Is it 3 or 5 points difference in party registration?

You go Jim! Take the future back from the political mafia and bring it home to us!!

A man who will get things done for the District, Dantona goes beyond talking the rhetoric and party dogma. He will get us needed funding for our schools and roads. He will protect our beaches from offshore oil drilling. He will clean up our contaminated soils and help us to keep Los Angeles garbage outside of Ventura County. Dantona will not be an isolated out of the mainstream party idealogue who can't get anything done. He will be a mainstream member of the Senate who can move California forward.

Jim, I know you will be very busy in the year ahead, but always know you have a waxed board ready for you to catch a few waves with Gidg and the Doggie.

It should be an excellent race. The wild card will be Hannah-Beth - she is too liberal to win in Ventura County. Jim Dantona is pretty well positioned to win the general. As a Republican, do I vote for the Republican because he is the same party or do I vote outside of the party box? Hmmmm.....

Come on Katie, of course you don't vote the party line. You vote for who will represent your ideals. You vote for who will do the best for the residents of our Senate District. Katie, you could be blindfolded and I believe you will still vote for Dantona when he runs head to head with the once wounded right wing fanatical nut Tony, the once tiger.

I'm a long-time Hannah Beth fan. She may be perceived as liberal, but she has a great track record for getting things done, unlike the Stricklands of the world.

My daughter was one of the kids who was sickened by the spraying of Lorsban at a field near Mound School in Ventura in 2000. A toxic cloud drifted over the whole school and the farmer was later fined big time. Hannah Beth got a bill passed to help protect schools and those living near agricultural fields from this kind of negligence.

You go Hannah Beth!

No surprise here. Dantona touts his "strong opposition to Simi Valley Landfill’s planned mega-dump expansion" and that he "serves on a citizens’ task force monitoring Waste Management's plans to expand the Simi Valley Landfill." Of course it brings into question the purpose of having Dantona on this task force when he has already gone on record as having been against the proposed landfill expansion from the beginning.

This is just another demonstration of the political motives behind having Dantona and several of his cult members strategically appointed to the anti-landfill task farce. Now they can use their scare tactics in order to re-package their guy as a champion against the local evildoers.

I'm thrilled to see Jim Dantona formally announce his candidacy and move forward confidently and aggressively with his campaign. He's the right candidate for this District and will make a great Senator.

He has tremendous support in the tri-county area and Sacramento, and I look forward to a hard fought and exciting campaign against Strickland.

He has my support and endorsement, and I'll be working very hard towards a November '08 victory!

You know what Bubba? Pretty soon no one is going to listen to you because you are a big turn off...soooooooooooo negative.........I think you need counseling, and perhaps some meds

Gee whiz! Dantona's taking on the landfill issue AND he's running for office!!!! The nerve of that guy. Just who the heck does he think he is actually doing things FOR this community and speaking out FOR our families that are most affected by a mega dump. Why can't he just do like the rest of our local political mafia have done in the past: attend dinners, take campaign checks and keep their mouths shut. This district's done pretty well for a well-connected few, because of a dearth of public servants and a surplus of self-serving savants and many of these same political mafia foot soldiers see no reason to change things now.

I'm biased...in favor of Dantona but I sure wouldn't give the time of day to a bunch of politicos that are happy to see things continue as they have at the landfill, at Rocketdyne and elsewhere throughout SD 19.

I think it is great that Dantona is running! Maybe we will finally get some real representation in Ventura County!

Hey Bubba! Does Strickland's acceptance of big tribal monies, his support of gambling and his decision to run for SD19 also fall under your definition of politically motivated?

Somehow none of Strickland's efforts have ever intended to help any of the families in this community, yet Dantona's efforts have. Why is that?

Let's see, Dantona can't win a Supervisor's race against a candidate that had 0 name id yet you folks think he will win against Strickland.

You've got to be dreaming. In Santa Barbara and Ventura counties Strickland out polled Chiang, a better financed candidate, by 1.2% and 10% respectively, so how do you justify a Dantona win? The last election in the 19th SD was won by the Republican by 21 points, in fact I'll bet most of you don't even remember the name of the Democrat.

It will be very interesting and exciting story when Dantona wins.

I think there are huge movie rights in this story! (I am working on the book and screenplay now.)

Currently in Sacramento they are looking at a Bill that would prohibit politicians from hiring their spouses, if this passes the Strickland's will no longer be able to launder money from campaign accounts to private accounts. My early prediction is Dantona 54% and Strickland 44%.

