I want to know more about Jim Dantona. Can he raise the money to go against the money the Ventura County Central Committee will raise against him?

I'm wearing my California Association of Political Centrists hat now. We will be rating candidates from both parties in non-partisan and probably these partisan races. It is conceivable that a Republican and a Democrat will receive the same rating for the same position. If a candidate decides not to participate in the CAPC process, this decline will be duly noted on our website and on any printed material we may be mailing out.

Although our Advisory Council will be intimately involved in executing the rankings, all members will have an opportunity to weigh in with their thoughts, opinions and questions. Our website is still underdevelopment but if you would like more information on our general membership or would like a copy of our business plan, please contact me directly at KatieTeague@verizon.net

Can CAPC be objective with Frank Dantona and Barbra Williamson on the Advisory Council?

We have a good mix of Republicans, Democrats and DTS on both our Advisory Council and our general membership. One of the criteria for a strong ranking is an ability to work across the aisle and support/endorsements from all parties. So yes, I think CAPC can be very objective. I encourage community leaders to contact CAPC if they would be interested in being part of the process - they have a good perspective that we would like to tap into in all parts of the county.

Right now we are a little top heavy in the West County because both Leslie and I live in the West County and Ventura is having its City Council races this fall. We would like to get at least two more people from the East County to join Barbra, Frank, Debi Schultze and Amy Walker Davis. Donna Prenta was on board but recently decided to take a break from politics. Someone from the Simi Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club would be great. I think they would have a good perspective on politics in Simi/Moorpark. We also need someone from the TO area.

Dantona whould be a great candidate for State Senate. He can cross party lines and knows the ins and outs of the State Senate from his many years working in Sacramento. He is a closet Republican in Democratic clothes in many respects. His best friends from elementary school are still with him. That says a lot about a person. Those who know him the best stick with him. Go for it Jim!

I've never met Jim Dantona, but I like his brother Frank - a very thoughtful and intelligent man. Haven't seen him on the blogs lately (Frank, I mean).

I have a question for Leslie and Katie. If the Republican candidate is Tony Strickland and the Democratic candidate is Jim Dantona is there any chance you will vote for Dantona? Are you pledged to vote for every Republican in partisan races?

What about nonpartisan races? Does the VCRCC make you vote Republican there too?

Katie may vote for whomever she pleases based I'm sure, on her own criteria (such as integrity, ability to solve problems, advocacy for free enterprise, limited government, etc. - my words, not hers)

As a member of the county Republican Party, I may not publically advocate for anyone but a Republican. My personal Republican principles include protecting the environment and the progressive thinking (Teddy Roosevelt), peace through strength and trust in fellow citizens (Reagan), civil rights (Lincoln), women's rights (Susan B Anthony), sound business approach to politics (Tom Campbell) to name more than a few. I believe our governor demonstrates all of these principles and his is why I am such a strong supporter of Schwarzenegger. Like everyone, I vote my conscience and convictions in a secret ballot.

Interesting thought about the sophistication of our local politicos:

They might have been there, but I did not see a single elected official representing Simi Valley at the Federal, State, County or City level - other than our governor - at last evening's speech by Senator Kennedy. Aside from Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, Mr. Schwarzenegger, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, Mrs. Abraham Ribicoff, Mr. Merv Griffin there were others of note were there.

Prominent personages in attendance (including elected officials from nearby cities) were mentioned before and during the speech, but remarkably - no elected officials directly representing the host city. Am I incorrect and they were there, but no one who could have introduced them was aware of it? Perhaps, someone political science professor at a local college might volunteer to offer a class in proper protocol for elected officials.

Do you think any of them will bother to welcome Mr. Guiliani - other than Barbra - or any of the other important people who will visit our city for the debate?

It was a sad moment for Simi Valley when Thousand Oaks Councilmembers were greated by the Senator and Governor, but no elected folks from
Simi Valley were in attendance.

I witnessed similar behavior when Governor George Bush visited (campaign stop) Oxnard in 2000 at the transportation center. Mayor Manuel Lopez purposely did not attend, even though an estimated 5000 people were in attendance to get a chance to maybe see a future president. One would have thought that the mayor might have had the foresight to welcome the dignitary, if only to create a positive relationship and memory that could have benefitted the City of Oxnard in the future.

