After carefully looking at Dantona, Jackson and Strickland I will be voting for Jim Dantona. Strickland appears incredibly unethical and Jackson seems like just another career politician. I look forward to having Dantona represent me in Sacramento.

I'll take Strickland over Dantona. He will represent the interests of the district he serves far better than Dantona will.

Which one spoke out against the mess & coverup at Rocketdyne, since it has a direct affect on the interests of this district?

If my memory serves me, Stricklands have both kept mum about contamination at Rocketdyne. Dantona has made it a public issue and strongly supported clean-up to the most highest level. Then again, when has Strickland ever come out against big business and for the environment? As Mongo Flamo said, Strickland will represent the interests of the district. What he didn't say, is what district. If you have enought money to buy a politician, Strinkland is your boy.

Well...it is true that this District provides the finest personal service that money can buy.

How about the landfill expansion: which candidate has spoken out for a broad review of it's impact on the District?

Mongo,

How do you figure he will "represent the interests of the district he serves far better"?

Based on his record, Tony was never an "across the aisle" kind of guy in the state assembly. He is in the minority party. His positions within his that minority party are on the fringe. To top it off, he is no fan of his own party's governor.

Tony does not sound like the kind of candidate who could get anything done in the Senate representing this districts interests or any other!

Issues in Simi Valley, while they may affect neighboring tons, are still only Simi Valley issues.

What candidate has spoken out in regards to the LNG situation off the coasts of Oxnard and Santa Barbara...that would directly affect a huge portion, if not the entire, district?

It is indeed a big, district-wide issue but where Rocketdyne & the landfill are tangible issues that affect middle class health, land values and the local tax base the LNG issue may be seen by many of those same voters to be one of enviro-aesthetics. The former may help win crossover votes. The latter will probably have no effect.

Actually Heather, Dantona AND Jackson have spoken out against LNG. And Strickland - well we know where he stands.

I agree that Rocketdyne and landfill is important to discuss, but I have never heard anyone outside of Simi Valley say that is THEIR ISSUE, if that makes sense.

LNG is a pretty predominant issue and not just for the environmentalist or enviro-aesthetics...the Lands Commissions hearings in March brought THOUSANDS of local CITIZENS (not activists) who were concerned with their lives. Perhaps it is environmental for the Sierra Club, but the issue is framed as an issue of health and public safety.

If you think Rocketdyne is a "local" issue Heather - then you truly are out of touch and care little for important environmenmental issues as you claim. It is an issue of major importance that threatens the health thousands. A real "progressive" would certainly know that...

Have any of these candidates received contributions from Waste Management Inc? Does anyone know........

I'm not debating the numbers involved in the LNG affair(it was very strong showing) but instead trying to make a point: the LNG issue will probably NOT be an issue that will gain many conservative votes for a Dem candidate while family health risks, real estate depreciation and loss of tax revenues probably WILL resonate with many conservatives.... perhaps enough to get them to vote for a Dem who's on top of those issues.

Heather is the big expert on the issues in the district. Isn't there some big Democrat meeting this weekend that you should be at protesting to save the whales?

Wah Wah....Poor Heather, she sets herself up so well for these beat downs, doesn't she? I think she may be out there bravely fighting global warming in Ventura, like the lame Mayor, or perhaps hugging a tree, like Christy Weird.

Because of the Star's propensity for zoning their news and putting East County issues in the back of the B section and West County issues front and center, the Rocketdyne issue is pretty much off the radar in Ventura. I doubt the folks in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, etc. and places north in CA-19 know much about it either.

For that mater, Dantona is not well known here at all. I would say he has some heavy campaigning to do in West County and S.B. County to just get name recognition. HBJ's probably counting on that.

Yep, Marie, you're so right. And Strickland is counting on those two to punch each other's lights out, which he will, of course, benefit from the ensuing blood bath.

Heather,

One question: does the callous, parochial and/or empty-headed position you stated here regarding SSFL as it impacts the lives of people living in the south end of the senatorial district represent the position of your candidate (Jackson) or is it strictly your own point of view?