As Saddam Hussein said "who needs an opposition party, you have me". Seems a few other politicians have taken this stance in the past. So you see, Ron, for those of us who don't value the great accomplishments that the Stricklands have made, we do see a purpose in an opposition candidate. It just appears that the gopher who cometh out from under the rock and you, Ron, just don't see value in a contested election when you have a right wing nut in office. Ron, my friend, it just ain't gonna happen. Dantona is strongly against the mega dump expansion insofar at it will be a dump for garbage from Los Angeles and beyond. Dantona will bring up local issues that Chiang did not. Dantona has a huge name recognition that Chaing did not. Dantona is a fighter, than Chaing was not. And with all that, Strickland still almost lost the District to Chaing, whoever he/she is. So you see, Ron, Strickland is going to be recognized as a critter living off the public trough, shuttling money from one account to the other to enrich his own bank account, selling out to gambling interests at the expense of jobs and the environment, bankrolling offshore drilling along our coast and a deplorable history of anti-women rights. He will be more than an unattractive male with a goofy smile and better known for who he is and what special interests he represents.

Yes, Ron, I can see why you and the gopher are not in favor of Dantona running for the Senate.

Ron, usually I look forward to catching a wave with a fellow blogger. In your case, I will pass at this time. Surf's up.

Ron-
Strickland had name recognition over Chiang since he's been a candidate or legislator in the district for many years. The fact that he barely out-polled Chiang in a Republican district was an embarrassment, and a good indicator that he would have trouble in a general election.
Strickland's negatives are very high. He will have trouble getting votes in Buellton and Solvang, etc. when the voters learn he is in the gaming casino's pocket.

Sorry Barbra, but if Dantona is the best that the dems have to offer for SD19 then the future doesn't look to bright for the party. And his participation on your private anti-landfill task farce still won't give him the political cover he needs. I'll bet he has a real difficult time raising money since even the party doesn't consider him to be a viable candidate for that office.

My recommendation is that you guys cut down on the carbs being served at your task farce meeting.

Gopher out, get your traps.

Yep, your right, you win, the Task Farce will not accomplish anything. Dantona will not raise a dime. Yep, your right, no question about it. PS: Pass it on to Strickland. Dantona will be a wimp without funds and no support from the Dems in Sacto. Strickland need not worry. No need to even run a campaign. It will be a slam dunk.

Fellow Dantona supporters, fellow moderate Republicans, get out your traps and poison. Gopher out from under rock.

Let's check the headlines folks as this time it relates to Tony the PUSSYcat Strickland. Conservative, Married, GOP senator Larry Craig admitted that he had solicitied sex in the toilet stall of a bathroom at the Minneapolis Airport. Craig who claims to be anti-homosexual was seen peering into the other mans stall, he then got into the stall next door and placed a large bag to block the door, he then put his foot under the partition and started playing footsies. The stakeout was going on because of homosexual activity in the stalls. How does this relate to Strickland? Craig was the state contact for Mitt Romney, as was Vitter in Louisiana (the senator who was seeing hookers) and guess who the state guy for Romney is here? You got it, Tony Strickland. It shows that Romney has terrible judgement when it comes to picking people, pray he never becomes President and that Tony Strickland never gets elected to anything except village idiot!

Since the Repubs have offered a classic example of a party looking non-too bright you and the VCRCC must know. However, you're right in that it all comes down to money, so we'll just have to wait and see if Dantona can secure the support needed to win SD 19. My guess is that his star's on the upswing in a year where the GOP's is on a meteoric fall and that he'll secure that support. If he does it will be a good indication of a major political sea change amongst the voters and a notable indictment of the VCRCC's leadership. Let's wait and see.

Does Strickland still rent a room to his staff member?
ie The state pays Audra with taxpayer dollars. Audra pays a staffer with taxpayer dollars. Staffer pays Tony rent.
You gotta admit, the Stricklands are creative about sucking every dollar out of the taxpayer.

Jim Dantona has been a very valuable member of the Landfill Expansion Task Force and he will be a formidable candidate for the State Senate. It has been a pleasure to call Jim a friend. Having been registered and fairly active Republican for thirty-five years, my wife and I recently began moving away from the far right segment of the party for several reasons. The Party, in our estimation, has made a mistake in putting all its eggs in this one basket and it has been paying the price at the polls. While we have always supported the Party in its views on jobs, taxation and free market economics, its two faced mantra for purported "values" has been a negative voice to moderate reason.

In the forthcoming State Senate race, assuming that the candidates are Strickland and Jim Dantona, our candidate is clear. Jim Dantona's positive attributes far outway any negatives. He understands the working middle class, unstands the working and nonworking poor, and has been successful in working with the wealthy. On job growth, economics, womens rights and the environment, Jim Dantona stands alone between the two candidates.

It will be a rough and tubble campaign to be sure. It will be good for the Senate District. It will be good for voters.

