Brian, this is a very important issue to bring up. I am viewing and hearing a lot of comments about infighting and it brings to light a very important issue.

Infighting in Ventura County --whether it be within the Democratic Party or the Republican Party-- is s serious problem. But the root of the problem is not that we cannot just fall in line and accept one of "our" candidates doing something like this, it is that we have someone like Mr. Wagner doing things like this despite his loss of support, despite his repeated warnings to stop it, despite the fact that he has no right to do so.

What Mr. Wagner has done here is try to capitilize on two fairly new organizations that happen to be doing something successful. He did not contact either of our organizations and he had no right to imply what he has implied here.

As for the Young Progressive Democrats, our club members were first livid because they thought that I, or one of the other Executive Officers, had allowed Wagner to corrupt our mission and purpose. But when the truth came to light they were even more infuriated that someone would use us to unethically try and promote his own political cause and raise funds. Without even contacting us.

This was no mistake. Mr. Wagner has done this type of thing before. As Brian said in the early part of the post, the frustrating thing is that he denies Gallegly's filing and says that he is not running! Wagner feels we are all sheep and he is just the shephard to lead us around. The Young Progressive Democrats will not be led around and we will not tolerate this abuse of our name and work.

Dear Heather,

Perhaps we can't agree on the healthcare issue, but I think we can both agree that both parties have their share of opportunistic nuts.

No one - including Elton - really knows if Elton will run again in 2008.

As a Dem, I would just like to see someone run for the seat who could run competitively against him or (should he NOT run) the clone he will hand pick to inherit the divine right to the seat. I do not know of anyone new in the wings of my party - at this moment - with both the will and the way to accomplish the task. Until then, it will just be more jousting with windmills as we have seen for years. Without candidate with the right stuff, we will see more noble, well-intentioned amateurs who do not how to accomplish the goal or others who are little more than egos in search of clippings with which to decorate their scrap books.

Brian:

As Will Rogers once said, "I'm not a member of any organized party, I'm a Democrat!.." Brother Wagner's pitiful attempts to prempt long-standing logistical efforts to register Democratic voters locally will prove to be as dismally effective as George Bush's strategy of premption in Irag. Perhaps we should look closer at the pictures of the Grassy Knoll and we may discover evidence of covert Republican support for Wagner's laughable candidacy as an effective way of dividing Democrats when the country needs us to be united. Any serious student of history and politics understands that the signs grow more auspicious each day for a Democratic victory in 2008. Unfortunately, based on his sordid track record of actions, not words, Mr. Wagner is neither a serious, nor credible candidate. He should cease these foolish tactics immediately, for the good of his fellow Democrats.

Thaddeus McGlaughlin

Gallegly says he will seek 12th term
Move reverses his year-ago decision

By Michael Collins
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Gallegly Karen Quincy Loberg/Star staff/3/10/06 Ventura: U.S. Representative Elton Gallegly, 61, of Simi Valley announces his retirement in an interview at the Ventura County Star on Friday in Ventura.

Gallegly Karen Quincy Loberg/Star staff/3/10/06 Ventura: U.S. Representative Elton Gallegly, 61, of Simi Valley announces his retirement in an interview at the Ventura County Star on Friday in Ventura.

WASHINGTON Rep. Elton Gallegly said this week he plans to seek re-election next year, confirming what some political insiders had suspected and putting to rest questions about whether he would retire.

"Right now, I am officially a candidate," Gallegly said. "If for any reason there is a change in my position before the 2008 election, I will give ample notice, but that isn't an anticipated thing at this point."

Gallegly's plan to run for another term is a dramatic reversal from one year ago, when the Simi Valley Republican said his current term would be his last.

He later began dropping hints that he might not retire after all, saying he was keeping his options open. And in an interview with The Star this week, Gallegly acknowledged he intends to run again next year.

"I am officially a candidate to say otherwise would be very deceiving and unfair," he said.

The 11-term congressman has begun raising money in anticipation of the upcoming race. He raised $65,793 in the first three months of the year and had $799,883 in the bank at the end of March, according to a report on file with the Federal Election Commission.
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Gallegly said he has raised more money since that report and his campaign now has around $850,000.

While he does plan to run, Gallegly said his primary focus for now is serving as a congressman. He represents the 24th Congressional District, which includes most of Ventura County.

"I've always said the best campaigning anybody can ever do is to focus on the job you are elected to do, and most everything else will fall into place," he said.

Gallegly, 63, was elected to his current term in November after a bizarre turn of events in which he announced his intention to retire from Congress, only to later change his mind.

Diagnosis brought decision

Gallegly said in March 2006 that he would not seek re-election after being diagnosed with an undisclosed medical condition.

The announcement came just hours before the deadline to file candidacy papers for the June primary.

