I don't think he is the leader of Ventura County Republicans. Ventura County Republicans didn't have a choice in the primary. He won the election by 900 votes. His mail pieces for the most part did not identify him as a Republican. He said he wasn't partisan - now it is time for him to act accordingly. Is he the leader - maybe for a few people. So far shaping the local party has caused the county to go blue but then maybe that is his vision.

Katie,

Who is the leader then? He has raised the most money, sent the most mail, had the largest campaign staff, organized the most precinct walks, had the most phone calls made, and pulled in the most volunteers of any Republican in recent Ventura County history, if not ever.

In addition to all of that his wife is current an Assembly Member, and his ally Jeff Gorell is leading in the assembly campaign for 2010. The other high profile Republican, Peter Foy is an ally of his too.

Who would be the leader, if not Ton Strickland? Rep. Gallegly? I don't think so. Tom McClintock? He isn't from here anymore.

Tony Strickland is the local shot caller for Republicans. He even got the endorsement of Republicans that said privately they didn't like his politics. They didn't stand up to him because they knew he is influential locally.

He is the de facto leader of Ventura County Republicans.

Hanna Beth has no one but herself to blame for this missed opportunity. Shame on her for letting ego cloud her judgement and jumping into a race she could not win. Now everyone that went out on the line for her is screwed. Good job Hanna Beth.

How is it that she couldn't win? Maybe if people like you helped instead of complaining she would have won! She came within 1,000 votes, which isn't doesn't prove she could not have won.

Also, learn to spell her name correctly.

The democrats had a registration advantage, plus a huge turnout for Obama. HBJ ran a lousy campaign and couldn't take advantage of a huge opporunity to win SD19. She was a weak candidate who did a poor job in developing support in the east county. Once again local democrats manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Mill she just lost despite millions of dollars and a strong democratic presidential ticket. That does prove she couldn't win.

Hey Reality Check: What are the numbers for the 19th Senate District?

Stuck with Tony: She was outspent and didn't unite some activists like you to support her.

How does she figure this is a heavily Republican district? Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans in SD19.

Post the numbers then.

But beside the numbers you really think it is a liberal district?

It was HBJ's race to lose. Lose it she did. End of story.

The voters of D19 who were hoping for Sacramento to break the legislative deadlock have just voted into office one of the organizers of that deadlock. Go figure!

SD-19 is a district gerrymandered for a Republican. For a Democrat to come within 900 votes of victory is remarkable.

I would say every Democratic activist who DIDN'T help her is screwed. You get to live with your guilt. In a race this tight, every vote and every volunteer really counted.

Enjoy Tony. You deserve him.

Brian, I don't think Reps have a "leader" right now - we are too busy gutting ourselves. A leader would have a mandate and that didn't occur. If the outcome was reversed, I would be saying the same thing about HBJ.

SD19 just became a Dem district but this may have been a transient moment due to Obama running. It has been a gerrymandered safe district for Republicans and for many years has had a Republican advantage.

Prediction: The Reps will continue to lose numbers both locally and in the state.

First, I dont know the exact numbers, but the district is around even for dems to reps.

Second, in the year of the messiah, obama, exhibited by Tom McClintock's almost loss in a 15% rep edge district, I'd have to say that Tony's win is pretty impressive. A LOT of independents had to like Tony's record since they put him over...alot of reps didnt vote because of the presidential race this year.

Third, if you look at the third party expenditures (such as the trial lawyers), you will find that HBJ was NOT outspent by Tony.

Fourth, for those of you who are so upset about Tony using the renewable energy executive ballot designation, I wonder if you're just as upset about HBJ NOT using the Divorce Attorney ballot designation.

Fifth, Katie, you are truly a bitter old woman. You did everything you could to bring down reps in this county. You are a fence rider and have NO principles. You are not a rep nor are you a dem. I can say that I at least have respect for dems who believe in their principles.

ALLOW ME TO PREDICT RIGHT NOW THAT KATIE, LESLIE AND THEIR LITTLE CENTRIST ORG WILL DISAPPEAR OVER THE NEXT 2 YEARS. The HBJ people who pumped it up over the last 2 years so as to defeat Tony will no longer pay ANY attention to it. It will die.