I see the Dantona haters and GOP vipers are coming out in force. Very entertaining stuff.

What I like about Jim Dantona is that he will be able to help our district. Currently, because we only have minority republicans representing us, they get very little for the voters here in Ventura County. Because of that, they raise little money here and are forced to go to outside special interests to raise their campaign funds, often their votes reflect their payback to these groups at our expense. Dantona has my vote!

The democrat who ran against McClintock in 2004 was Paul Graber of Santa Clarita.

Secretary of State stats as of Feb. 10, 2007:
19th Senatorial District
Total voters in district (3 counties) 474,096
GOP 193,020 40.71%
Dem 171,108 36.09%
Decline to State (DTS) 86,960 18.34%
The other 5% includes "other," Green Party and American Independent - some of whom thought they were registering to be independent (with a small "i") and should have checked the Undeclared box.

Machiavelli, you may recall as a boy in San Casciano in Val di Pesa your Dad Bernardo tought you lessons in politics. In those tumultuous years, Popes were leading armies and wealthy city-states were falling one after another into the hands of foreign powers. It was a time of constantly shifting alliances, condottieri who changed sides without warning, and governments rising and falling in the space of a few weeks. Today you gave your support to Jim Dantona. I trust you will share your knowledge as well and guide Jim through his campaign. Mach, you are very old and wise. Your gift of support to Dantona is beyond measured value. I'm sure it is his honor to be in receipt.

Mach, surf's up, please join me this evening and you will appreciate a sport of which you have no history, my friend.

moonpuppy,

If you're going to plagiarize you might want to find a more obscure reference than Wikipedia.

Moondoggie, You are wise. I always vote for the best man or woman regardless of party. In this case I believe Jim Dantona is the best man for the job. In terms of parties, I do believe the republican party is in its death throws. It is sad to see that the party of Reagan has fallen so far and so fast.

Steve, opps, I mean Ron, thanks for the tip. But then again, I didn't realize blogs needed to post references. I'll footnote in the future, where appropriate, to meet your standard of journalism.

PS: That's Moondoggie, Ronnie.

What is going to happened with Mike Osborn if the wonder boy loses?

Mike Osborn will slither off to Barstow or somewhere! Under his watch Ventura County is going from Red to Blue! People are tired of the extremist policies of people like Osborn, Foy, Dunn, Matthews, Strickland, Valenzana, Kunicki, etc.

I'm going to vote for Jim Dantona, I like his attitude and wish him success.
I just cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have heard this, absolutely fantastic news!

I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I read the article. It would be so good for this district to have a leader like Jim in office. Count me in as another Republican for Dantona.

I think we can all agree that tomorrow is the first day of school and there'll be plenty of young'uns crossing the streets, so be extra careful when driving, please!

I wonder if Foy would be game for a repeat. Even if he isn't, any old no-namer will do, I suppose.

Bon Homme Jim:

Cest magnifique!

Vive la guerre politique!
Vive la libertie, eglatarie i fraternie!
Vive la Dantona!

Agustin Pinchard

Wonderful news!

Jim Dantona came to my door during the campaign for Supervisor last year. He answered all of my questions directly, never dodging the hard ones, and believe me, I asked him some very hard questions. He earned my respect and vote.

I have been a life-long Republican ever since I became a citizen of this great country after escaping the clutches of Stalinist Communism, in Hungary, the country of my birth.

But after witnessing first-hand the sickening perversion of American values of honesty, integrity and respect for the rule of law by Bush, Cheney, Gonzales, and now Larry Craig, this former Cold-Warrior will be voting for Jim Dantona for State Senate next year.

Edvard Radetzky

Dantona for State Senator..

Hell, Dantona for Governor, that's even sweeter music to my ears!

Chuck Norris

Jill Dominique - is this your real name? I'm pretty familiar with Ventura and your name is not familiar at all.

I'm glad that Jim has decided to run. The small margin of error that Jim lost by in the '06 election in a majority Republic district shows that not only is Jim capable of getting out the vote for his party, but more importantly, Jim appeals to a broad audience of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. Based on what I saw from his campaign, Jim truly is a representative in the sense that he has everyones' best interests in mind.

Jill Dominique was mooning over Mike Gibson and called him "a dream" on another thread. I sure hope it wasn't Mike Osborn....

Check out Leslie Conejo's voter registration numbers in the 19th. Looks to me like it's Tony's race to lose.

Chuck Norris is behind Dantona? How cool. He has all the quick moves. A kick here and a chop there, the once wounded tiger is out cold and it is the first day of the campaign. Go Chuck!