Because of election laws, Gallegly could not remove his name from the ballot. Five days later, he disclosed he had received a clean bill of health from his doctor and would re-enter the race. But, he said at the time, if he were re-elected, his 11th term would be his last.

Immediately after he was easily re-elected, speculation began anew that he would run again.

"I've always fully anticipated Congressman Gallegly running for another term," said former Assemblyman Tony Strickland, a Moorpark Republican. "Every indication is that he is campaigning hard and working hard. He's out in the community."

Mike Osborn, chairman of the Ventura County Republican Party, predicted that the party would rally around Gallegly and that he would have no serious opposition in next year's primary.

"Elton is a great congressman, and he has done a good job, and he has been good for the county," Osborn said.

Strickland backs incumbent

Strickland, who had been mentioned as a possible candidate for Gallegly's seat, said he has no plans to run and will "wholeheartedly" support Gallegly's bid for re-election. Westlake Village attorney Michael Tenenbaum, soundly beaten by Gallegly in last year's GOP primary, said he hasn't decided whether he will run again.

Bill Gallaher, chairman of the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee, said there is a sense that Gallegly is vulnerable and can be beaten.

"I think people are seeing it as a winnable race," Gallaher said. "It seems this time it has generated a lot more interest, and there have been a lot more names thrown out there that might be interested in running."

Former Ventura Mayor Richard Francis has said he is seriously considering a bid. Oxnard minister Jill Martinez, who lost to Gallegly in November, already has filed her statement of candidacy papers for next year's race.

So has Brett Wagner, who unsuccessfully ran against Gallegly in 2004.

He still has work to do

For his part, Gallegly said supporters have encouraged him to run again, telling him he's needed in Washington more than ever now that Democrats hold majorities in the House and Senate.

Gallegly said he remains passionate about the job after 21 years in Congress and wants to continue to work on important issues, particularly immigration reform.

"While there are some Democrats who would agree with me on this issue, the Democrats will be the ones trying to push for an amnesty bill and liberalizing the illegal immigration aspects of our immigration policies," he said. "I have 20 years of my life (in Congress) that I don't want to see completely jeopardized."

Gallegly said he remains in good health.

"I may not run the 100-yard dash as fast as I did when I was 18 or 19 years old," he said, "but I can probably figure a way to get to the finish line about as quickly as I did then."
E.W. Scripps Co.
© 2007 Ventura County Star

Brett,

If you want the front page of my blog to apologize or explain your side of the story you can have it any day of the week.

If you never request it I will know that it is on purpose.

Let the truth speak for itself if there is some mistake or misunderstanding here.

Are there still Democrats who think Brett Wagner is a good candidate?

Elton doesn't know what he is doing how does Brett Wagner know. Elton Gagalot is waiting for King Rove's orders.
The beating for Elton is easily transferable to any Republican. Why would we want a Republican in Congress when the whole rest of the State and Country is Democrat? I don't see that working well.
Elton is very beatable. I can't believe it hasn't happend already. The guy is a wet noodle. For twenty years we have been represented by a Republican brown noser only accountable to his rich friends and his fellow scumbag Republicans.
For those of you wanting Democrats and Republicans to get along with each other; you have to wait a little while.
America is doing some house cleaning.

Mr. Wagner has these people listed as his current supporters....unless things are still carried over from previous campaigns as in the rest of his website.

Mr. Wagner has not contacted me via phone or email despite my attempts to clear the air and get the true story. It will be interesting to see if he shows up at our event tomorrow.

For a good show:

Sunday, June 24th 2:00 PM EP Foster Library 651 East Main Street (you'll get some great training, help register voters, and enjoy Western Style pizza too).

Here's his current list of supporters:

Luke Breit, chairman, Environmental Caucus, California Democratic Party.

Danny Carrillo, Ventura.

Harvey Guthrie, former president of Cambridge Divinity School, former president of Santa Clarita Democratic Club.

Howie Klein, former president of Reprise Records.

Maria Long, retired realtor.

John Rzeznik, songwriter, guitarist and lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls.

Stonewall Democrats of Greater Santa Barbara

Aris Anagnos, real estate magnate

Nancy Andon, Santa Barbara

Yvette Andrade, chair, California Democratic Party Chicano-Latino Caucus; North County vice-chair, Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee

Eugene Andreasen, Camarillo

Angelo Arevalos, Jr., business agent and vice president, Laborers Union Local 220

Anne Bentz, Brett's high school debate coach

Bruce Berger, acclaimed author

Craig Christensen, law professor; former president, Ventura County Democracy for America

Brian Dalton, former president, Dean for America, Ventura

John R. Guthrie, publisher, Chicasaw Plum Journal

Ann Ostrowsky, political activist; co-founder, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Santa Barbara chapter

Ann & David Reich, Ventura

Charles Rice, president, Gay Santa Barbara; 2nd district representative, Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee

Octavio Sifuentes, Mexican American Political Association, Ventura County

Mike Weston, local real estate agent and political activist

Sean P. Keenan, filmmaker and film and television editor

Rose McDermott, professor of political science, University of California, Santa Barbara

Elizabeth Memel

Janey Munoz

Bruce Stein

Ann Teitelbaum, small business owner (Gramma's Place, Simi Valley); past President, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (Canoga Park)

Oh, and did I mention that, on a personal note, the guy didn't even ask if it would be okay to send out my PERSONAL address to a list of people I don't even know?