I've sent a picture of Dantona and Gov. Bill Richardson from this weekend at the Dem Convention. Hopefully Brian can post it.

If I get more pictures from other Dems to share, I will send them in. I was too busy running this weekend to take many pictures. Unfortunately I lost a race for CA Dem Region 10 Director (Ventura, Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo counties & the coast down to Santa Monica - ADs 33, 35, 37, 41), by just 5 votes (out of 149 delegates). It's been a very, ahem, interesting few months taking on a 12 year incumbent, who has never had to face a challenger. I think competition is always good for fostering a dialogue within the Party.

Anyway, it was great seeing people like Edwards, Richardson, Clinton, Obama, Kucinich, Dodd, Pelosi, Garamendi, Bowen, Chiang, Lockyer, Brown, O'Connell, Assembly Reps Julia Brownley, Lloyd Levine and many, many more in action. Great weekend for Dems!

Hey, I would have been at the Kennedy event, except I had a previous engagement. I actually had tickets to attend, but gave my tickets to a very good friend.

I believe in "hands" across the isle...we need to work for the PEOPLE...not against them if they happen to be of a different party!!!!

I agree with Barbra Williamson. I'm a Republican who voted for Dantona in the primary and the general. He has the ability and talent to reach across the isle to work with Republicans and Democrats. He also has expierence and charisma that will help him work with and for everyone. GO JIM.

I'm a person who wants someone who fights for our community. Dantona is definately a fighter. Even though he ran for a seat with 20% more republicans he lost by only 895 votes. He had to appeal to republicans to do that well. 41,000 votes cast and he lost by only 895 votes, he had to pull 40+ percent of republicans. He is a talented campaigner and a nice person. He spoke to me for 20 minutes in his last race. I normally don't even see candidates. Dantona takes on the big issues and has answers for us. He's good and deserves to represent us. Forget the party I want someone who will get things done.

Barbra, do you know who received tickets for the Reagan Library event? I will be very dissappointed if it turns out all city council members and the major received tickets yet no one showed up. I can't stand Senator Kennedy but there are some "pomp and circumstance" duties that come with elected offices.

Brian, was Pedro Nava or Lois Capps or Tom McClintock or Audra Strickland or Elton Gallegly there?

Katie,
I was not able to atttend the Kennedy event as I had a prior engagement with 60 Classmated from high school, otherewise I would have been there. The debate event is closed to the public. I would think State and local officials will be in attendenance, along with mega news reporters...

I'm talking about the Kennedy event. Did other Simi officials receive invites but didn't attend?

I know the upcoming GOP debate is closed to the public but there are various viewing parties throughout the county.

Wow! It would be great to have Dantona representing us! Currently we only have people who represent themselves and their own wallets and the narrow right wing agenda of the Christian Coalition controlled VCRCC.

State Senator Dantona? Now that is music to my ears. This man is one committed individul if he will take on another election. I'm sure his recently departed Mother is very proud of him. Go get 'em Jim!

The Simi Valley City Council should remember they hold non-partisan positions and send a letter of apology to Senator Kennedy for their inexcusable snub of one of this nation's most prominent legislators.

Did they all get free tickets?

The apology should go to Nancy Reagan. She had the class to invite the Senator. T.O. officials had the class to attend the event. The snub was to her.

Did Simi Valley officials get tickets? It is ironic that an event to show the Reagan library is bipartisan goes down in flames. I guess the Simi Valley city council declared it a partisan piece of the Republican machine. Don't ask me to support it with taxes anymore since Glen Becerra thinks he can ignore Nancy Reagan's calls for bipartisanship.

Laura Winchester what did the button in the picture say?

Word on the street is that the Dem power structure is underwhelmed by Dantona's political plan, and has scaled back any funding promises.

They have admitted in private that the 19 SD is virtually unwinable and will back Dantona only if he can raise a million bucks on his own.

So long Jim, it was nice hearing from you.

