In Newbury Park, I spoke briefly with Audra Strickland and her mother. We exchanged pleasantries--I think I've only spoken with her a couple times for just a couple of minutes each time. Supporters were busy making last-minute phone calls to voters. In Thousand Oaks, I showed up at Linda Parks mobile HQ to wish her good luck in the race as well. Supporters were outside milling about, and Parks was inside in front of a nerve center of several laptops sitting on a table. We've exchanged quite a few emails, but I had not met her in person. She was very cordial--although I think Parks had some trepidation. I really don't think she's read what I've written about the race--my guess is that she's heard spin from others. Her campaign manager wanted to snap a picture of me with the incumbent supervisor, which is fine (although Supervisor Parks would have probably rather spent the time with her son who had just walked in the room), Parks grabbed a sign though, so the picture shows me standing next to her with her sign. I hope readers don't take that as endorsement.

For I've not endorsed either candidate, even when I had the opportunity to endorse Strickland when the Ventura County Young Republican board voted on it last month. Anyone familiar with my writings know I'm a conservative, but I also take into consideration the cleanliness of each campaign and the character of each person. I'd prefer to keep people guessing who I voted for.

One of these successful women will be handed their first loss in this election, so I can't imagine the pressure they must feel tonight. Both were gracious in meeting me however

Best of luck to both candidates.