THESE are all the reasons that our club has seen this as an unethical and unauthorized behavior.

You should youtube it if he shows up on Sunday so we can all see his explanation.

I know it is divisive to go after Wagner but I am not going to support him if he wins the nomination and I will not work for him.

Ask him when the last time he worked at the Naval War College. Ask him for his tax returns. Does the campaign pay him or his partner a salary?

He doesn't seem to work well with Democrats at all. If he can't reach out to the young Democrats without pissing them off and he can't reach out to blogs without pissing them off, and he raises money on false pretenses what type of member of congress would he be?

Mr. Wagner you are truly bad at campaigning. You should apologize right away. But you won't. Instead you will escalate the Democratic infighting again and blame random people for your problems.

Do us a favor and run for something attainable like city council.

How come the only time people in Simi Valley hear of Brett Wagner is when he is feuding with other Democrats?

As long as we are throwing stones at glass houses, would it be too much to ask that Jill Martinez remove the list of endorsements from her current website. If, as she has indicated herself, that she is planning another run for Congress, it is at the very least disingenuous to convey the impression that everyone from former President Clinton to the mail man is firmly in support of her efforts. Ms. Martinez should be proud of the endorsements she earned in 2006 but that was the past. We need forward looking individuals to make a run at Gallegly and not a candidate who would vainly claim party allegiance as a personal endorsement for future endeavors. Are old endorsements like the new "forever stamp"?

As far as Brett Wagner is concerned, as bad a campaigner as he is, you would swear he was a surrogate candidate meant to embarrass the Democrats. In fact, with a wink and a nod to Will Rogers, an organized opposition would run a candidate in the Republican primary to bleed the favored incumbent of some of his war chest and soften him up a bit. I'm sure no Republican would ever think of such a scheme. Michael Tennenbaum where are you?

R.J.,
I wish one of "heir apparent" Republicans for Elton's seat would have enough of a backbone to throw their hat in the ring. There are at least six Elton wanna-be's who keep sitting on their thumbs waiting for Elton to die or something. If they don't have the guts to run now, then they don't have the guts to take on Washington.

I can see why McClintock won't jump in because if term limits get changed then he's still got his sweet deal in the State Senate...

But, yes, where is Michael Tennenbaum? And what about that Becerra guy?

I don't think Becerra has the stomach for DC. He isn't known for any strong stands on issues except glittering generalities like "Public safety" ( Who is against it?) and cracking down on hot dog vendors.

He has played the game endorsing every Republican he thought was a winner. Remember Judy Mikels? Glen, an overwhelming percentage of voters said she had been in office too long but yet you tried to help her stay there. Thanks buddy.

I will wait and see if he ever gets tough with WM about the dump expansion.

Oh, wait. I forgot he already signed a contract to support any expansion plans of theirs.

R.J.,
The folks that endorse Jill Martinez havn't changed their minds. It is "disingenuous" to assume she is losing endorsements at the level and speed the Republicans are.
Who endorses Elton besides Karl Rove?

Party at Heather's house! See Brett Wagner's website for details!!
40 kegs.
Four Bands: Guns and Roses - oringinal crew.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Rolling Stones
Elvis - yes they found him!

It's o.k. to park on the neighbors lawns.
Security provided by: The Hells Angels.

See you all there!!!

See you all there!!

MSV,

What the folks that endorse(d) the Reverend Jill in 2006 haven't changed their minds about is electing a Democrat to Congress in 2008. I maintain that it is both disingenuous and dishonest at this time to claim the allegiance and the endorsement of Bill Clinton for a run in 2008. If Jill Martinez wants to claim past endorsements that is fine. But it's time to get real and real serious about curbing the likes of Rove & Co. I, too, do not want a lap dog or a yes-man in Washington. Martinez needs to run a clean race and she needs to start now.

Dear R.J.,
Bill Clinton endorsed Jill Martinez for the job of Congresswoman for the district. He hasn't changed his mind. He still thinks she is a good fit for the job. Speaking in todays terms she is even a better fit. Why don't you let the people giving the endorsements decide.

Yeah, let's give Uncle Bill a call and see if he even remembers who Jill Martinez is. Does he still keep a little black book?

