Not long after former Ventura County Assemblyman Tony Strickland announced his intent to run for controller, a mocking website appeared that featured Strickland's face on a cereal box (a la Kellogg's Tony the Tiger) and argued that Strickland was a liberal in conservative's clothing. The site was called TonytheStrickland.com.
The same pranksters have now turned their attention to his wife, current Assemblywoman Audra Strickland. The new website is called retireaudra.com.
It features newspaper reports, including some I've authored, that detail complaints that have been lodged against the Stricklands for their practice of using campaign funds to pay one another for consulting services and to make contributions to the other's political causes. The photo of Mrs. Strickland is not flattering.
The good news for the Strickland family: As of this moment, an attempt to call up TonytheStrickland.com produces this message: "Notice: This domain name expired on 06/09/06 and is pending renewal or deletion."
It is really distasteful when political detractors won't declare themselves publicly. The public really has a right to know who is responsible for such cheezy tactics.