How did this man ever get elected with his name? I know we shouldn't hold it against him, but c'mon, the joke is so easy I think a poorly designed robot would at least attempt it.

Many sources are talking about that if the midterm elections were held today Democrats would take back the house. Do you think this could include so-called safe districts?

Do Republicans need to get Tenenbaum or Gallegly nominated to keep the house?

I have a feeling that when Gallegly went back to Washington keeping control of the house was the number one topic. I doubt Karl Rove called to talk about The local YMCA or our new mall.

If you know of other funny names in politics, leave a message.

I got a press release from Michael Tenenbaum calling out Elton Gallegly for missing a Republican candidates' forum on Saturday.

Do you think Elton Gallegly will engage him in a campaign or try to stay above it all?

Should he have to debate after how long he has been in congress? It is not like any of his views are not known.

I would love to see a debate between the two.

Michael Tenenbaum: Next time there is a debate, let me know in advance so we can publish it here and count down to the event.

Check out this link. Looks like Tenenbaum is not backing down and intends to take the fight to Elton Gallegly. Check back often to see when it has more to it than just a place holder.

Dantona ( candidate running for county supervisor against Judy Mikels), ever the master of the catchy slogan has come up with...

Refuse or recuse.

Anyone else have some catchy slogans? I think this race will be won by the candidate with the best slogan(s).

I haven't seen any press releases or e-mail from The Mikels Campaign. If you see anything I should post, please e-mail it to me.

Same thing goes for Peter Foy.

Read the whole press release in the extended comments.

Unai Montes-Irueste works for Jill Martinez and he also writes a blog. He has a letter up currently about the new moves going on in their campaign.

On a tech update they appear to be planning podcasts on the campaign. If you see other innovations in tech from other campaigns, please post them.

And as always, feel free to be critical of ideas, but avoid personal attacks.

It is not clear what party will have the clear advantage in this cycle using technology but Ferial Masry has started a campaign blog. If any other candidate has a blog, leave a link so we can all see it.

I was looking at the county elections website ( warning PDF file) and I see that Bob Larkin did in fact file against Audra Strickland. Has anyone seen a press release, news story, or website for Bob Larkin after last Friday. I knew that he as thinking about it, but I didn't know he actually filed.

I was looking for links to several campaigns today and I thought this would be a fun game. Any bets who will have a great website up first? Tenenbaum or Gallegly?

In his defense Elton Gallegly already has a website up. It isn't geared toward a competitive election battle though.

And in the defense of Michael Tenenbaum he has been an official candidate for about a week.

So, with the qualifying statements being said, gentlemen start your search engines. Please post a link when you see a good website up by either of them.

It is kind of funny the ads that google thinks readers would be interested in. I have no control over the ads on my website.

But even funnier is this website. It is dedicated to Marxism, but yet on the left hand tool bar there is an ad for helping Republicans' campaigns. I am not trying to make a serious point. It is just funny.

I believe I am the first with the full Tenenbaum Bio. I don't know who sent it to me, but I confirmed that this is the real deal. Are you wondering who is running against Gallegly?

What part of his background stands out to the most? His accomplishments seem very impressive, especially for his age. I see a huge resume, but I still don't know from what wing of the Republican Party he comes from. If anyone can fill us in on those details let me know.

Click on continue reading for his bio.

So, Gallegly is going to run in the primary. It is now Tenenbaum Vs. Gallegly.

If Gallegly wins, will he resign after the general election and cause a special election? If so, who pays for it? The state or the counties?

Does Tenenbaum have a chance? He is lining up support, but he faces the biggest Republican in Ventura county politics. And let me tell you, he is everywhere. I have seen Elton Gallegly at Home Depot and Applebee's. Really. I really do see him everywhere.

Republicans...just curious...are you staying neutral for now? Or are you supporting one of the candidates. We know the crew of Republicans that reads this blog. Is it fair to say that if they don't comment they are wavering in their support of Gallegly and are open to Michael Tenenbaum?

I created this blog to share information and discuss local politics. I don't get into national stuff much because there are many other sources for that.

For local politics I am open to covering all the candidates. But that is dependent on seeing stuff from them. If you don't see blog entries it is because I am not getting much from them.

Feel free to add my e-mail to their mailing lists. Forward me details of upcoming events.

If you see an interesting story, e-mail me. I don't read every paper every day, so I might have missed it.

I am looking for more material about Michael Tenenbaum. His is the most interesting story going on right now. What motivates him? What issues does he care deeply about? If you know the url for his website, let me know. Tenenbaum has the courage to run against someone from his own party. You gotta admire that. But beyond that, I haven't seen his positions on issues. Do you know? Let us all know.

The same thing goes for Peter Foy ( running for supervisor). I haven't posted much because I haven't seen another story, press release, or website. If you know him, tell him I'd love to post his stuff.