Why don't you let the people decide without deciding for them what the so-called experts think what the "better fit" is. Typical Democrat.

I don't think you really want to go to the mind of Bill Clinton let alone speak for his endorsements in 2008.

Owen, where are you when I need you?

The only issue is why Brett Wagner continues to piss off Democratic Party activists not because he is too conservative or liberal but because he abuses them and later makes up outlandish stories.

Many people supported him in the past because he was willing to do some work to bring the fight to Republicans. But he has proven highly ineffective and needs to move on.

Brett, if you continue to run without apologizing the media is going to catch on that your own party can't stand you. Then they will ignore you even more. Move on and run for something else like city council.

If you can't deal with young Democrats you can't deal with Republicans in congress.

Go away.

___________Deleted by editor for homophobic gay baiting. Something that we shouldn't expect of a progressive Democrat and something we shouldn't accept by anyone. _________________________________________

Please stop wasting my time by posting trash I need to read over and delete.

Hey! Young Democrats are as tough as Republicans in Congress! :-)

Well, guys...Wagner was a no-show. NO SHOW. No voter registration, no apologies, no clarifications, no nothing. I see he still hasn't put anything up on your page, Brian.

Fortunately, no psychos have come to my home since Wagner sent out my home address to who-knows, but we'll have to see.

Yes, the fundamental problem here is not personal, it is that Wagner is abusive and manipulative to his own people. The Young Progressive Democrats will not support candidates that treat their constituents like this...is is indicative of what he would do if he could actually get elected.

Heather you should support Brett Wagner... Brett Wagner has always been there for the people. He put your address on his website to promote what your doing.
Support Brett Wagner and put his address on your website.
Didn't you hear it's the Democrats new motto. We are here for you....

All piss and no vinegar.

Dear Mainstream Voter,

Try not to wet yourself.

Try not to hurt yourself.

I can only applaud Heather for her efforts in registering new Democrats and in exposing the farce that is Brett Wagner.

I challenge any real Democrat to put their real name down and say they think Brett Wagner is the best our party can do in Ventura County.

Brett, not one Democrat will be there for you unless you are paying them.

What exactly is your job these days?

I HAVE AN IDEA. LET'S TEAM UP AND MAKE THIS THE LONGEST THREAD EVER. POST REASONS WHY BRETT WAGNER IS A BAD CANDIDATE FOR OUR PARTY. STAY ON TOPIC AND USE YOUR REAL NAME OR AT LEAST THE NAME YOU FREQUENTLY POST UNDER.

THIS WAY WHENEVER PEOPLE GOOGLE BRETT WAGNER THEY COME HERE FIRST AND FIND OUT WHY DEMOCRATS IN THE KNOW DON'T WANT HIM TO RUN.

I WILL START.

1. BRETT WAGNER SENT OUT AN E-MAIL PRETENDING TO BE HELPING AN EVENT, THEN HE REFUSED TO APOLOGIZE AND RESPOND WHEN IT WASN'T TRUE. TO TOP THAT ALL OFF HE SENT OUT A YOUNG WOMAN'S HOME ADDRESS. IF THAT WASN'T BAD ENOUGH HE DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER SHOWING UP FOR THE EVENT OR RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS.

2. HE MAKES DEMOCRATS LOOK BAD AND WILL NEVER BE ELECTED FROM THE 24TH DISTRICT.

KEEP IT GOING!

Well, looks like the Primary games have started early in this election cycle.

We have at least 4 candidates considering a run for the Democratic nomination in CD24. Each will be looking for advantage in publicity, fundraising, endorsements, staff, volunteers, and ultimately, votes. Things will be done, in searching for the advantage, that will piss off various groups, people and other candidates. The goal is to not let it get to a point where people need to vent in a high visibility forum, issue press releases and counter releases, and potentially creating divisions within the party that make it harder for us to work as a team in the General.

How endorsements from previous elections are presented, has always been a touchy subject - in both Parties. It goes back to each Candidate jockeying for position. I can't say that I think it's the most ethical way to do things, but I see it done consistently and in many different races.

There are some candidates that I have already endorsed for '08 campaigns, and others, like CD24 and AD37, where I have not and do not anticipate doing so for quite awhile. I want to know who all the players are going to be. I would be very unhappy to see my name being used as an endorsement from a previous campaign.

What we can do better, as a Party, is to not engage in these family squabbles in such a public forum. As Don Vito Corleone said "Never let anyone outside the family know what you're thinking."

Any fighting in public should be directed at these guys------->GOP.
Let's remember to keep our eye on the big prize (getting Dems elected), and focus our energy and efforts towards that goal. That doesn't mean we don't call out our own when they cross the line. It just means that perhaps we can find another way to deal with it. Trust me, I had to learn this one the hard way.

Just my two cents...now follow me...kumbaya my lord, kumbaya...

