It won't surprise many of my regular readers but The California Association of Political Centrists ( CAPC ) leadership isn't exactly huge fans of Tony Strickland and his politics. They released their ratings for the most contested election happening in Ventura County this season.
Katie Teague or Leslie Cornejo, could you or other CAPC members answer a few questions?
1. How did you come to this decision? Did you meet in person? Vote on it? Was it more of a consensus?
2. How has former State Assemblymember Dr. Keith Richman been involved in the group lately? Do you think that his past political positions as a moderate have made it harder on your group? He has upset people on the left and the right locally.
3. What other positions do you plan on rating this election season?
4. I am surprised that Neal Andrews hasn't spoken out about this election. I know he is a leader for McCain in Ventura County. He must have something to say about the state senate campaign.
5. How would the group rate the governor's tenure thus far? If you want, speak for yourself instead of the group.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAPC Ranks Senate Candidates
October 6, 2008 Camarillo , CA , In the analysis of the 19th Senate District race, the California Association of Political Centrists (CAPC) experienced some difficulty in ranking the two candidates Hannah-Beth Jackson and Tony Strickland as to their demonstration of support for our mission of reaching across the aisle to solve the common problems of Californians as well as election reform. Both held prior office in the Assembly during particularly partisan times and voted party line. In this election, where 18-20% of the voters are registered as Declined to State (DTS) party, both candidates are campaigning to earn the centrist/independent swing vote that will decide this race. However, it is Jackson that has made a concerted effort to engage the moderates and centrists - the broad middle, while Strickland and his campaign have worked to undermine the political influence of the independent, centrist voter. This appears to have been taken into consideration as the CAPC members rated these candidates. Following is the CAPC ratings scale:
Unfavorable
Neutral
Favorable
Very Favorable
Votes and written opinions of the entire CAPC membership were solicited in the rating process. The final decision was made by compiling and averaging the votes and opinions of all member respondents.
Hannah-Beth Jackson (D) - Neutral
Tony Strickland (R) - Unfavorable
It is the hope and expectation of the CAPC that the candidate that prevails in this race will improve the political tenor in Sacramento , foster civil debate with fellow legislators and work towards reasonable solutions as he or she serves the people of the 19th Senate District.
The California Association of Political Centrists (CAPC) was formed two years ago by a group of Republicans, Democrats and independent political activists with the purpose of educating voters, promoting election reform and giving a voice to the broad middle, the independent and unaffiliated registered voters that have recently been excluded from the political process. For more information please go to our website: www.politicalcentrists.com.
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Contact: Katie Teague, President, CAPC
1. As per the press release "Votes and written opinions of the entire CAPC membership were solicited in the rating process. The final decision was made by compiling and averaging the votes and opinions of all member respondents."
2. Keith Richman is (as all our members) very valued and supports the CAPC mission.
3. Ratings and Press release should come out in the next day or so. It is in the works so I won't know the answer for sure until it is processed.
4. Only Neal Andrews can speak for Neal Andrews.
5. CAPC members have never been asked about the governer. I personally didn't vote for him but think he has done a good job in a tough state.
I noticed that Mike Bradbury is a very prominent endorser of Mark Lisagor! He's on his website. Mike endorsed Ventura Mayor Christy Weir last year, too.
CAPC is irrelevant, with a capital "I."
Why did you read this and feel the need to comment if it is irrelevant?