At 4 p.m. on March 10, U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly announced that he would not run for re-election to the 24th District due to an undisclosed medical condition. A few days later, following a call from Karl Rove asking him to stay in the race, he changed his mind and decided to continue his bid for a last term. Rove may be powerful, but this borders on miraculous. Does this make Gallegly a flip-flopper, or, more importantly, does he show what a puppet he is for this administration?
The list of Gallegly’s accomplishments in Congress are weak. In 18 years he has not chaired any major committees nor sponsored any major legislation. His voting record is right in step with the Bush administration. It does not represent the views of the majority of voters in this area. He is a one-issue representative: illegal immigration. He uses it as a photo op, but even on this hot issue, he has failed to offer any meaningful solutions.
I think it is time for the voters in this district to send a clear message: Bye-bye, Elton, it’s time for you to go. We don’t need to wait for you to decide.
We can send a clear message on Election Day in November by electing Jill Martinez, the Democratic candidate, to Congress. She has a strong record of community involvement and will represent the 24th Congressional District with dignity and honor.
— Sandy Emberland, Thousand Oaks
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