Laura, will you ask Brett Wagner to at least explain his actions? It seems odd that he is sending out e-mails with volunteers home addresses without asking.

I think Brett Wagner must be told there is zero support for him now so he stops running.

He is the cause of the infighting. What does he contribute that helps Democrats at all?

As I have stated before:

The Young Progressive Democrats will not just sit down and let ANYONE do ANYTHING like this. It is unethical and whether you are a Dem, Rep, Green, Peace and Freedom, or I-don't-know-what, we are not going to just stand by and take it without responding.

This is not typical infighting.

Typical infighting is when you have three or four candidates, everyone chooses a side, and then attack each other on personal grounds, like what color hair they have or what type of hand gestures they use.

Typical infighting is when two Democratic challengers launch attack ads on each other and spend millions of dollars for no reason at all.

Typical infighting is when a group of people release their own press release roughly one year ago attacking someone of their own party on a personal level with little-to-no legitimate evidence to do so because they just don't want him to run.

... ... ...

This is Wagner-style infighting which is, in fact, started and solely caused by him and completely inexcussable. The guy cannot even come out and explain himself or apologize. He is not getting more votes from this, because while he is being talked about at length here, the general public still says "Wagner-who" and when they do read this, they detest him. We are talking about ethical behavior, here, and since it is a primary we should talk about whether or not we want someone of this shade of ethics to represent us.

Falsely claiming to be co-sponsoring an event in which you have nothing to do with, using and abusing a new organization to further your own political gain and fundraise, and unethically publishing people's personal information without permission (by the way, did I mention that not only am I a young, single woman but I also have a 3-year old child to protect) is wrong. We are not Republicans. This behavior is unacceptable.

The thing I find interesting about this is that we, as Democrats, claim to hold all our elected officials up to the highest level of accountability and yet we are just supposed to sit by and take it when people of our own Party do something like this. And just like any other elected club officer, I am held accountable by my club members and asked to respond when something like this happens.

We call ourselves the YOUNG PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS because we actually believe in what we say is behind those three words. Our goal is not to get candidates elected at whatever cost, because what is the point of electing a Democrat to the 24th Congressional District if he is going to act just like a Republican and do things like this? Do you really think that anything would change?

Laura, loved you quoting from Don Vito.

Another quote, perhaps "Don't you know that I would use all of my power to prevent something like that from happening?"

Again, well said Heather. Schmidt is right. You don't have to act like a Republican to beat a Republican.

However, though the race is not always won by the strong or the swift, that is the way to bet.

I think that is important to point out inconsistencies and ethical lapses even if they are found to exist among fellow Democrats. What needs to be avoided at all costs are the politics of the petty and the personal. It's easy to be a name-caller. It's much harder to build bridges and form consensus. But the worst and most unseemly practice of all is to act as if you are building bridges while at the same time stabbing your opponent in the back.

Dems beware, politics is not for the faint of heart. That is why the majority of folks on this blog and and others NEVER USE THEIR REAL NAMES!

I will use my real name.

If Brett Wagner doesn't apologize or explain himself he is going to hurt his campaign even more.

I think what he did was wrong.

Several good points were made on this thread and I certainly understand the frustration expressed. I'd still rather see Dems locking horns with Reps instead of with each other, but I suppose it's unavoidable sometimes, and needs to happen to clear the air. I can only hope that the dialogue will be productive, the name calling and finger pointing kept to a minimum, and the resolution satisfactory for all involved.

With that said, I'll butt out and let those directly involved hash out their differences.

We have a direct reply from Brett Wagner on The Ojai Post.

Tyler,

Did you receive his response Saturday and post it today?

I used to get Brett Wagner's updates. As proof here are some recent entries I wrote after receiving them.

Pain Ray update:

http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/vcs/dennert/archives/2007/04/pain_ray_update.html

Brett Wagner doesn't read blogs:

http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/vcs/dennert/archives/2007/03/brett_wagner_do.html

Brett Wagner jumps back in:

http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/vcs/dennert/archives/2007/03/brett_wagner_ju.html#comments

As you can see i used to receive his e-mails but for some reason I don't anymore. I just signed back up at his website again so we can avoid the problem in the future.

Brett, any ideas how I got dropped?

I have read Brett's response to this on the Ojai Post and am responding here because the Ojai Post for some reason will not "approve" the comments I have posted thanking their other viewers for commenting and answering any of their questions. I hope my comments do make it through at some point.

Brett Wagner has not attempted to contact me or anyone in my club directly regarding this incident. He did not contact us before he sent out his email, he has not contacted us since. As of one minute ago he has not called or emailed anyone in our club.

Similarly, I wish he would not says things like we have "falsely claimed" to not be added to his email list. Fortunately, because we use gmail, I can forward Mr. Wagner the several attempts I have made to contact them and be added to their list, both via email and thru his website. Never happened.