If it is strictly your own view, where does Jackson stand? In fairness to Jackson, maybe you had better tell us what she did while in office to address the SSFL environmental and health disaster since the problem goes back for decades.

I think you had better clarify this. Lots of us down here in the local wasteland would like to know.

Jackson was born with a silver spoon and does not see herself as part of society outside of Montecito. She parties with the rich and has never been a candidate who has a close bond with the working stiff. This was her downfall with her Party and will be her downfall in this election. It is sad because she does work hard for her convictions. The problem has always been that her convictions are what she can see from her hilltop home down the block from Oprah. One has to wonder if the woman has ever been through Moorpark or Simi Valley? She views this end of the 19th District as 200,000 day laborers.

Heather, I agree that a rep should be able to represent an entire district. You seem mad that Dantona is strong on issues important to hundreds of thousands of people in our area. You do know the SSFL also impacts people in other districts too including into Los Angeles.

Is it an important enough issue to change the outcome an election? I am not sure but that doesn't mean we don't care about it. It might not be an exciting partisan issue but the non-sexy issues are where true leadership are shown. I look forward to LNG, SSFL, and other issues being discussed by all the candidates.

Why are you so dismissive of any and every single issue that impacts Simi valley? You did realize that Sen. Sheila Kuehl wrote the most important bill on the issue?

CAP 812, both HBJ and her husband built law practices from the ground up in Ventura and are well known for their good work with people from all socioeconomic levels.

She did all kinds of pro bono work for victims of rape and domestic abuse, established a battered women's shelter, worked with victims of gun violence ... the list goes on and on.

If you are going to banish candidates for being successful in their professional lives, then you will have mighty slim pickings to choose from.

No one should be bashing either candidate. I only made a point to argue what sort of issues might draw crossover votes, not to judge the character of either JD or HBJ, while Heather's brought up her own valid point about an issue that's very important to a lot of district voters. The primary may well be fought around issues that aren't so local while the general will be a fight for DTS & crossovers votes.

GS,

You are then of the opinion that Heather was presenting her own point of view? If so, is she raising it because her candidate holds that position, too? If not and her candidate's position is the same as Dantona's, why should she object to Dantona's position?

It matters because cleanup and management at SSFL is not now nor has it ever been a priority of our current state senator for this district and it is something the State of California should and does have a responsibility to work in. (See link.)

You and your neighbors in the Knolls and adjacent communities, know that more neglect for this issue the last thing we need in from our representatives in Sacramento.

We know where Dantona stands on the issue, can Heather or anyone else with Jackson's campaign let us hear what position Jackson holds? What she did about it while in Sacramento in the assembly?

Heather tried to divide the candidates on the LNG issue, completely unaware that Dantona and Jackson are on the same side of this issue. Dantona even brought it up during his Supervisor campaign, even though it was not a "local" issue. Heather, not Jackson, also identified SSFL as a "local Simi Valley," issue so she must be completely unaware of the true importance of this issue. Jackson, whom Dantona's statesman-like campaign complemented at his fundraiser, is not the issue. Heather's unawareness and insensitivity to the fears we "locals" have lived with for decades, is the issue that should be critiqued here. However, if this is the best Jackson has to offer to lead her campaign, then she suffers by association.

What's the deal with all the Heather bashing? You Democrats eat your own! Did I miss something? She even said, "I agree that Rocketdyne and landfill is important to discuss." Her main mistake here seems to be geografo-centrism, assuming that issues in her neck of the woods are more important. Which, by the way, appears to be mutual . . . I'm just surprised we haven't gotten to building in the Knolls yet.

Owen, how's it going? I actually met you at the VCRCC meeting in September. How's the McCain campaign coming along?

I actually think Heather has made some very good points on this blog. She doesn't seem as wedded to a lot of the traditional, liberal Democratic Party propoganda that gets bantied about so often on this blog, so she tends to get criticized a lot by members of her own party. Excuse her for having a brain of her own that forms her own opinions based on research and facts, rather than the emotional hyperbole spewed so often by some of these other folks.