If Jim can raise one million, what does he need the State party for? With the Stricklands one step ahead of the law at every turn, I wouldn't write off Dantona just yet, Ron. How about putting Tony the tiger and Dantona in the hexagon for 15 minutes. The tiger has the reach, height and youth over the aging Dantona. Nevertheless, my bet will be on Dantona as the Tiger cries in the corner and tries to bribe the ref. Nope, Ron, too early to count out 'ol Jimbo.

About the only fight that Dantona's equipped for is a wheeze-a-thon.

Strickland by KO, whether in the Octagon, or the 19th SD.

Ron, you are sadly misinformed about SD19 and Jim Dantona. Keep blogging your wet dreams about a Strickland win, and maybe Tony will keep you on his team. He's well known for employing sycophants.

Ron, that is one fight I will pay to see. Your boss is in for another big surprise. Even with a Republican administration he went down big time. He may not yet grasp that voters think he is a crook for paying his wife and being paid by her, let alone all the Indian casino money that owns him. A real job just doesn't make the Tiger's resume, Ron. So put your money up and lets watch Tony the pussycat take on Dantona the Destroyer.

Sounds like Ron is talking out of his rectum again. You know they are scared when they start attacking someone who has not even declared. Dantona would whip Strickland worse than Chiang did!

Old, over weight, one hand behind his back and without the help of Jim, Jr., the old man would give one swift uppercut and Tony the pussycat will be out cold, carried to the corner, and sobbing. His corner man Ron will look with astonishment, turn to Steve Frank, and say "darn, no wonder they call Dantona the Destroyer".

I don't know Jim Dantona. I have heard nothing but negative stuff about him but it all seems to be coming from one corner of Simi. I know that Bob Larkin had a problem with him and someone named Elaine Freeman. Both of these people seem to be involved with Republican politics. It is possible that just these two are responsible for much of the poison? Or is there something to all the anti-Dantona stories (which include he is a Chicago politician, is a lobbyist and is owned by unions).

THe stuff I hear about Tony Strickland is verified by performance and articles in the paper. The stuff I hear about Jim seems to be rumor or is linked back to Larkin and Freeman.

Can we get some facts and background history going here? Why would Tony Strickland endorse Jim against Mikels if he was so awful? Surely Tony wouldn't compromise himself that much for Tom McClintock, or would he?

As of 2/2007 - the 19th Senate District is 36.09% Dem, 40.71% Rep and 18.34% Decline to State. Historically, the Dem/Rep margin has been closer at times but there weren't so many DTS's.

Turn-out and voter cross-over is going to be critical in this election. I think across-the-aisle endorsements are going to be key.

Sometimes when your not doing a good job and losing you think people are out to get you... Don't confuse an intelligent articulate women with being unpatriotic or a traitor.

Educate me:

Dantona was not a politician in Chicago. He played baseball for the Chicago Cubs. Jim works for Cities, Counties, hospitals, private industry, unions and politicians, to name a few. Jim was the Chief of Staff to the ProTem of the California Senate. Jim is a proud Democrat, but more like a moderate Republican in most respects. Besides all this, he is the most honest, fair and loyal man I've ever met. Lastly, he does not know where Jimmy Hoffa is buried.

Invade Iraq with that and we might win this war.

I thought Luca Bracci sleeps with the fishes?

That was just a movie, "not voter". I'm here and bigger than ever.

That was Luca Brasi...

Godfather fan, you know the score!

My Uncle Bugsy Siegle could turn the Simi landfill into an oasis in the desert. Oh yeah I am supposed to pretend he is dead.

Didn't Waste Management bury your uncle in the Simi Landfill??

It's official...I have my pass to the debates at the Reagan tomorrow. I would take pictures, but, no cameras, cell phones, blackberries, pagers...well yu get the picture....

Congratulations Barbra! It is really history in the making and probably one of the last few events Nancy Reagan will be able to attend. Give a nod to the Gipper for me.

Finally Simi Valley is represented with class. Have a great time at the event Barb. Luca sends his regards. He ate too much 31 cent ice cream tonight and is a bit under the weather.

It's official...I have my pass to the debates at the Reagan tomorrow. I would take pictures, but, no cameras, cell phones, blackberries, pagers...well yu get the picture....