No one from Wagner's campaign showed up on Sunday. Wagner appears in his response to act like he has just now--Monday morning--seen our response. So why didn't he show up? Was his plan to take credit for the event and then do nothing?

He acts as though this is a Ventura County Democrats event, when really the Ventura County Democrats were just spreading on what one of their chartered organizations is doing. Again: Mr. Wagner and his campaign had no right and no authorization to "cut and paste" any parts of any email regarding an event our organization hosted.

I am sorely disappointed that he cannot make the distinction here between personally and inappropriately attacking him and asking him on repeated fronts by a number of people to explain his actions and them responding when he has not done so. I am very upset that our new organization is being subjected to this and that Mr. Wagner fails to contact me directly and apologize to our club for this behavior.

I agree with Laura that we should be locking horns with the Republicans, but this is not typical fighting. Brett Wagner is not invited to any Young Progressive Democrats functions because he has used us in a way that is not Democratic. I am not interested in fighting over whether Brett was justified in doing this or not. He wasn't. This isn't a fight. Wagner did something that is wrong and Democrats should seriously consider whether or not to put support behind someone like that. If not, let's find some better candidates. We want to elect DEMOCRATS, not people that say they are because the Republicans won't let them in the door.

Thank you all for your comments.

Oh, and for the record Brett: yes, capitalizing on our event to send out your own fundraising link is wrong. We aren't fundraising for you or any candidates right now because we can barely afford the email service we sent that email out on. Maybe if you were a little more supportive and didn't try to rake the local Democrats over the coals in abuse like this, they would come out for you as it gets closer to the election.

Oh don't worry things won't be typical.

Brian, the home address is not the main issue but is an issue and I was unaware that the Ventura County Democrats had posted it on their homepage. I have asked them to remove it immediately.

I am a single, young, woman with a 3 year old daughter. I sent my address out to the people on OUR list because I know them and trust them. It has not been posted elsewhere.

Again, Brett has not even so much as sent me an email or picked up the phone to return calls. He isn't interested in settling this or creating "party unity."

Heather Schmidt is doing a great job with this young organization. Nevertheless, Dems have done so poorly because that eat their young and can't find a consensus amongst themselves. I'd move on to the Reps if I were you.

Political groups whether Republican or Democrat only speak for their group. They do not speak for all Democrats or Republicans. They try and pretend they do, but they don't. These groups will try and sabotage other individuals based on their opinions not necessarily yours. Proceed with caution.

I don't see The Ventura County Progressive Young Democrats trying to speak for any other group. In fact, the opposite is true. They are trying to prevent other people from using their voice.

I visited Mr. Wagner's website and I fail to notice what the big deal is about. If this is the worst of your problems you are having way too much fun. We have kids dying in Iraq and we are talking about this?
I am sure there is more to this story than what we are hearing now. It may be a bad sign in regards to Mr. Wagner because he is not responding. It may not...
In any case: We need a list of shame for civic workers that don't show up here and explain themselves every once in a while to the taxpayers. That needs to be done for certain.

Ha ha, I'm all for a little public shaming once in a while :-) Actually, I do think that our elected officials and candidates really do need to remember where they came from and who got them where they are.

Wagner's website is not really the main problem (although he has carried forward endorsements that he does not currently have), it is his conduct and utter abuse of his own people. He is an example of people in the Party that will "eat their young."

I am all for a sit-down with Wagner, but as I said...no word. I would also be up for some sort of a "town hall" in which our club clarifies our positions, our mission, and just WHO we really do speak for and just WHO speaks for us.

And did I mention that we would do it in Simi Valley and that it would be open for questions and open to the Republican firing squad?

Your beautiful when your angry...

Ha ha ha...I know you're not referring to me as angry! I love this!

I'm serious, let's have a town-hall/public round-table...Young Dems are ready to get out there and this would be a great opportunity for candidates and the community to come and see where our organization is going! Brett will be INVITED PERSONALLY to this one, as will Mary, Jill, Dantona the VCDCC the VCRCC, EVERYONE!

Brian, would you cover something like that?

And, hey...I've asked this before: what are your real names?

Easy Mainstream, or you'll be sent to another chatroom without your kool-aid.

Your a perfect example of why they should stop putting alcohol in Geritol.

Do they even still make Geritol? Uck!

Just replying to a couple comments above -

Brian: thanks for the link to The Ojai Post in the update, much obliged. Yes, I received the email on Saturday, but was out of town, and didn't get the chance to post it until this morning.

Heather Schmidt: I have no comment from you in the queue. Comments are generally posted without prior approval on the Post, but are held up if the system thinks its spam or if the comment in question contains at least three links. Either way, there is nothing in the system from you. You are of course welcome and encouraged to participate in the discussion anytime.