Congratulations Tony! Your victory is a testament to how much you are liked and respected in our community.

the republicans didn't stay away, they all came out to vote for prop 8. had that not have happened we would have won this district.

We're talking about a swing of 450(?) votes that would have tied the race. What did HBJ fail to do to grab those votes?

There's a big difference between money raised and spent BY a campaign and money spent ON a campaign. I keep hearing that HBJ was "outspent" by Strickland. When you consider independent expenditures and money from the state party, it was actually Strickland who was outspent.

Ishy - it is you who sounds like a bitter old woman. You need to get over me and Leslie et al and read the tea leaves. We are a blue county, the independents are the fastest growing voter block, 10's a millions of dollars was spent on them, etc. GET A CLUE!!!

There is no way you can honestly put a positive spin on the HBJ loss. The was no incumbent advanatage to overcome. Democrats actually had a alight registration advantage. And despite the claims that she was outspent, more money was actually spent by Jackson and her supporters, so there was no spending advantage by Stickland. Both had previously been elected to public office, so there was no name recognition or experience advantage.

In Ventura County Obama won by a 12% margin, and in Santa Barbara County his margin of victory was 22%. It was a high turnout election, which should favor a democratic party candidate. Clearly a lot of people who voted for Obama also voted for Stickland. Jackson ran a lousy campaign that relied too heavily on smear attacks against Strickland but didn't establish her own message and vision. She never connected with conservative or independent voters and didn't focus nearly enough effort on the east county. In a historic election where voters were looking for change it was her election to lose and she lost it.

As for Katie, she does indeed come off as bitter. Her past predictions show that she has no clue about voters or political trends since she is wrong almost all the time. Local democrats have propped up her "centrist" organization because it has become nothing more than a whiney attack machine against republicans. But it will always remain an insignificant fringe organization.

Strickland's win was a testament to how you can run a campaign based completely on outright fabrications and win. He lied about his own record; he lied about HBJ's record. Voters just didn't have enough time to wade through the BS.

He also manipulated Yes on 8 voters and appealed directly to the religious right by telling them to "go back to their flocks" to help him out.

He intimidated into silence those in his own party who didn't want to endorse him.

It's the worst sort of politics and nobody wins in an atmosphere where this is allowed to prevail.

CAPC must be doing something right because the left-wing Dems think it is a Republican outfit, and the right-wing Reps are convinced it is a Dem outfit! The vast middle is laughing at the nutcases that have infiltrated both parties.

Both Strickland and HBJ should be embarrassed. Trying to spin it otherwise is counterproductive and will not move anything forward.

So Brian, now that the elections are over who do you think leads the Dems? Steve Bennett? Joe O'Neil (the new Dem Chairman)? Pedro Nava?

I keep seeing numbers twisted by dishonest and/or lazy people. I don't care how much a presidential candidate won Ventura or Santa Barbara County when looking at the outcomes of this campaign, I want to know how they did in SD 19.

So, back to it. What are the actual numbers for those questions?

Republicans stay home because of the presidential race? Yet another guess or fabrication. Democrats know California wasn't in play but we showed up too.

HBJ earned money and paid taxes as an educator. TS employs government employees for his company that has done next to nothing.

All these recriminations are pretty silly. Anytime you have a very close race, the losing side will be spinning "what might have been" scenarios as to what little extra effort or shift in campaign tactics might have switched the outcome. The winning side will be basking in the glow of victory, feeling that they successfully withstood everything the opposition could possibly throw against them.

Of course a switch of 452 votes would have totally switched everyone's moods. Democrats would be giddy and congratulating HBJ on her fabulous campaign, while Republicans would have been castigating Tony for losing a Republican-gerrymandered seat.

I've been involved in extremely close winning and losing campaigns in the past, and I know what it's like.

My advice to both sides is to have have a cry or celebrate, as the case may be, and then let it go. Somebody had to win and somebody had to lose. Both sides deserve credit for a hard-fought campaign, but it's over now.

Daniel - that was beautifully said. Couldn't agree more.

IMHO HBJ lost for several reasons

Prop 8 Zealots GOTV-Anyone go to the Moorpark Country Days parade, spooky?

Boy Scouts were given community service credit to go to homes and ask them to display Prop 8 signs

She sent out 6 flyers about being pro-choice which Prop 8 voters most likely did not support- it was overkill

She used campaign staff that was not from the area and didn't understand East COunty or respect us

She did not properly motivate or thank her volunteers and made little direct contact with her volunteers-we were handled by staff

She started her campaign too late

She should have challenged TS ballot designation

Starry eyed Obama supporters used her campaign HQ to call voters in other states for Obama

Not Parke, this is all classic Jackson. Poor campaign strategy again and again. She is also a very aloof person who lacks communication and people skills. She thought she could win on ideology alone. It obviously didn't work.

Coulda, shoulda, woulda though. Bottom line is the Dems needed a better candidate.

I am glad that MF agrees that Tony Strickland was beatable.

Not Parke,

We had plenty of places to make phone calls from besides HBJ Headquarters in Simi Valley. We were invited so that the campaign could talk to some of our volunteers and get them to also help their campaign. It was smart of the HBJ to invite them to use their office space a few times.

Calling other states was very effective. It helped Barack Obama win. I don't see that as starry eyed at all.

I agree the campaign wasn't effective at bringing in young people inspired by the Barack Obama campaign. The problem I saw was the long gap between the protest in June and the fall campaign.

The staff members I talked to at the Simi Valley HQ seemed very competent.

I agree with most of Daniel's comments.

I was not criticizing Obama supporters HBJ was smart to share her offices, but her staff was not good at harnessing their energy to support her campaign.

Although her staff member at Simi Valley was competent his hands were often tied, there were many omissions in contacting and motivating key people.

The teacher's union was also very absent for HBJ's campaign I didn't see more than a few hours of volunteer work from teachers on HBJ's behalf. It takes more than showing up at a party, they needed to write letters to the editor, friends and neighbors, phone bank and precinct walk. School Board trustee's also did little to help it takes more than putting your name on a paper. When the school's are faced with the budget cuts that Strickland will support I hope teachers will remember that they had a chance to make a difference to support their school's and their jobs.

On the other hand SEIU and the firefighters did a great job.

Strickland will advocate for more charter school's and our public school's will suffer as a result. If our teacher's unions don't get their act together and give grassroots help to candidates, than they will eventually go the way of the American Car manufacturers and education will be privatized.

I think that VC Republicans are suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, they are now defending their captorS. The Strickland machine are dictators and our local electeds fear them and help them only because they need power or money or social status.

There are never any real serious contenders against Simi Valley City Council elected's, anyone who might be qualified to run against them would be ostracized.

Why did our city council have to spend so much money when their opponents didn't raise any money. Why did Simi Valley City Council spend $40,000 of taxpayers money to have the last race on the ballot when it was uncontested?

I say in the next election candidates forego raising money to promote themselves and instead use their campaign to raise money for local charities. Whichever candidate rasies the most money for local charities to help the community will receive the most press and hopefully voters will recognize the candidates commitment to their community and vote for them for their ability to support local non-profits that are important to them.

The Vineyards and the Committee to Elect....can have a fundraiser for "The Free Clinic" with the candidates supporters volunteering. It's a win win for the community and donors who will be able to write of their donation.

I would also like to point out that the majority of the mail that the SD19 consituents received from both candidates benefited Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Both candidates also hired the majority of their consultants from outside the SD19.. Am I the only person that was irked about that?

Let's press them not to appoint the next replacement with someone that will then run for election as an incumbent.

Tony Strickland has one thing going for him. Tony Strickland is a bad boy. Having Pastors roughed up, the tobacco money, the gambling connections, topped off with no conscience whatsoever... It's tough to fight someone like that. Especially while being a nice person and not attacking Tony's Greg Totten VCRCC connections.

Looking forward there are no safe seats for local Republicans. Someday enough people will know the truth about them. Maybe it takes a little more Tony for them to figure it out and Elton doing nothing as usual to figure it out.

Nobody seems highly bitter here. Nobody should join up with Katie and form the "Two-Person Strickland-Hater Association." Why don't you losers focus on getting a better candidate next time instead of lamenting and crying in your beer about what wickedness the Stricklands are going to reign upon the world?

Get a life for God's sake!!!

Not Parke,

Strickland's support for charter schools is a boon rather than a bane. Charter schools are extremely viable options these days and perhaps the last hope for the educational advancement of our children. The California public school system has let us down completely over the years and has proven itself time and again to be an ineffectual, bloated, bureaucratic nightmare that, no matter how much money gets thrown at it, will never do what it is intended to do - educate our kids!

...and here I thought you folks were trying to reach across the aisle.

Beware of weasels in tiger's clothing.

I attended my second Strickland victory party tonight. The first one was the night after the election. But this one was definitely a lot sweeter.

Go Tony!!!

Katie... Who did you vote for?

Where was the party at? A private residence or another place? Was Peter Foy there? What about Elton Gallegly?

I hear Gallegly wasn't a big Strickland supporter before but he should at least be polite to the local party leader.

For those whining about supposed "ballot designation dishonesty", try looking to your own candidate first. Educator? Come on, HBJ's should have been "Divorce Attorney".

This was a very rare election with turnout and Obamamania. Obama voters DID NOT flock to HBJ despite what I believe was somewhere around a 10 point win in the district. That is a true testament to how Tony ran his campaign and what alot of constituents think about him.

HBJ hasn't been a practicing attorney for more than 10 years; her most recent income came from teaching. Strickland's dishonest ballot designation was only designed to fool voters into thinking he was something he is not. From the false Independent label to the phony ballot designation to distorting his opponent's record he lied through his teeth to win. Anybody who voted for him doesn't know him. But they will soon.

Ishy,

Stop making up numbers and post them.

Why is it that when a democrat wins an election liberals proclaim that it was the will of the people, but when a republican wins the same liberals whine that voters were somehow tricked into voting the wrong way? You guys are a bunch of self-righteous crybabies and sore losers. Get over it, we had an election and the voters have made their decision. I'm sick of the eight years of whining about GWB. Get over it. The same applies to Peter Foy's victory over Jim Dantona, the passage of Prop 8, and the recent election of Tony Strickland. We live in a democracy, and this is how the process works. We may have disagreements, but once the election is over the people have spoken and we move on.

I didn't vote for Obama, but I accept the outcome of the election and he is my president. I will fully support him and I will hope and pray for his success. I'm not bitter, and I certainly won't sit around for the next 4-8 years whining over the election results. It is my hope that the Obama presidency is so successful that I will have no problem voting for his re-election in '12.

WOW...

I one thousand percent agree with you bubba. That doesn't happen often.

I really couldn't agree more. I didn't vote for Obama either but I really hope the man does a great job and can help our country.

Excellent post on all of the above.

Obama didn't have to lie to win-Strickland did.

Dennert Bloggers All:

An interesting tour-de-force of observations, oscillations and opinions regarding this thread.
Now that the "fat-lady" has sung in this, the "Mother of All State Senate" campaign operas, it is clear that the voters of the 19th SD have spoken with the finality of their collective political judgment.

And based on the posts above, there is no shortage of opinions on what HBJ and TS may have done right or wrong that lead to this result. And, not surprisingly, I may have a few of my own which may be expressed later, in the fullness of time.

However, at this moment in time while the victory is sweet for TS and his supporters and the sting of defeat still sore for HBJ and hers, it might behoove us all to reflect on the sage words of Teddy Roosevelt who said the following in his “Man in the Arena� speech on April 23, 1910.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.�

HBJ and TS deserve our respect for their respective decisions to enter into the campaign arena as political adversaries and worthy combatants. And, their friends, and strong supporters who stood by them until the end, deserve mighty thanks and gratitude from both HBJ and TS for all of the dedication, hard-work and loyalty showed to them during this grueling campaign.

Best of luck to them all. And for my part, I hope that on the issues that matter most to the voters of the 19th SD, Tony Strickland moves beyond pugilistic politics and toils mightily in the garden of governance on behalf of the common good.

NostraDemus

Here's another Roosevelt quote for ya...

"A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education."

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.
Theodore Roosevelt

I guess that settles it. Close the colleges.

The post from NostraDemus shows insight and a kind spirit at the end of the campaign. The quote from the next TR fan is just off topic.

And in the famous words of writer/broadcaster Don Cook, which were first uttered in 1978 at an NBA playoff game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Bullets: "The opera ain't over 'til the fat lady's sung."

Well, folks, she has certainly sung in the SD-19 race. Shall we move on now?

More TR:

As to closing the colleges, I say, "Poppycock!"

Except, of course, those which churn out mindless bureaucrats and soul-less zombies.

Such over-priced collegiate real-estate most assuredly could be put to a higher and better societal use.

As to the apparent congruence of the subjects of theft and theocracy, referenced by TR and More TR, T.S. Elliot has proffered what I think was the best quote.

He said, "...Intellect invents. Genius steals..."

NostraDemus

Maybe, but sex sells...

Here Here NostraDemus

Excellent post!

Gopblondie:

Thank you for your gracious grading of my post.

It is always a pleasure for a Democratic gentlemen to receive a gracious cyber-compliment from a Republican lady.

Let us hope that in the the pursuit of our putative future cyber-discourse, we may disagree without being disagreeable.

But then again, if and when we engage and debate over political issues in the future, only time and our cyber-behavior will tell the tale.

In the meantime, here is hoping that you and your family experienced the blessings of Thanksgiving and will experience the joys of Christmas.

Ciao Commendatora

NostraDemus

You're too cute...

Our cyber behavior will always be nothing less that cordial and delightful. We may not always agree but I am nothing less than respectful to people who deserve all of my respect! Especially yourself. You and bubba are by far my favorite readers

Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Merry Christmas to you too!

Lady GOPblondie

:)

It is a truly sad day for the people of this state senate district. Tony the Phony Scumbag Strickland is as useless as a comment from Bubba Kidd! With the two Strickland idiots in Sacramento it guarantees that the people of this District will have no representation as these two losers only care about representing themselves and the special interests and far right extremists they represent. I urge everyone to wear black tomorrow to show that the Stricklands are worthless!

See the live link map of SD19 with the my name here as commenter.

Considering how so close the vote was in Ventura County, all this means is that Strickland is the Senator for Santa Clarita.

Fillmore and Santa Paula in Ventura County are OUT of the District, but further upriver Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County is IN the District.

Just like his daddy McClintock, Strickland will not give a chit about Santa Barbara County and we will remember that.

And Fillmore and Santa Paula protested vigorously against being saddled with George Runner, voting for Democrat Bruce McFarland by an almost 2-to-1 margin. Most of Oxnard is represented by Fran Pavley.

If you live in a district with a Strickland elected you are un-represented unless you are a member of the Christian Coalition, a far far right extremist, an indian casino, tobacco company or oil company. Ever wonder how the Strickland's bought a multi-million dollar mansion in Moorpark, even though they are both career politicians who have never had a real job?

Don't know where you think you're getting your information, Bubbo, but it's obvious to me you're lying through your teeth. The Stricklands live in a modest house in Moorpark, on a block they share with teachers, postal workers, other professionals, and various other middle class people. I've been there on several occasions. Hardly a mansion.

I am also neither a member of the Christian coalition, a far right extremist, nor do I work for an Indian casino, a tobacco company, or an oil company. I'm just a middle-of-the-road Republican who recognizes a good, solid individual who will represent the interests of those of us in the 19th District that are tired of paying endless taxes and fees to Sacramento so they an fritter it away on the next pet project those starry-eyed Democrats come up with (even though we don't have the money to pay for it).

That's why "Taxin' Jackson" lost. Most people recognized her for what she is - a tax and spend liberal from Santa Barbara. No thanks, Bubbo.

Now go eat some crow for me. Go ahead - chomp, chomp, chomp. There you go. Now how does that taste?

Strickland Supporter,
Wasn't it the "middle of the road" Republicans that caused all this mess in the first place? The "middle of the road" Republicans allowed a perverted violent religious sect to take over their party. The "middle of the road" Republicans elected G.W. Bush as President? How exactly are you planing to win anyone over saying you're a "middle of the road" Republican?

Tony Strickland is a crow McNugget at best. have a whole bucket of fried crow... Original... . Dig in.

Has everyone gotten their frustrations and gloating out of their system? Daniel made a very good point. I feel badly for my friends that worked so very hard on the HBJ campaign.

This was a tough race and I always thought that it would end up being won or lost in the eastern part of the district. The muscle and population is here.

Was the result disappointing? Yes. Was I surprised? No.

This district desperately needs to be redrawn. I read blogs during the campaign where disparaging things about "the east" were said by people up in Santa Barbara, complaining about how they had nothing in common with "the GOP monkeys" in this end of the district. Conversely, the eastern part of the district feels it has nothing in common with "the liberals" in Ojai and Santa Barbara. Neither is happy, and you only end up with a bitterly divided constituency.

I don't know how Prop 11 will work out, but as it stands now, Ventura County would make a neat little package for a stand alone Senate district, from the standpoint of voter registration numbers. You could cut out the LA county side (Santa Clarita) and Santa Barbara county, and pull in Oxnard, Santa Paula & Fillmore. You'd have about 425,000 registered voters, fairly evenly split between Dems & Reps. It's ridiculous to have Oxnard in a district with Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the Valley. They belong with the rest of us in Ventura County.

I agree with Laura on this one - Ventura County desperately needs to be redrawn and without the influence of people in office.

Strickland supporter you are lying through your teeth! The Strickland's have a multi-million dollar mansion in Moorpark, I doubt you can see it from the Overpass you live under!

Bubbo, your infantile behavior never ceases to amaze me. You need to get over your separation anxiety and psychological dependence on Hannah-Beth and her spending addiction. Sounds like you two belong in the same 12-step program.

It will be OK though. Life goes on after setbacks like this. There, there, now my Bubbo. It'll be allright...

We will have to wait until after the census and 2010 election to see the new districts. It will be interesting to see how they shape up.
One thing I believe they will be doing is "nesting" two Assembly districts in one Senate district.
I happen to live in that Oxnard Assembly district that includes Malibu and Santa Monica, and the Senate district that includes Malibu and Beverly Hills. Communities of interest? Don't think so.

And my Congressional District worms its way all the way up the coast (sometimes only as wide as a football field) to the Monterey County border. Now I know Prop. 11 didn't include Congressional districts - but that should be the next thing on the ballot!

Bubbo, as your beloved hero, Gavin Newsome, said in his famous quote (which was instrumental in helping Prop. 8 pass, by the way): "Whether you like it or not, he's your elected representative in the State Senate."

Hilarious, SS.

I agree. Bubbo seems a bit confused here. I think he's been watching too many monster movies.

Mansion in moorpark lol

jeez..

You should see Hannah Beth's MONTECITO home..

Please keep comments about people's looks off of my blog.

If you see an offending comment please email me.

Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog.

http://www.independent.com/news/2008/dec/04/did-prop-8-affect-jackson-strickland-race/

That headlines a laugh. What did Tony accomplish in 6 years in the legislature? Nothing. Audra was one of only 2 who had no legislation passed last session. The sad part is that Ventura County's Sacramento legislators have no influence in Sacramento, get nothing accomplished and are viewed as irrelevant. Yet, they spill the same old generic lines, without any specifics (taxes are bad, police are good, illegal immigration is bad, we like kids and schools) to fool enough people to get them elected. They havent accomplished anything on any of those topics at the state level. Ventura couny voters get what they deserve; a whole lot of nothing. The lack of any political clout is evidenced by the loction of the proposed prison hospital; a coincidence? hardly

Then who is the leader of the Republican Party in Ventura County?

The only thing the election proved is that Tony is the biggest liar in Ventura County. Why is Brian so obsessed with power? Tony is a freshman senator in a Democratic-dominated legislature. He couldn't get anything done before and he won't again. We can look forward to four more years of ZERO representation.

I blog about elections and politics. It seems obvious why I am interested in influence.

I didn't say he was the most powerful legislator, but the most powerful Republican. It is clearly either him or Elton Gallegly at this point. Which do you think is more influential?

Wow, there sure is plenty of sour grapes to go around here. You Strickland-haters are beginning to sound a lot like the "No on 8" crowd. Things don't go your way and you all throw a big hissy fit.

Why can't you accept the will of the people and move on? Maybe we can get more accomplished that way.

Neither. They both have accomplished next to nothing in their careers. A well-known female politician once said men are in politics for the power and women are in it to effect change. Why don't you ask which Republican has done more for the people? My vote is for Katie. She's been pretty good at exposing the dishonesty and crookedness of the Strickland machine. Now there's a Republican I'd vote for. Run Katie run.

Who Cares, what a sexist point of view. Men are only in it for the power? This hearkens back to the old theory of men lacking confidence in the size of their penises. Pretty darn archaic, if you ask me.

As far as Katie goes, she seems to be suffering from schoolyard rejection syndrome. She's just bitter because she had a falling out with the County Repubs, so she's expressing it by attacking the Stricklands at every given opportunity. Pretty sad, if you ask me. And certainly not good leadership qualities that would qualify her for public office, unless she's hoping to become the next John Flynn (arguing with and backbiting everyone that crosses her path).

Now who exactly would vote for Katie? Too far right for the Dems, too far left for the Republicans. Even DTS's lean one way or the other. Hmmm ... afraid that leaves Katie on an island all by herself.

Flamo,

Who is the more powerful politician:

Elton Gallegly or Tony Strickland?

Well that's a fine theory, Strickland Supporter, about the male confidence issues. I heartily agree. I believe you've hit on something here. That might explain all the deep dark inner workings of the Republican Central Committee as well.

Brian,

I'm going to have to go with Tony. He's younger, more energetic, and is well on his way to establishing a political dynasty in the County.

Elton is still extremely popular and well-respected, but I'd give the edge to Strickland.

It is true that Gallegly is at the end of his career and won't be doing much in the minority as he hasn't shown an ability to pass much legislation or work extensively with Democrats. He might be respected among Republicans but there aren't that many left after the last few elections.

It looks like I agree with the above comment, Strickland at least has years left of being in office when things can happen.

And one more thing here -- Katie Teague certainly wins "The Best Carroll Dean Williams Impression Award" for her performance during this past election.

The above post was not made by me but if we are handing out awards I nominate Mike Gibson aka Mongo Flamo for both the cyber stalker and cyber bully of the year awards.

Your above post made me crack up!

Which One? I liked the Carroll Dean Williams comparison myself.

Of course you would like your own post the best!

Hey Brian, how about a thread on some of the inductions? How was Ventura County Board of Education last night with Mark Lisagor and Ramon Flores? Pretty sweet I imagine.

Also, now that Irene Pinkard has been sworn in at Oxnard City Council, her replacement needs to be appointed on the Oxnard Union High School school board. That should be interesting. Is it going to be a Camarillo or Oxnard resident? Pro-Unification or not? Neutral on the subject?

Mark Lisagor took the right approach on Unification - unlike his opponent. He remained neutral on the subject.

Of course you would like your own post the best!

Hey Brian, how about a thread on some of the inductions? How was Ventura County Board of Education last night with Mark Lisagor and Ramon Flores? Pretty sweet I imagine.

Also, now that Irene Pinkard has been sworn in at Oxnard City Council, her replacement needs to be appointed on the Oxnard Union High School school board. That should be interesting. Is it going to be a Camarillo or Oxnard resident? Pro-Unification or not? Neutral on the subject?

Mark Lisagor took the right approach on Unification - unlike his opponent. He remained neutral on the subject.