Tonight I ran into Dantona at the gym. He was pumping iron and running miles. He looked like a million bucks. Everyone who came by was giving him thumbs up and calling out "go Jim". There was so much energy in the air. When I walked by, I gave my standard "see you at the beach, surf's up". Jim looked at me, gave a big smile, and said "I just might take you up on that offer". This man is a class act. I've never felt strong about a candidate than I do in this case. California is growing in a new direction. Dantona will be a great steward of that new direction.

Surf's up. Look forward to see you at the pier, Jim.

For the record, here is my prediction:

The voters will pass an amendment to the term limits law in February and Tom McClintock will seek and be easily re-elected to a 3rd term. Dantona will quietly drop out once the term limit extension is passed since he knows he has no chance against McClintock.

Fellow voters, get out your traps and poison. Gopher out from under rock. Set all traps and bait poison stations. Gopher eradication program in this area.

BK, if the term limits pass - there are a few Dems that will also stay in office and there is much teeth gnashing over the amendment right now.

What will be interesting is what Tony Strickland will do should McClintock decide to run for a third term. Elton's seat?

Total coin toss on what Dantona will do should McClintock decide to run again. Right now it is one of the few if not the only senate seats that is up for grabs but an incumbent is hard to beat. McClintock has alienated a lot of voters with the recent budget fiasco. The Dems may decide to try to steamroll him.

Bubba you erred in your guess on the "term limits" law. People are too cynical about politics today and want their electeds for the allowed terms and then out. It will look like politicians trying to extend their cushy jobs, even though I think our vote is our term limit, the general public will not and the vote will go down in flames.

But if you were correct and the term limit passed, of course Dantona would drop out, because even though we have a cynical population they keep checking the incumbent - except if you are really, really incompetent or have broken the law. So yes Tom McClintock would be easily reelected, Audra Strickland would be easily reelected, Jerry Brown would be easily reelected, Howard Waxman would be easily reelected - even though these people have done very little to be reelected, they are incumbents. Incumbents win - so you didn't go very far out on a limb to predict that McClintock would win, because Dantona wouldn't challenge McClintock.

Besides being an incumbent Tom doesn't have the negatives a Tony Strickland does - loophole to get paid by wife, hand off of seat to wife, stabbing fellow Republicans in the back on his way to the top, the list goes on and on...

Dantona has an uphill battle, but at least he has the guts Bubba to put himself out there and win or lose state his opinion and challenge the establishment/good ol' boys club. Good luck Jim, I know you will work hard for this and Ventura/Santa Barbara/Los Angeles County deserves you up in the State.

Schwarznegger may be pushing on that steam roller, too.

I agree Heaven. After all, he's got zero in common with Strickland. There is also a family connection via Maria that just might be very favorable for Dantona.

Way to go Jim Dantona!

Several years ago Jim was kind enough to contribute some of his hard-earned dollars towards the construction of the Veteran's Memorial in Simi Valley. My Dad, who served in WWII and Korea was very grateful for Jim's contribution. He asked me never to forget those who supported our veterans. My Dad's gone now, but I'll keep my promise to him by remembering Jim's generosity to veterans come election day.

Karl La Fong

Running against Tony but gives money to Audra?

The Stricklands are just as bad as McClinktock!

http://www.electiontrack.com/lookup.php?committee=1250941

He must have known the true way to Audra's heart...

Congratulations and Best Wishes Jim!

I've had the pleasure of knowing Jim for fifteen years. Successfully raising his three kids as single father, at the same time that he was caring for his wonderful parents, demonstrated Jim's committment to real family values by heartfelt deeds not by idle words. Over the years, Jim's love of Baseball inspired him to help countless kids stay on the straight and narrow through his award-winning organization, Baseballers Against Drugs. And, finally, he's always contributed generously in time, energy, and dollars, towards the constant betterment of the community he calls home, Simi Valley. With that kind of proven track record, Simi Valley, and indeed the bulk of Ventura County, could have no better representative in the California State Senate. Jim you can count on four votes from our household.

Gerard Kapuscik

Jim:

Glad to see your announcement for State Senator. Two of my kids participated in your great baseball clinics and they were so thrilled. I'll never forget the look on their faces when they got to see and talk to professional baseball players face to face. You can bet that all ten voters in my family will be voting for Dantona for State Senator!

Francesco Pasquale

I actually think Dantona would have an easier time beating McClintock than Strickland. McClintock has the stench of loser all over him, he ran for governor and lost, Lt. Governor and lost, people know he is a lifelong politician living off the public and he cares nothing about this District, he doesn't even live in the District anymore according to reports. McClintock also lost a lot of support by selling out to big tobacco and by not supporting a law to say you should not smoke in a car with a child, the soccer moms will kill him in the next election!