Cheers,
Tyler
The Ojai Post

Thanks Tyler! I will either attempt to repost or send them to you via email transmission!

Bloggers are so much more personable and friendly than those talking heads on tv :-)

The reason people are getting fired up about Brett Wagner and not Iraq is because he is running to represent us in congress on issues like Iraq.

I want someone that can win in this district or at least give the Republicans a run for their money. I want someone that can challenge Gallegly or whatever the Republicans put up to give us some reaql answers about the situation in Iraq.

I care about who represents the Democratic party because I am demanding change in Iraq.

I am sorry that you don't want to talk about who represents us or attempts to represent us.

We had a candidate last time that could win but we recieved no help. The "experts" decided we couldn't win and didn't put in a full effort. I percieved them as people that don't have much experience winning anything. They did not help. They thought we were Costco and just picked stuff up and yet they did nothing when we needed help. Some guy laughed when we didn't win and said to me "you expected to win"?!! That's what I had to work with. I would prefer no help this time with my mission to fix America.
Thanks anyways.

That is why the democratic party must unite behind someone with a chance and a plan.

By the way, has Jill Martinez moved to the district yet?

Just checking.

Jill went on vacation for a few weeks.
Elton has been on vacation for twenty years. He loves the lifestyle. That's what he said while veterans suffered at Walter Reed and kids are dying in Iraq.

Your ignorance is only trumped my your cowardice. We could have won and you know it. I can't wait to thump your candidate no matter who it is.

WE (that being the Democrats) will win in the 24th District IF:

1--We find a candidate that is committed to the multi-sided job of running for office. That's speeches, events, phone-call fundraising, and talking with voters.

2--We can convince the "big guns" DCCC, DNC, and all the others that think they know everything that we are in a viable and winnable district so that they will then direct ample funds and resources our way.

How do we do that? Boost voter registration numbers...that's it. That's all they look at...voter trends, voter registration, voter registration changes.

Why did the YOUNG PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS and Vote Blue host a big registration event? That very reason.

So, if Brett and company, and the other wanna-be's for all different offices, would step it up and work on registration with us NOW, we will then be able to throw everything behind THEM when the time comes. Quid pro quo.

Oh, did I mention that Jill came to the Sunday event? So did Ventura City Councilmember Ed Summers...he's not even up for reelection!

Many candidates win without or even in spite of party efforts. Look at Jim Webb. The party wasn't interested in him at the start.

I am glad Jill Martinez showed up. She walks the walk while Brett Wagner just sends out mass e-mails.

Does anyone know what Brett Wagner does for a living?

I do not know what Brett does for a living.

I do know that under his response on the Ojai Post Blog there are two comments. People in Ojai are apparently not as happy about our statement than people elsewhere. In fact, the first comment under Brett's response makes a ton of weird statements about me (in regards to things I have never said about the Democrats and Iraq) and then goes on to swear at me.

Here is my response:

SPK,

You are extremely confused. I have never made any statements in regards to Democrats and the "disappointing" acheivements. Please make sure you are directing your criticisms towards the correct person and not inappropriately tagging words to my mouth that I never said.

Also, if you are going to criticize the actions that our organization (the Young Progressive Democrats) took, could you please use more appropriate language? I don't want to whine like a five year old, but this is professional politics, not a high school rally.

The Young Progressive Democrats of Ventura County do not in any way work in cooperation with or for candidates at this time. In our by-laws we have outlined that our mission is to move a block of young voters and increase youth participation in the political process until our organization has built a more substantial base in the community. Whether you think Mr. Wagner was justified or not in corrupting our email, sending out the information as if he was co-sponsoring the event, and including a campaign contribution link at the bottom, those are your own personal political ethical standards. Not ours. Mr. Wagner has never EVER contacted the Young Progressive Democrats for anything. He has never EVER put us on his email list despite my repeated attempts to do so (I have copies of the emails, Brett). If he ever showed his face at any of our meetings or events, or even took a minute to look at our website, he would know who we are and what we are about.

Candidates were more than welcome to join our club and to participate in the event. But candidates were not welcome to unethically abuse our organization and its purpose.

Again, SPK or anyone else: if you would like to speak with me or anyone in our club in appropriate language, and sighting things that we have actually done and said, please contact us directly at YPDofVC@gmail.com.

Thank you to all on both stories for your comments.

And still Brett Wagner has refused to get a hold of the Young Democrats to sort this out.

Brett, if it is all a simple misunderstanding, why not work it out?

I only support Jill Martinez for Congress. Anybody else is lunch.

I don't determine who I fight based on how easy it is to win.
I make the decision to fight based on how just the cause is.

This mindset may not help in getting rid of Elton, but I have to stick to my guns whether the rest of the party wants to or not. It is too bad "attitude" and "gossip" are making things harder. It shouldn't be that way. Right Brian?