Baloney Mongo! She throws out "progressive" bias on a regular basis and has no love for centrists (especially if they dare tread on HBJ's hallowed ground). If you misrepresent others' viewpoints (as many have on this blog) that makes you as easy a target as the rest of us. If she understood SSFL to begin with, she would not have labeled it a "local" issue. Her mouth - her foot... again.

I've never heard you defend Jim Dantona when his views and personal life are (mis)represented here, so why the sudden chivalry towards Schmidt? But I guess any enemy of Dantona is a friend of yours, no matter how far apart on the issues. And since Republicans believe running against HBJ is a turkey shoot for Strickland, why not support her?

This Dem shares more in common with Owen (whose support for McCain I respect) than Schmidt (whose outdated liberalism is a death knoll for Democrats).

Supporting HBJ doesn't make someone a non-liberal. In fact HBJ has stood up for many of the best things about liberalism including women's rights ( domestic abuse etc), environmentally safe schools and more.

I agree with her that LNG is a potent issue and so is the clean up of the SSFL. But LNG is easier to take a clear position on ( either for or against it) which is why more people will base their vote on it.

I have never met someone that is against cleaning the field lab. Just people with differing opinions of how bad it is, who should be in charge of cleaning it up, and what should happen to the land.

A great candidate will not shirk away from either issue.

When is the last time HBJ came to Simi Valley or when does she plan to come out here next? I plan to hear her speak and learn more about where she is coming from.

Taxin Jackson has never come to Simi Valley. She thinks of us as nothing but dirt beneath her Santa Barbara liberal feet.

It's amazing how Heather attacks Jim Dantona on only caring about Simi Valley issues. Nothing could be further, from the truth Dantona has supported clean up of the SSFL for years an issue which affects Ventura County, Los Angeles County and Thousands of people for many years to come. Heather seems to think that issue is only a Simi Valley issue, sorry Heather you're very wrong. As far as Waste Management Dantona is opposing tripling the size of the landfill and the back room deal that was making it possible. Without Dantona Waste would have skipped through the process unchecked. That issue is very important to everyone who cares about our enviroment and the back room politics that we have to stop. Also if you check Dantona's past Heather you will find he fought the Oil Companies from any off shore oil drilling long before it was part of SD 19, he worked with then Senators Omar Reins and Gary Hart in an effort to stop Oil Companies from any more drilling off the Santa Barbara Cost. He also stopped developers during that same time period from building on the Santa Barbara Coast and even helped stop the Fess Parker Doubletree (Than Red Lyons) from building a much larger and 4 story hotel on Cabrillo blvd. In addition he has supported the efforts of Richard Francis and SOAR to stop uncontrolled development throughout all of Ventura County and opposed developments in the cities of Ventura and Oxnard just to name a few.

You might also do some research to find out Jim Dantona was a teacher for many years and has worked to try and make public schools better thoughout the state. He has been a big supporter of teachers and believes they deserve more support, since they are working with our children.

Jim Dantona also was the first public appointee to the Ventura County Transportation Committee by a Unanmious vote of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

Jim Dantona has over 30 years of working for all the people of California and that includes all who reside in SD 19. So don't be so quick to criticize him on the issues. I can assure you he has not said anything negative about your candidate HBJ. Your attacks on Jim Dantona only fuel the fire of the Republicans who at this time are agreeing with you but after the primary will be attacking you and HBJ if she is the nominee.

Jim Dantona who has always loved baseball and kids founded a non profit organization with his own money that has worked with thousands of kids to keep them off drugs, out of gangs and in school. He has held clinics across the United States with Major and Minor League Baseball, and for the record clinics for kids in Santa Barbara and every city in Ventura County.

In closing I think you and all who are critizing Jim Dantona know little about all his past accomplishments and work for the people of California. State your positives if you'd like about your candidate without attacking Jim. I have known Jim for over 30 years and he has done a great deal for alot for working class people, seniors and kids. I live in Santa Barbara and have first hand knowledge of what I say.

Thanks and lets remember Tony Stickland is the man we need to go after.

Mongo @ VCRCC talks Heatherspeak. What a duo. Keep playing her.

