That title is a Rorschach test.

Thomas K. 'Keith' McLaughlin sent out a press release that he is joining the crowded field running for Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector. His former title at Countrywide is going to be a deciding issue with many people. I can see it working to show he has the most impressive financial credentials or as a massive liability. Before it was bought out by Bank of America, Countrywide was among the top private sector employers in Simi Valley. But with all of the controversy over the mortgage crisis that good will might be gone.

The difficulty in a crowded field is that any candidate that spends time attacking him is only helping every other candidate in the field. It is early to make any predictions but there are many reasons to think this won't be settled in June. Which candidate has the stamina and the money to campaign throughout the long summer months?

Where do candidates go to raise money for this position? I know there are interest groups for positions like Supervisor ( Unions, Developers, Environmentalists) but what interest groups have a stake in this position?

I am going to keep an open mind on the issue, which is easy to do because I don't have a favorite candidate yet.

Are you open to his message or is his past employer too much during the current economic times?

Click on continue reading for his press release.