It makes Jill Martinez look really good when her supporters on here are threatening women and party activists, calling people names and challenging people to fights in parking lots.

I know that I wasn't just referred to as a "threatening woman"...I think I may take that as a compliment.

Again, I am representing an organization that is sticking to it's values and concerned in moving a block of voters and increasing youth participation in the political process.

I think that MainStream has a good point, although I'm not going to put my backing behind any Congressional candidate pre-primary. It's too divisive and it would put the YPD members in a position to think that I am acting out of personal bias rather than the true interest of the organization. I agree that the decision to fight in the 24th Congressional district should, however, be based on how just the cause is.

Whether or not the fight is going to be WON, though, is dependent on other factors. If we have a candidate, or a number of possible-candidates, that we want to run and to win and to really represent us in Congress, we need to do the boots-on-the-ground work before the campaign season gets going. In otherwords, voter registration, building a bigger presence of the Democratic party in the community, clearly defining in public through words and action what our positions on particular partisan and non-partisan issues are. This isn't just about talking about why our candidate is so great, it is talking and proving why the Democrats are the future of the 24th Congressional District.

BTW, YPD will be issuing a follow-up statement tomorrow. I will try and post it on here or forward it to Brian.

If anyone has comments or suggestions, please email me YPDofVC@gmail.com

I am a loyal Democrat and I will not support Brett Wagner in the primary or if he somehow wins in the general.

I will vote for Jill Martinez though if she lives in the district. Does anyone know where she lives now?

RJ, I'm in the Caucasus Mountains, with little internet access. There’s quite a bit of invective over what may have been a simple misunderstanding about Wagner’s release. Though I suppose that his unresponsiveness is, at this point, the most damaging aspect of the affair. How did he do in the ‘04 election with the various local Democratic groups? Why did Martinez get the nod in ’06 and not him?

I completely agree about carrying over endorsements from previous elections. The situation on the ground can change drastically, including positions taken and new primary opponents. I would at least understand if they were in a category like “Past Endorsements,� or “’06 Endorsements,� until a candidate got enough current support to warrant posting a new page. Making it seem, however, like one has Bill Clinton’s support for the ’08 race in the district is beyond absurd. We all know that he probably doesn’t have any idea who Martinez is, and just gives a blanket endorsement for all Democratic general candidates.

Owen,

Brett Wagner did not make it past February of the 2006 primary campaign before he dropped out of the race. He and Pallant both withdrew before the last hour of the close of the filing period, Wagner well before Pallant.

Wagner's 2006 Primary Campaign was riddled with speeches about how unfair the Democrats had treated him and he took it so far that at one meeting everyone told him to sit down. No doubt, the Young Progressive Democrats have given him another thing to complain about, but from witnessing his every-move last year, I can promise you it will not garner him any support.

On his FEC filing, he reported $0 in contributions during his 6+ month campaign in 2005-2006. He has not yet opened a filing with the FEC but is still trying to raise funds under his old number.

Looks like another day goes by when Brett Wagner is too busy to respond. If he is this busy now imagine how busy he would eba s a member of congress.

Brett, your heart is in the right place but do you have a few hundred thousand dollars of your own to kick start a campaign? I don't think it is right or fair but you can't go from where you were in 2004 to a winner in 2008 with the same game plan.

The only thing I see so far ( unless Gallegly retires) is that you have managed to alienate democratic group after democratic group. When democratic activists abandon you not because of you issues but because of your campaigning style there is almost no hope you could capture more votes in a Republican county.

You put together a great team when nobody else wanted to do the hard work. But since then you have torn it apart.

Maybe start small. Run for the central committee. Start working to build bridges and an organization again. Run for Ventura City Council.

Only local Democrats out of touch think we can run a candidate with no name ID, none of his own money, and no over the top compelling life story and take out an entrenched incumbent or his hand picked successor who will start with numbers on his side and a bag of cash that would require a borax train of donkeys to carry.

Get to work!

Arleigh Kidd donated to Wagner in 2004. Will he ever donate to him again?

Owen,

Thanks for checking in. I knew you couldn't resist a possible analysis of the mind of Bill Clinton even if you were on the other side of the planet. Say hello to Borat for me.

Keep those Caucasians (is that the right term?) in line while your there and I'll take good care of the locals while your away.

Keep safe, nimble adversary.

And to all good (and sometimes not so good) Democrats out there I have but one thing to say: Let the games begin!

Indeed, they are actual Caucasians, and no, they don’t look like Europeans. Borat is in Kazakhstan, across the Caspian. In fact, he really looks like a Caucasian, and not a Kazakh. Though if Ali G had pretended to be Caucasian, they would have killed him by now – no joke.

Has Brett Wagner called or contacted you yet?

Nope. Disappointing.

Will Rogers was right: "I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat."