The Hannah-Beth Jackson campaign has released a statement on what happened at the protest and what happened afterwards.
To read the full statement click on continue reading.
I haven't seen the full statement from the Strickland campaign or office but I will post it if i do.
What are the chances the story is going away? I say zero.
If your blog is writing or posting about it leave a link.
Contact: Chris Lanier Friends of Hannah-Beth Jackson 2008 Press Release HANNAH BETH JACKSON STATEMENT ON ATTACK OF PROTESTERS Tuesday, June 20, 2008 On Tuesday, June 17th, a state employee on Assemblymember Audra Strickland's staff Joel Angeles attacked several participants of a protest of candidate Tony Strickland's acceptance of massive contributions from the tobacco lobby. Mr. Angeles' attack was provoked only by the protesters' desire to exercise their first amendment rights.Had Joel Angeles been my employee he would have been fired on the spot. There is no justification for anyone, let alone a state employee, to deprive anyone of their free speech rights. A public employee on the staff of an elected representative is committed to protect the constitution on behalf of his employer, the State of California. Assemblymember Strickland has apparently suspended Mr. Angeles for a month. It is incomprehensible that someone with such a long history of service with Audra and Tony Strickland as Mr. Angeles would not understand the public's basic constitutional rights and the responsibilities of a public official. Audra and Tony Strickland should ensure that he has no future role in fulfilling their public responsibilities or campaigning for public office.
I have asked everyone associated with my campaign to respect our opponent's right to express their views, and believe that the public has the right to a full debate on the issues that face us in this election. The choice of who will represent the 19th Senate District next year is far too important to allow bullying or intimidation to disrupt the process.
-- Hannah-Beth Jackson, June 20th, 2008
Hannah-Beth Jackson served in the California State Assembly from 1998-2004 during which time she authored over 60 pieces of legislation that were signed into law by both Republican and Democratic governors, improving public education, increasing public safety, improving access to health care, protecting the environment as well as protecting the rights of consumers. She is the Democratic Party nominee to replace term-limited State Senator Tom McClintock in an open seat in the 19th Senate District, which includes large parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and a small portion of Los Angeles County, and cities of Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Camarillo, Moorpark, Lompoc, Ojai and many others.
I agree. He should be fired. Never should have been there in the first place. Keeping him on gives Masry's campaign plenty of ammunition.
I suspect Joel Angeles doesn't want to get fired. He is not only a state employee but a paid political consultant to both campaigns. He knows too much and is probably holding both Stricklands hostage. Masry and Jackson have received a gift that evidently will keep giving.
Why would he want to get fired?
Angeles behaved like a monster. He ran through the protesters body slamming anyone he could get to until the police arrived. Learning that he is Chief of Staff to Strickland was very troubling. If he remains as Chief of Staff, it says a lot about the character of the Stricklands.
In Joel Angeles's case, his wants might matter. Most other cases, it doesn't. That might explain why he was only put on leave - the Stricklands are scared to do the right thing - which is to fire him. This could cost them the election(s) but then again they might need him that badly. Or he might be too intertwined.
Brian,
You might ask the VC Star about bringing back the trackback link function to typepad.
Anyway here is my trackback link to my post:
http://flapsblog.com/2008/06/22/hannah-beth-jackson-watch-blows-more-smoke-over-tobacco-company-protest/
This one is much more accurate:
http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/mlakin/archives/2008/06/tony-strickland-searching-for.html
Doesn't add up, Flap. Hope you're better at root canals.
I think you better hit the sack CP-812. You're starting to hallucinate!
It appears to me getting the truth from Flap is like pulling teeth.
Latest Newsweek poll, Obama 51%, McCain 36%. Remember the Strickland's and any republican supported by the VCRCC are in lock step with Bush, throw all these bums out in November!!!!!
Arnold Schwarzenegger has told the Sycuan band of Indians that they can delay their 30 million dollar payment to the cash strapped state of California for one year, despite voter approval of the gaming pacts. Arnold's announcement came shortly after he received a $45,000 donation from the Sycuan Indians to his campaign account for a re-districting scheme he is planning for November. Tony and Audra Strickland have also received millions from tribes that are into the gambling rackets. The Strickland's and the VCRCC backed the indian gaming pact schemes this past year.
I delete comments referring to a candidate's looks. If you see a comment and it hasn't been deleted please bring it to my attention.
There is an argument that I should leave them up to show how sad attacks are like that but I'd rather not have that on here.
Thanks.
To be fair I have seen both sides attack a candidate for the way they look. If you see a comment that goes over the top send me an email and I will delete it.
Someone left a comment on my blog that Joel Angeles was just seen in Sacramento with Audra Strickland. The commenter indicated that this was reported by two Republicans. If this is the case, then the "month leave" was not actually truthful.
He isn't allowed to visit the capitol and talk to long time friends? How about proof.
You did not really believe that Angeles was placed on unpaid leave did you? Give me a break. These are the Stricklands we are talking about, two of the most unethical politicians in the history of California.