Hey Moondoggie, Why do you think so many of these GOP Conservative males are turning out to be gay? I mean come on, Huffington, Haggart, Foley, Craig, who do you think is next? Any of the Conservatives locally? Why do you think these guys always acted so anti-gay? Do you think it is self hatred? Do you think conservative males are more likely to be in the closet than moderate republican men? Did you see Senator Craig's press conference? He actually started by saying "I would like to thank you all for coming out today". LOL!

I take offense that you directed this question to me, Not Mitt Romney. I'm no expert on gay males. My guess is that they are so repressed by their conservative upbringing, or otherwise right wing fanatical views, that they go overboard to attacked gay rights in order to compensate for what they consider to be deviant social behavior. In other words. they can't come to grips with their own sexuality, try to repress it and attack what they are by going after third parties or people speaking up for the rights of these third parties who are, in fact, of the same sexual proclivity as the subject. Summarizing further, and in laymen terms, they are sick puppies in need of psychiatric treatment. Apparenty, while perhaps 2-7% of the population is gay, 2-7% of the religious right is also gay, however in this case they are repressed, polical frauds and not to be trusted to any degree.

Moondoggie, I meant no offense and I don't think you are an expert. I asked because you tend to be level headed and non partisan. Which Ventura County Conservative do you think is most likely to be in the 2-7%?

Don't think we have enough to generate a statistically significant finding. We had our candidate Huffington several years ago. I don't have a candidate at this time.

Moondoggie, What do you think of Mitt Romney's decision making? He had Vitter in charge of his Louisiana operation and then it comes out that the guy was using hookers and Romney dropped him. Then he had Craig running his Idaho campaign and Craig has the gay allegation and Romney dropped him. It seems Romney has only chosen losers so far, if he was President he might make Heide Fleiss the Secretary of State and make Larry Flynt the head of the Justice department. So for the record do you think that 2-7% of the members of the Ventura County Republican Central Committee are gay?

Not Mitt Romney - maybe Brian can devote a thread to some of your questions - they will just get lost on this one.

Moondoggie - do you think Jim Dantona should remove himself from the Landfill Task Force? He can still ask the questions that need to be asked but it might be better if he does it as a declared candidate. I'd like to see him take an actual position regarding the WM expansion and force the other candidate(s) to do the same.

Katie, There is a direct connection here because Romney has hired Tony Strickland, the likely candidate who will run against Dantona, along with Strickland, Romney hired Vitter and Craig. Don't you think this shows poor judgement by Romney to have hired these three? Do you think that Craig and Vitter situations will reflect badly on Strickland? Do you think 2-7% of the Ventura County Republcian Central Committee members are gay? If so, should they admit it, or stay in the closet? I personally would have more respect for Craig if he just came out and told the truth, because if you believe Craig, then you must believe the police officer is a liar, if that is the case the GOP will lose the support of law enforcement. What do you think Katie?

Katie
Jim will be announcing his resignation from the Task Force in the very near future. That is all I have to say on the subject at this time, as I am sure Jim will be releasing a statement shortly.

Katie, I would actually prefer Jim Dantona to stay on the Task Force. He offers so much knowledge of Waste Mgt. and is a senior member of the team who is very helpful in charting our direction from month to month. My guess is that he will be too busy to do us justice and will take a leave or resign. For me, it will be a sad day. He has become a close friend and I'm sure the dump expansion will stay in his focus as a part of his understanding of the issues facing our local community as he moves into his new assignment.

Not Mitt, statistics are just that. You need a rather large population to apply my 2 - 7% rule. We can calculate the size of the population vs. standard error of estimate or other statistical analyses as your needs dictate. For now, I wouldn't spend too much time studying it though. What people do in their bedroom should be private.

Not Mitt/Katie, surf's up and weather is warm. See you at the beach this evening at 6:00 PM.

Moondoggie, McCain just called on Senator Craig to resign, he said if you plead guilty to a crime you should not serve. So I get what you are saying, according to stats for a small group, the Ventura County Republican Central Committe male members could be anywhere from 1-100% gay. If they are they should come out of the closet and not hide it like Craig did.

Not Mitt, don't focus on it too much. They can be gay and not come out. That is fine. What they can't do is try to solicit sex in a public bathroom; straight or gay. Your understanding of the statistical analyses is correct, however.

Enough of this, let's move on. Surf's up and weather is great. Meet me at the pier, Not Mitt, my friend.

All the Democrats need to win is for the Republicans to put Republican on their campaign signs and let every Republican know they have been made a member of the VCRCC without their consent.

