VCRCC will not be found violation of anything, but that will not stop your bashing.

Try doing something positive, stop trying to tear down good people.

Dear "Ron",

I don't think I mentioned VCRCC in my posts, we were talking about candidates. But it would be nice if VCRCC reported all of its fundraisers - I believe is is missing one from its last filing. The one in March. I'm sure this week's and last months will be duly reported as required by campaign finance law.

Are you a spokesperson for the VCRCC? Maybe you can explain the new "paid endorsement" program and how it is different than the one in Orange County. Maybe who proposed it and who voted for it. Or exactly who gets to vote on political expenditures - last meeting I was at we were informed that district CC representatives did not get to vote on issues of political expenditures. Is this true? If so, who gets to vote on political expenditures and what is their relationship to the incumbents?

re: Far Right. I'm not sure if you are talking about candidates or VCRCC people. You have me confused now. OK - so where does Elton stand on the abortion issue? The Strickland's? What about prayer in school? Gay Marriage? I would like to know, pehaps one of their representatives can weigh in on this thread. And pigs will fly.

Confused Advocates Promoting Cornejo (CAPC)

Katie,

First you call them far right, now you say you don't know where they stand?

You've just exposed your agenda.

'Nuff said.

Ron,
Since you like flip floppers so much I guess you will vote for Gallegly and Romney?

Ron,
Since you like flip floppers so much I guess you will vote for Gallegly and Romney?

With the exception of Elton's position on abortion, I know where they stand. Do you? Am I qualified to speak for them? No. Are you?

Shame, shame on Elton. I suppose he can't be embarrassed, as long as he has the last laugh at the bank.

True Story for Ron and What!,

There are two different candidates that I would like to see run in this election. One lives outside the district, one lives inside the district. Both are very qualified and well respected Republicans. Both have a reputation of great personal integrity and an exceptional ability to work across the aisle. Both would be an asset to the county and to DC. Both are in the prime of their life. Both are smart yet self-depracting, humorous but serious about their jobs, dedicated to doing what right. Shouldn't they be encouraged to run? Is there a reason they should have to wait when Ventura County could benefit now. Shouldn't they be able to rely on help from the local Republicans and their party? Do you agree or disagree with my position?

Just like the stock market. The voters don't like surprises. We know Elton is flakey. So his saying he is going to TRY AND LOVE THE LIFESTYLE ONE MORE TIME AT OUR EXPENSE has no effect on voters.

ALSO KATIE,
We are in no way interested in a simular Elton.

Let's check today's headlines folks. According to George Tenet, former CIA director, Bush and the Whitehouse used the CIA as a scapegoat for the Iraq war, Tenet said Bush had already decided on the war and he then invented the evidence. Elton voted in lockstep with Bush. Bush and Elton, life long buddies.

Congress is designed to be a watch dog over the executive branch. But Elton Gallegly wouldn't be able to provide oversight to a Girl Scout's cookie table in front of Vons if it involved holding Republicans accountable.

Wasn't that Elton Gallegly acting like a little school girl as George W entered the floor of Congress to make his last State of the Union address? Do you realize he had to have camped out there for nearly 10 hours to hold that seat just to shake the President's hand. Talk about a hard-core Bushie, we are talking about Elton Gallegly. Anti-abortion, anti-worker, anti-environment (global warming to him is still unproven science). He was and still is in favor of our involvement in Iraq, supports the government opening your letters and correspondence, or your telephone conversations without a warrant, wants to dismantle Social Security and Medicare for the old and the poor, and uses the fear of Mexican immigrants to pound away at a problem he should have addressed while the Republicans were still in control of the House.

A decent and honorable man but a misguided and worthless Republican toady nonetheless.

Watch out Republicans, there is a reason why Decline-to-State is the fastest growing voting block in the county. Beware! Pride goeth before the fall.

R.J.,
I appreciate your statements and your right. This is nothing personal about Elton Gallegly. I even voted for him once. It is just like my Grandpa. We love him, but that didn't mean we didn't get scared when he wanted to drive.

The problem with Elton is that he won't take the steering wheel. He is content to sit in the back and let Granda drive!

Grandpa that is. Will Elton support the troops? and vote to get them home or redeployed? How many more soldiers must die to the ego and the glory of Bush and Gallegly?

24th Congressional District Registered Voters as of 2-10-07:
Republicans 154,748
Democrats 120,405
Decline to State 60,925

Decline to state voters are definitely a potential swing vote, but historically don't vote as reliably as Republicans and Democrats.

I will make a prediction:
Someone with the last name Beccera or something sounding like that is the person getting the handoff from Elton. Elton will at the last second drop out and try a handoff to this person. We need a fumble. Break!
You heard it here first.

I am shocked! Shocked!

Elton Gallegly - more concerned with his perceived power base and following orders from the GOP, than he is with his constituents. No big surprise there.

Things are going great in San Diego at the Convention. Packed convention center - activists and candidates for all offices. Brian, I'll try to send some pictures tomorrow.

I am looking forward to seeing your pictures. How do we post pictures here?

Can' wait to hear about the Dem's convention.

Word on the street is that the far left is in charge and will demand a pledge from all candidates to adhere to their left wing fringe agenda.

That will effectively place Democrat candidates far outside the comfort zone for the majority of Ventura County voters.

Republican wins will benefit Ventura County.

There is a 77% sentiment that the county supervisors should be term-limted out. That sort of anti-incumbent fervor could easily spill over into the congressional election if the electorate is in a mood to "throw the bums out". I think the county is ripe for change.

Fringe agenda? Candidates concerned with the real needs of Americans and who would refuse to perpetuate a failed policy in the Middle East ought not be considered a fringe element. It is neither factual, nor a true reflection of the sentiments of the people.

Gallegly is part of the problem, not the solution.

Katie, you think that you were personally attacked? I thought this blog was all about the exchange of ideas. Your rants in this blog are pathetic. I didn't accuse you of some unfounded felony, I merely made light of your hot air. If you are taking these postings personally, may I suggest that you purchase a wet suit to supplant your thin skin, or get off the blogs.

I really couldn’t care less whether you supported Tennenbaum (sp?) or not. My opinion of Gallegly is as inconsequential as your and Leslie's support of Tennenbaum. In fact, it's about the only thing I've seen you really take a stand on. I can respect that. What I don't get is your contradiction: you were "just a volunteer", yet, you were "employed by the CRP"?! Either way, you really didn't do a very good job during your tenure.

You insinuated that recent campaigns have run afoul of the law and that you would be happy to go there. PLEASE DO. One group was fined this last week already. Do you have more clear cut information than investigators? You have bashed Gallegly, the Stricklands and their staff, Foy, Kunicki, Valenzano, Ventura Republican Party, and others I'm sure, for violations of campaign laws. You make all of these veiled statements casting dispersion on these people.

Why don't you stop flapping your jaws and spit out the evidence? PLEASE! List a violation of law! Let me help you with an example: Person A gave $XXX.XX to Campaign B who didn't report it. I really suspect, however, that you are talking out of your rear end. You want so bad for there to be some sort of conspiracy or scandal that you have convinced yourself it's true.

You're close What?, but not exactly on target. Katie and Leslie still can't get over the fact that the party's doing much better without them than with them.

Katie appears to live off the bile she generates. It seems she needs enemies and so she creates them. My guess is that she and Leslie are hoping against hope that the county Party will stumble so that they'll somehow be vindicated. She doesn't seem to care what damage she does as long as the VCRCC suffers.

Fortunatly for the county Republicans the Party seems to be doing very well indeed without our Katie. A person without her complex would find some positive outlet, but she seems to spend as much time on the negative as she does on the positive.

Too bad.

Jeez, you guys need to take a chill pill. This thread is about Elton not me. And find some backbone will ya! Ad hominem attacks using a screen name does not reflect well upon the Republican party or the Ventura County Central Committee.

I'm not one of the ones skirting the law, nor am I one of the ones trying to aid and abet. Sorry, all your ranting and raving isn't going to make me go there.

Clarification: I was employeed by the California State Republican party for a short period of time (2 months?)for the Victory 06 project and quit when it became very apparent that I was not the person for the job. This employeement was completely independent of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee. I was never an elected member of the Ventura County Republican CC. If you would like more information on me, you can contact Don Yates - their first VP. The chairman, Mike Osborn, told me that Don Yates was keeping a file on me. I like to have everything in writing - others don't. Hope this helps.

So getting back to an exchange of ideas - what do you think about whether or not Elton should be challenged. Should my two Republican picks be encouraged to run in 2008?

Voter, were you the least bit upset that Elton Gallegly flip flopped when he said he is running again?

I'm looking for all the new VCRCC members and successful fundraisers. I think the treasurer forgot to report them.

I think Gallegly has proven he is an ineffectual boot licker. I would definitely vote for another candidate. I have no idea how we have elected this guy over and over... he doesn't do anything for Republicans either. He just votes where the party line is, and that is cowardly and does not speak well of his conviction.

You are right he is a boot licker. He licks the boots of the voters. That is called customer service. Something you Michael Moore liberals know nothing about. I get his newsletter where he asks me my opinions. Just last month he asked if I favored giving welfare benefits to illegal aliens who have broken the law.

He wants our input!

Elfton started as a small town boy making good. He ended up a disgrace to his District. During the impeachment hearings, he was the only Congressman who the Chairman passed up for comments. He lacks any college education, can't understand legislation, and now isn't even able to leave office in a professional manner. He keeps his wife on his payroll and does nothing for his district. How sad to see him go down like this. Even he deserves better.

Re: Not Nathan C

Cool, man. He sends out little newsletters to people. Great. His track record speaks for itself, though. He has never been a part of anything of importance at capital hill. All he does is kiss ass and he gets re-elected time and again simply because he is the incumbent. Meanwhile we pay his salary so he can travel to DC and do absolutely jack. It's not that I disagree with what he does, it's that he doesn't do anything at all. But just keep on truckin' with your head in the sand, choking down your little propaganda pamphlets, and smugly patting yourself on the back for name calling. Good job.

Your stupid. He impeached your moveon.org crowd's favorite liberal Bill Clinton. Maybe you heard of that one!

So, who do you think does a better job?
?

I think Elton has a school girl crush on Bush. I heard a rumor that Elton calls Karl Rove every morning to get briefed on how he should cast all his votes. Is that true Elton?

Re: Not Nathan C

First, I think you meant to say "You're stupid".

Moving on: I'm fairly sure Mr. Gallegly was not responsible for Clinton's impeachment. His ecstatic thrashings while he wore Newt Gingrich's ass on his tongue may have inadvertantly caused him to hit the "Yes" button during that particular vote.

As to who can do a better job than Gallegly? I'm fairly certain that anyone could - even someone with your (obviously limited) mental faculties. Well, maybe not. But anyone with the werewithal to mount and carry through a campaign (without calling in "sick") is probably better than what we have now.

Your liberal.

If you blog... don't blog angry.
Don't call people unpatriotic or other names when you loose debates. Your angering voters and you embarrassing yourself.