Republican State Assembly candidate Jeff Gorell has received orders to deploy to Afghanistan. Here is the Ventura County Star news story with the details.
If this had come up earlier in the campaign it would be a serious issue for discussion. But at this date all I have to add is my hopes for Jeff Gorell, his family, and other members of our armed forces. The war in Afghanistan is full of difficult questions. This election should remind us of the consequences of our choices.
Jeff Gorell and Ferial Masry have run a classy campaign against each other. I have high hopes for the winner of this race and look forward to Jeff Gorell returning to Ventura County.
Click here to read the details from his campaign.
Click on continue reading for Jeff Gorell's announcement and the reaction from his opponent, Ferial Masry.
Dear Friends,
A bit of late-breaking news this Saturday: it turns out that my opponent Jeff Gorell, who is also a reservist in the Navy, will be deployed to Afghanistan for at least a year starting in March.
My son Omar, a reservist in the Army, returned recently from a deployment in Iraq. I understand the stress and anxiety that overseas deployments can cause for families, and I wish Jeff and his family the best. I have nothing but respect for the service that Jeff is providing to his country.However, Jeff is continuing with his campaign and has said that if elected, he will represent his district as best as he can during his deployment. I will campaign hard over these next few days as well. If elected, I promise that I will be present for every vote that will shape the future of our state, I will be available to meet with my constituents, and I will be on hand as a strong advocate for the interests of our community.
Please take a look at the article in the Ventura County Star announcing Jeff Gorell's impending deployment, and leave a comment in support of my candidacy. Please be respectful of Jeff, as I have nothing but respect for his service and would appreciate the same from my supporters.
I have read just a few things about Jeff Gorell's history as a lobbyist, but nothing detailed.
I would like to know more information about his lobbying experience.
She seems to be a fine person, but once again Ferial Masry managed her usual 40%, second place finish in her most recent election effort for this assembly seat. This mediocre result had a new twist to it: the candidate she was running against admitted before the election that he might not even be available to serve the full-term due to possible pending military service.
Something for the Dems to consider: Doing the exactly same thing over and over again and expecting a different result does NOT get better results. In fact, it gets you the exactly the same result. In two years (or sooner if a special election has to be held due to Gorrell's absence), they should look for someone with more name recognition, campaign funding and experience, and/or identification with a timely issue.
Just a thought . . .
Ferial did worse in this election than any of her previous races. I wonder why?
Ankur,
Jeff Gorell couldn't lobby his way out of a wet paper bag. He's lucky Lunn was doing the counting. With Steven Hintz, Elton, Gorell, Strickland, and our lacky district attorney Ventura County is going to turn into a great big city of Bell.
What's the real story with Jeff Gorell?
Did Jeff Gorell not tell anyone that he accepted a large sign on bonus from the tax-payers to sit safely on a ship in the middle of the ocean for a year for the citizen's or his own selfish benefit?
How many times while working in the D.A.'s office did he hold back important information.
Just like when you are buying a house; someone running for office should give full disclosure in regards to things they know exist and could be a problem. It appears Jeff Gorell intentionally held back the fact he was being deployed. Now Jeff Gorell looks like just another bought and paid for rubber stamp for the Republicans just like Elton Gallegly.
Ferial Masry had her worst showing of all her elections because whoever was running her campaign did a terrible job. Now shes finished for good.
Ferial Masry had her worst showing of all her elections because whoever was running her campaign did a terrible job. Now shes finished for good.
Masry had no real chance of winning and she knew that. She was just running as a ploy to help sell her crummy book.