As a life long Republican I had the opportunity to meet Jim Dantona in his race for supervisor. At first I was going to vote for Peter Foy because he was a Republican. But after speaking with Mr. Dantona he impressed as a man who understood the issues and had the experience to serve our district. I as a moderate Republican want a Senator who addresses the issues that effect the middle class no matter what party. Jim Dantona I believe is that candidate. He talks about issues that effect mainstream voters. I wish Jim Dantona only the best and I hope other moderate Republicans will join with me in voting for Mr.Dantona

John,
Also as a lifetime republican I agree with you. I spoke to Jim Dantona believe or not after Tony Strickland told me at a republican club meeting to support Jim. He told me he had endorsed Jim and that Mr. Dantona had done so much for our community. So this should be an interesting campaign since Tony himself told me how good Mr. Dantona was. Because of this I called Mr. Dantona who took my call and I was impressed by he's honesty. Sorry Tony I will be voting for Jim Dantona. You were right he is the best.

I am going to vote for Jim Dantona for Senate because he was the one who brought the Waste Management Expansion issue to the public.
My husband and I bought a beautiful home in Big Sky and I apppreciate that he and Barbra Williamson are searching for the truth.

Just curious, do you people ALLLLL live in Simi Valley?

Hey, Gerard Kapuscik, weren't you the one who illegally tapped into the retirement fund when you were running the Channel Islands Community Services District? I think your buddy, John Flynn, tried to come to your aid, as I recall, but to no avail.

We need someone cuter than Dantona for this race, c'mon girls in the 19th, is this the best we can do?

Tapped into the retirement fund? Did he go to jail? Was he prosecuted? Is he still working for the County? Ah, come on Pro Voter, Osborne knows this isn't true. But then again, better go after the messenger when you can't go after the message.

12:06 am post by Pro Voter - anti-Dantona and sleezy

12:11 am post by Jill Dominique - anti-Dantona and sounds like it is written by a male misogynist

Same poster?

Kind of fun to watch Dantona load up people to post their support on the blog to make him seem less of a local polarizing figure.

My guess is he wants to get the state democratic party to take notice and get their funds for his campaign.

A vote for Dantona is a vote for the state party who have destroyed this state. I don't care for Strickland, but would never hand over the keys to the likes of Fabian Nunez or Don Perata.

I do look forward to the Dantona slime machine again. Just think, right now someone somewhere is doing op research. They are sitting in a library somewhere digging up dirt for next year.

I think Jill is a guy, too, but trying to confuse us. No self-respecting woman would post that.

Brian. When will dantona do a guest blog? He get's more coverage than any other candidate or cause on this blog, yet never posts. What's the deal?

Didn't Dantona work for Tony Strickland?

Is Dantona trying to clear the democratic field for Strickland?

I hope Hannah Beth Jackson runs.

I've never met Jim Dantona. Why would a life-long semi-conservative Republican like me want to vote for him versus a conservative Republican like Tony? I've seen a lot of moderate Republicans express their support for Dantona. Will Jim Dantona represent his constituency or the people who fill his coffers? I have been called a bad Republican because I'm not conservative enough but I am pro-life and I am anti-gun control. I'm just not religious. Who should I and people like me support?

Katie,
On an earlier thread, I was complaining that most people just don't fit neatly into Republican or Democratic molds. Obviously you don't either. And that's just one of the reasons I find our existing party system so restrictive and destructive. Look at the earlier post from Leslie, 18 percent of our county voters are DTS. I think that figure will grow as people get fed up with politics.

Katie, there are so many reasons why you should support Dantona over Strickland. Most are evident to you. The one you may have not realized, however, is that we will be on the same team and can spend more time catching waves together. Jim will support his constituency and his own beliefs. He is that kind of guy, unlike the once tiger. That said, my dear, get your organization behind Jim and Gidg and I will see you at the beach over this long, hot, weekend.

Surf's up

Dantona Playbook, I built the "slime machine", research is complete, and I'm coming after you, Osborn, and the once wounded tiger Tony. Get ready, Playbook, I'm coming for YOU!

Does Jill Dominique (even if he is a man) really think that Tony the tiger is the best looking?
Batting his eyelashes and pretending to be a cute college kid may work for the Republican blue hair ladies (brings out the grandmother in them) but not for women under 50 who care about health care, the environment and education.

Remember, even Tony & Audra Strickland supported Jim Dantona! What better endorsement can you fence-sitters & DTSs have?

And remember, Dantona supported Tony and Audra, and in fact gave money to both of them.

What better endorsement for the Stricklands.

Ron, er, Mike,
We all know your sole purpose in life is to support the Stricklands at all costs.
Get a real life. Being a political groupee is unbecoming.

Yep the Dantona team is busy doing op-research, though most of us just call it reading the newspaper. Tony Strickland is not a candidate you need to do opposition research on - he puts enough of it out there for the world to know already...