Again, if you want more stories about candidates ( Mikels, Pallant, Dantona, Foy, Tenenbaum, Martinez, Wagner, Masry, The Stricklands, Gallegly, McClintock,Alger, Smyth, and others) make sure I get their press releases or event details.

Have you attended an event? Are you working on a campaign? If you want to create a regualr blog entry about your campaign, contact me. I am open to candidates and their staffs/volunteers from all parties posting their events or guest blogging here.

When you leave a comment, leave a link. Did you know it drives up your candidate's traffic? If you like Dantona, leave a comment linking to his site. Do you think Mikels has the right stuff? Let us follow your link. What do we need to know about Foy? Let us connect right to him. Plug away.

The Ladies of the Conejo Valley are putting together a different type of campaign workshop. See the details here.

If your party or candidate has an event coming up let me know and I will post it.

I spoke with people from the Tenenbaum team (CA-24) today. They were very kind and had some nice things to say. They said they would have a real press release for me soon and I look forward to sharing it with all you readers. I don't know what issues he stands for but I look forward to finding out. What I do know is that they seem ready for prime time with great outreach to a variety of media. When you see a website or more information about him, please leave a link to it here.

Again, if you have political comments please share them. But I reserve the right to delete comments of a personal attack nature.

In the extended comments there is a letter from Kathy Smiley. Don't use it as a chance to attack people or I will delete your post. It takes a lot for a person to stand for office. Regardless of your political beliefs respect that.

I respect the fact that Judy Mikels, Jim Dantona, Ferial Masry, The Stricklands, Peter Foy, Michael Tenenbaum, Elton Gallegly, Mary Pallant, Jill Martinez, Brett Wagner, Tom McClintock, Cameron Smyth, and many more local people have given of their energy to try to change our community to a better place. I don't agree with their vision, but I can admire their tenacity and willingness to fight.

I also respect their employees that get all of the flack, but very little glory.

If you want to read something with a touch of class click on continue reading for Kathy Smiley's kind words.

I guess they can't think of an unique title, but the Flash Report ( A Republican blog) has some interesting ideas about CA-24 ( The seat Elton Gallegly is retiring from).

Got a good slogan for a campaign? Let's have a contest. Come up with a slogan and leave it in the comments. If I get good slogans I will use the best slogans when describing the campaigns in coming months.

Rules ( as always):
1. No negative slogans.
2. Stay friendly.
3. I will delete mean-spirited or personal attacks ( see number 2).
4. You don't have to support a candidate to try, just follow rule number 2.
5. Do not attack the other candidates in your slogans.

I figured a slogan contest could relieve the stress of all the bombshells, personal attacks, and stuff being thrown around.

Cameron Smyth has lined up pretty much the whole GOP establishment behind him. His latest endorsement is Tom McClintock. My senses tell me if you get Tom's support in a primary you got a good deal going. Am I wrong?

In news without dirt, Jim Alger has earned a few more endorsements of note in his quest for the 38th assembly nomination.

I just got a press release from Mary Pallant. She is not going to be seeking the Democratic Nomination for CA-24.

That leaves for the Republicans:

Michael Tenenbaum ( send me the url of your campaign site and I will link to it.)
Elton Gallegly ( unless he somehow gets his named removed from the ballot)

And for the Democrats:

The Rev. Jill Martinez

Of course, there are many things that can change all of this. Elton getting his name removed. The courts opening the filing deadline. Elton changing his mind and running again ( his name as of now will be on the ballot). Elton running, winning, and then retiring which would create a special election. And likely more twists and turns that I don't know about.

If Elton does get his name removed, but the courts do not open the filing deadlines, this would create a very long campaign season. It would have The Martinez and Tenenbaum campaigns going at it from March until November.

Check this out.

I just got a "press release" from the "Tenenbaum campaign."

Although it is entertaining and would provide an endless amount of fodder for local Democrats, I have to report that it is a fake.

It is a forgery.

The tactic of sending out fake press releases is clever, but c'mon was I really expected to fall for this stuff?

I post this to let everyone know of the tricks you should expect in the upcoming months.

To the real Tenenbaum campaign, you should send me an e-mail sometime about writing a guest blog entry here. Sign me up for your real press releases at briandennert@yahoo.com

Democrats, are you united? I know I am very upset that it seems the district and the voters have been neglected out of being able to make a choice as far as The Republican Primary goes.

But there is a candidate that does believe in elections and democracy. And her name is Jill Martinez.

Democrats, let's show them you are ready to rumble.

Sound off...What makes The Rev. Jill Martinez worth the votes and effort?

I just called county elections at 4:45 with 15 minutes left for candidates to file.

Elton Gallegly has turned in the paper work but will not be running. That means his name will be on the ballot, but he won't be asking for votes. ( Or will he? I don't really know yet.)

Translation? There is only 1 Republican on the ballot! Michael Tenenbaum of Westlake Village.

Unless Democrats can put up a amazing fight, the election is already over!

