Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks is fact checking campaigns on her blog.

What do you think of her website? With so many outside spending groups it is hard to hold candidates accountable for attacks. I am glad she is trying.

State Senator Fran Pavley is opening a campaign office. Click on continue reading for details.

She was a major leader of California's global warming legislation.

State Senate candidate Todd Zink (R) responded to my question with this email:

"If Todd Zink's campaign emails me a single position that they claim shows that he is a moderate Republican I will post it on the front page."

Brian,

In response to your statement above, I hope you will honor your commitment after showing a photo of myself without explanation and using that photo to draw conclusions as to my political positions. I would imagine that, before you posted the photo on your blog, you did your due diligence on the positions found on my website before posting your conclusions. To be fair, I would imagine you have researched both candidates thoroughly before siding with one side or the other.

I have no affiliation with Allen West. In fact, while attending Congressman McKeon's fundraiser I did not know who he was. I did speak to him about his military career.

Your definition of moderate and mine might be very different. Labels are not something that I look to have attributed to me.

Below however, are a few things that make me very different from the other Senators that I will be serving with later this year:

1) I will likely be the only Republican State Senator in California that has not signed the No Tax pledge that has been promoted by Americans for Tax Reform. It isn't that I have any desire to raise taxes - I just don't believe in political pledges.

2) My campaign and my actions as a State Senator will be focused on three policy issues. They are job growth and economic recovery, maintaining public safety, and improving our public school system. Most of the others want to focus on social issues and legislation regarding the unionization of baby sitters, or resolutions about non-substantive issues. Social issues and distractions are not what motivated me to run for office.

3) I am not someone that has been part of the political process for a long time. Every member of the Senate Republican Caucus has held some sort of elective office prior to serving in the Senate. Those years as an elected official shaped their views. I am coming into office completely free to chart the best course for this region of the state.

4) My experience in the military has included executive experience. Few legislators in Sacramento have this sort of experience. It is easy for someone to throw rhetorical bombs and take extreme positions when part of a larger body of reasonable people. That can't happen when you are responsible to make the trains run on time. That is where you have to make things work and balance the competing interests. Some might say that these sorts of decision-making experiences create moderation of views. I think it creates experienced leaders that are desperately needed in our state.

Thank you for considering my points above.

Todd Zink

Thanks for replying Todd Zink. As I wrote I would post this on the front page. Keep me up to date on your campaign.

Fran Pavley is raising money with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. Click on continue reading for more details.

Compare that to her opponent campaigning with far right Rep. Allen West.

Fran Pavley is strongly favored to win. Todd Zink won't appeal to moderares by campaigning with people like Rep. Allen West. What type of republican is he?

( Rep. Buck McKeon, Conservative talk show host Larry Elder, State Senate candidate Todd Zink, and Rep. Allen West. Posted on Todd Zink's campaign Facebook page.)

I was surprised to see this picture of Todd Zink with controversial right wing Representative Allen West.

Click here to read some of the extreme statements by Rep. Allen West.

I usually expect that a Republican in a district like this would be trying to appeal to more moderate voters.

If Todd Zink's campaign emails me a single position that they claim shows that he is a moderate Republican I will post it on the front page.

( Rep. Buck McKeon, Conservative talk show host Larry Elder, State Senate candidate Todd Zink, and Rep. Allen West. Posted on Todd Zink's campaign Facebook page.)

Republican candidate Todd Zink is running against Democratic candidate Fran Pavley in CA State Senate District #27. He is now hiring paid staff. Here is their announcement:

We are now HIRING!

This is a PAID position which pays $1500 per month.

The right person must be driven, hard working, and willing to work long hours. For more information or to set up an interview, please email Rachel@toddzink.com

Go to his website for more information.