And hey John, Elaine and Keith imagine if you did some research for yourself you may have been able to see that Foy and Dantona were going to knock your candidate out... You'd be doing real work rather than just sitting on the sidelines now concocting crap to talk about.

Use lots of mouthwash Ron/Mike. Licking all those diapers clean can leave quite an aftertaste.

Great campaign shaping up. Strickland endorses Dantona. Dantona endorses Strickland. Larkin shoves handbills under hotel doors. Osborn comes out of the closet. Audra's campaign hires Tony as babysitter. Freeman once again applies for seat on State Transportation Commission. Voters pass new extended term limits. Larkin shoves more handbills. Stricklands play fast and free with funds. Osborn busted in restroom stall. Dantona drafted by the Chicago Cubs. Larkin pickets stadium. Fun times ahead. Keep lickin those diapers.

To Hannah Beth Fan,

I understand your support for Ms. Jackson and I think Hannah Beth could do some very valuable work for this state. Unfortunately, this seat would not be a viable option for Hannah Beth. Most of the Dems in this area are moderate Dems and the DTS are moderate to conservative leaning and the Reps are conservative to extremely conservative.

With that landscape a liberal like Hannah Beth won't be able to win this race, it is going to take a moderate to conservative leaning Democrat to represent this area. Again I view Hannah Beth as good legislator, but this area would not work for her. Simi, TO, Santa Clarita and Santa Barbara are all moderate to conservative areas that Dantona has some chance of convincing. Unfortunately, the uphill battle for a Democrat becomes an impossible incline for someone like Hannah Beth.

Let's stick together on this one and get behind Dantona, because he is our real chance to get representation in the Senate for this district.

I'm a retired teacher living in Ventura, but I taught in Camarillo for years. I know how conservative people are in Camarillo, but many hate the Stricklands. However, they also would never go for someone as liberal as Ms. Hannah Beth. Jim Dantona seems like a good compromise for this district. I can't afford to donate to a campaign, but he'll have my vote.

Hannah Beth jackson was chewed up and spit out by her own party during the last re-districting as part of a deal to make the district lean slightly Republican...just enough to keep her from running for State Senate when she was termed out of the Assembly. That's how McClintock got it. Ask Jim Brulte and Tony Strickland, who did the negotiating for the Republicans.

Hannah Beth Jackson did a fantastic job in the state assembly. Just think, while she was up in Sacramento fighting for progressive causes in the assembly, Jim Dantona was working with Tony Strickland.

The choice is obvious. Hannah Beth Jackson is perfect to replace Tom McClintock.

It would be great to have some more chioices. I for one would like to see Linda Parks consider running.

David Pollock would make a great choice as well.

My wife thinks Hannah Beth Jackson was great in the Assembly. I concur. This coming election though, we need to take the Senate seat back from the right wing fanatics and put it in the hands of someone who represents the majority of our residents. As I look at the demographics in the District, I see absolutely no chance that either Linda Parks or Hanna Beth Jackson can pull it off against the political machine operated by the right wing nuts and the rather conservative views of a majority of voters in the southeast portion of the District. This brings us back to Jim Dantona. He speaks the Strickland language. He know how to run a good campaign in a conservative Republican area, and he has the political contacts to keep the campaign going strong. I sure do support both Parks and Jackson, but in this particular race my money is on Dantona to win in the 19th.

Surf's up. And boy is it hot today.

HBJ Fan are you saying that Hannah Beth never worked WITH Tony Strickland on bills, items, etc. If not, then that is not the kind of representative we need. We need someone that can cross the aisle and work with all sides. But it is more likely that Hannah Beth, of course, worked WITH Tony Strickland on legislation, the budget, etc. The same as Jim Dantona who worked WITH Tony Strickland on bills, budget items, etc.

So, again, there is no reason to attack Dantona on being able to work with Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike, but it is important that we get behind Dantona who can win with bipartisan support.

Jill,
Give me a break! Tony Strickland looks like Frankenstein! McClintock looks like a backwoods freak from Deliverance! At least Jim looks like a normal human!

Hannah Beth Jackson would be a welcome change for this district. She's done a great job in the assembly. Democrats have grown more powerful not by adopting republican-like talk , but for standing on our democratic party principles.

It's time to run the table in this district by voting for someone with experience in Sacramento working as a legislator.

Hannah Beth Jackson is a fighter for those principles. She deserves our vote and support.

John T. I like Hannah, but she could never carry Ventura County, Dantona can.