I confirmed with county elections, but if I am missing any part to the legal reasoning let me know.

But at this point, other potential Republicans just got screwed.

How does it feel? Does this whole thing seemed messed up to anyone besides me?

Updated 3/12

First off, Brett Wagner has been saying this for months. ( Which proves that this blog is the source for Ventura County politics!).

The Democrats now have an open seat with two candidates that have been running for months. Update: Mary Pallant has dropped out of the race.
The Republicans will have a bloody primary( if the filing period is court ordered to open up again). Right now as we speak, I know calls are being made and support lined up. Update: Only a bloody primary if the filing period opens up again. Or Elton runs and wins, then retires and a special election is called to fill his place.

So, what Republicans might run?

Here is my list:

1. Glen Becerra. His seat is up on the city council this November. He has always made noises about running for higher office. He is a professional Republican and politician. I can't imagine him getting a day job in an investment firm. Will he do it?

This would also open up a seat on the city council. That brings a whole list of questions. Who will run for that seat? Bill Davis? I just hope the city doesn't appoint someone so they can run as a semi-incumbent. Update: Becerra said he is out. He has young children and now is not the right time. That speaks to his character.
2. Paul Miller. He has the name ID and is currently the elected mayor of one of the largest cities in the district. On top of that, the ballot might say " Retired cop" and that would look golden.

3.Michael Tenenbaum. I don't know much about him so I will quote from The Star:

From The Star Timm Herdt ...

County GOP Central Committee Chairwoman Leslie Cornejo said she was "floored" when she heard the news. She said Tenenbaum became active in local GOP politics last fall, and she was so impressed she appointed him to the state Republican Central Committee.

"I saw him as a young man with a future," Cornejo said.

Tenenbaum, 37, has taken out nomination papers and has until today to return them.

He was reared in Thousand Oaks and was valedictorian of the Thousand Oaks High Class of '87. He returned to the county after graduating from Harvard Law School and now practices law and runs a business-consulting firm.

Tenenbaum said he is confident he will have ample resources to mount a serious campaign but will not entirely self-fund a challenge. "I'm not a rich-guy candidate looking for something to do," he said.

4. Tom McClintock or Tony Strickland. Both of these guys have already started to run for higher offices. But I guess it is never too late? Update: It is too late. So far, unless something changes, running for another office prohibits someone for signing up.

5. Cathy Carlson/Mike Dunn. This would force the Republican Party to move right in the primary and try to move back towards the center in the general.

Thoughts? Parting wished for Elton Gallegly? Looking for a link to Ferial Masry's website?

Was the photographer trying to say something?

The third candidate running for county supervisor is Peter Foy. Who is he? I am not sure. I have heard he is from the conservative wing of the Republican Party. The research I have mostly has found stories about him and local charities.

Do you know more about him? What issues or credentials does he bring to the table?

What does THIS link have to do with THIS link? Are any of my links about another Peter Foy, not the local candidate?If Supervisor Mikels has a challenger from the right as she appears to, what would be the conservative issues in a supervisor's race?

Why do I have a link To Ferial Masry here?

Here is a list of people backing Tony Strickland is his race for state controller. Near as I can tell the office just signs checks. Don't we have robots for that? Just kidding. Here is a list of the State Controller's duties.

Any names impress you? Any names that you notice are missing? Do you think Ferial Masry will endorse him?

Ferial Masry.

I hear Audra Strickland now has a Republican taking her on in the primary this June.

This must be good news for the Democrat Ferial Masry.

But really, what is the big reason for a Republican to take on one of their own in a sure to be bloody primary? Will it be an attack from the left or the right?

Thoughts?

Update: It appears the attack on Audra will be coming from a more moderate member of The Republican Party. Bob Larkin has pulled the papers and will be hosting a press conference on Thursday is what I have been told.

Bob Larkin and The Stricklands have some bad blood between them.

Bob, if you want to write a guest blog here let me know. You could be the first Ventura County candidate to announce a big time race via the web. Let all of the readers know what you should be given the chance to take on Ferial Masry and serve in the state assembly. You could explain why Audra Strickland needs to go and you could answer questions from readers. Let me know what you think.

Another person is entering the race against Judy Mikels. But is there any interest in this three-way race?

Prove it! If I get comments from ten different people on this entry I will reveal more.

The rumors I reported here more than a month ago are true.

Brett Wagner is dropping out of the democratic primary.

That leaves Mary Pallant and the Rev. Jill Martinez.

Read the extended comments for a letter from Brett Wagner that was e-mailed to me.

Voters in Moorpark rejected The North Park proposal on Tuesday. It was a bigger blowout then any contested election I remember.

I think Walter Mondale got more votes in Utah then building a "Nature Preserve" on open space did.

Do you think the developer will retool the project and try again? Can the voters legally keep saying no?

Is anyone impressed with the voter turnout (45 percent) that rivals large elections? Will I stop asking questions?