It's so obvious that the Republicans are trying to create friction within the Democratic Party between Dantona and Jackson. Anyone who knows the score knows that there is no bad blood between these two. Jackson is a smart woman and she's competitive. She knows that she could do well in a Primary, but would get wiped out in the General. I can't believe she would want to spoil a chance to elect a real moderate in Dantona, that would serve the district well. She would never let ego stand in the way of the greater good. Jackson will make the smart decision, the right decision, and sit this one out. I'm sure that there will be something else that she can run for down the line, after she recovers more fully from her recent, serious bout with cancer.

Where is the evidence that Dantona can carry Ventura County? He most recently lost to a new-comer. He runs for every political position that comes along. He strikes me as the most political of all the local politicians. Run, Jim, Run.

The best question is what will Jim run for after this one?

He can't even complete service on the Landfill expansion task force without jumping ship for personal ambition.

If elected to state senate, he'll most likely run for secretary of state or some other office within a year.

It's pretty scary.

At least if Strickland were going to run for secretary of state we would KNOW he would lose.

Dear Permanent, don't even go there. Audra and Tony were knocking people over in their 11th hour attempt to run for Elton's seat. It was a circus in the Ventura County Elections office at 4:30 pm on the last day to file. And here they both were running for other offices.

What volunteer doesn't operate out of ambition, Permanent? Dantona is still on the Landfill Expansion Task Force and the majority of the members want him to stay just that way. Truth is, Jim doesn't want to add fuel to the fire to those who have accused the Task Force of being a political organization and he expressed interest in stepping down.

If you think Dantona made the decision to run for State Senate alone, you are as foolish as I think you are. He probably sought the consultation of more than one hundred elected officials, friends and family before agreeing to do so. He has the appreciation of each and every one of these early supporters for putting himself on the front line. Thank you Jim for running and taking the abuse for numbskulls like Pemanent.

Coastal Eddy - Jim Dantona pulled a rabbit out of a very conversative hat. He lost by 900 votes in a district that is heavily weighted Republican. Too bad he didn't have the extra $50K or so that the local Republican committee funneled Foy's way.

I think it's pretty evident just from this blog that people respect and admire Hannah Beth Jackson's service. It seems Dantona doesn't seem to have the same type of following.

Sorry to break this to you, we like Hannabeth, but Dantona has the following because he can win the seat, that is why the VCRCC is scared sh*tless!

Well, Hannah Beth Jackson Fan, aka Strickland groupie, how wrong you are. Hannah Beth made so many enemies in her own party that it went along with redistricting to get rid of her. She was so stubborn for devisive far left issues that Democratic leaders turned on her. She is smart, wealthy and committed. The problem is she couldn't get elected in the 19th nor can she get the support of the State Party. She has never been a team player in her own party and you can't make believe she has been. The only thing that is pretty evident is that Strickland would do anything to run against Hanna Beth and not Jim Dantona. So go home and tell him, Jackson Fan, that you were figured out to be the man behind the curtain.

I bet $100 bucks that John T. is not a registered Democrat. They are Strickland Republicans that want to concern troll Dantona not to run.

Kind of obvious guys when you don't use your real names but pretend to be life long Democrats.

Why don't you stick up for your leader Strickland instead of attacking people? You and your ilk are why people hate politics.

Boy Seymor, you sure did hit the nail on the head. Tony can't be feeling too good at the moment. Lack of sleep because of the new kid and Dantona getting ready to snap at this heals. It wasn't supposed to be like this. What did he do wrong? He tried to do what McClintock told him, though not always at the level hoped for, he prayed, he sinned, he had a couple of kids, he played foot loose and fancy free with taxpayer and campaign money, he made backroom deals with Indian gambling interests, he was against the environment, for offshore drilling, against women's rights and . . . Gee, Tony sure did blow it. Right on Seymor Butts.

Surf's up Seymor. See you Saturday at the pier.

There are 113 posts on this thread and not one of them is someone who uses a real name in support of Strickland - unless Jill Dominique is using a real name but so far she/he hasn't confirmed it.

Sorry Statement:

That seems the MO of the Strickland Camp and too many of elected Republicans: they hide who they really are and focus on attacking.

Just like the Craigs and the Foleys who are finally caught, many on the VCRCC's self-deception distort their judgment and so much of their effort is put into deflect others from detecting it, they focus on attacking and setting policy to punish those they villify.

If Jill is a male Republican, worse, a leader in the VCRCC, she is either full of self-loathing or he is full of loathing.

The NIXON STRAIN still runs deep.

I had no idea HBJ was ill. I hope she recovers quickly! Maybe she can run for Lois Capps' seat if she retires. I have heard she had a strident manner in the Assembly, but she passed some significant bills which protect kids and she will always have my vote.

P.S. I wish you all would use your real names!