Former Santa Barbara Elected, if you're legitimate, why are you so scared to use your real name. This could only add legitimacy to what you are saying. By the way, Tony Strickland is enjoying this debate immensely so far.

If Tony is enjoying this, is it because he thinks he will be running for congress in 2008?

And I am sure "Mongo Flamo" is a real name?

Hey here's a hearty laugh for us all:

On another thread, hypocritical Mongo Flamo said (in a response to reveal his own identity):

"Sorry I can't post a pic. I'm actually pretty well known around Ventura, so I don't want to blow my cover on this blog."

HAHAHAHA...HOOWEEEEE... What a hoot!

ROTFLMAO, not sure what you're talking about here. Which thread did this post appear on? I don't recall it, nor can I find it anywhere. Sounds like you've been puffing on a little "wishing weed", bro.

"Hi, Sharon. Sorry I can't post a pic. I'm actually pretty well known around Ventura, so I don't want to blow my cover on this blog.

Posted by: Mongo Flamo at November 17, 2007 09:17 PM"

????????????????????????????????????????????????

Thank you GS...

I abhor drugs Flamo, but since you seem to have vast experience in this regard - let me refocus your failing drug-induced memory: Barbra Williamson's Merry Christmas blog.

Your perceived self-importance and hypocritical posts speak for themselves.

HOO-HOOO...HAAAAA - you're killing me BRO... Oxygen - oxygen!!!

ROT-FACE, I plead completely innocent of all charges. I did not post this. This is apparently someone trying to besmirch my impeccable reputation. Sorry, but nice try, your phony posts under my name have been revealed, ROT-FACE.

The laugh is on me this time, I'm afraid.

Mongo,
All you have is a huge MOUTH. Like to meet Face to Face you WIMP?

EVEN Funnier- now I AM TO BLAME for the post. Your reputation is anything but impeccable and I don't waste my time posting under your sorry same. Go flame someone else Flamo - we've already wasted to much time on you.

Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off HOO HAA WHOOOOA!

LETS MEET,

Any time you think you're man enough, my friend.

ROT-GUT,

Just as with any other icon, there are always plenty of people trying to bring me down. But, as many times as you may try, it shan't happen as a result of your little games, ROT-GUT.

Hardly hear from Bubba Kidd, but Mongo has surfaced from under a rock. Perhaps the same gopher, but in a new suit (fur).

Mongo, Bubba, Kunicki, VCRCC, all one and the same. Dopes united, the union of the VCRCC.

Go Dantona!!

Marie, Jackson's husband has a great resume and many supporters in the legal community in both Ventura and Santa Barbara. I've never heard much praise sent in HBJ's direction however. She was difficult to deal with in the practice of law and even more difficult to deal with in the State Assembly. Ever wonder why her own Party put her out to pasture?

Since Flaming Mongoose suffers from paranoia, perhaps we can dedicate a thread just to him. We can all guess his lowlife identity as well as guessing who is behind the identity theft of which he falsely accuses another. It should be fun since he has more BS and accusations to offer than real political discourse about any subject matter4 offered up. Once his identity is confirmed, we can take the same pathetic shots at him, his livelihood, his family and everything else he and his lying Klan have taken at other non-Republicans on this blog.

Oh - except for Heather. He admires that Democrat's facts and research.

HAAAAAAAAAA - you slay me BRO - you slay me!

CAP-182,
You are just not going to get anywhere with me. I am a walking advertisement to HBJ's effectiveness as a legislator. My child was one those who got sick after walking through a cloud of pesticide sprayed from a neighboring field onto the grounds of Mound School in 2000. In response to this, she passed important legislation to protect kids who live or go to school near agriculture fields. She also helped pass legislation in response to the pleas of another grassroots group I was involved with. She was a HIGHLY productive member of the Assembly until she was termed out.

In response to your allegations about her reputation in her own practice, that just isn't true. One of my best friends worked for her and she speaks very positively of her.

She will always have my support and I will stick up for her on this blog when I feel I need to.

Wow, ROT-BRAIN, you seem so angry. Did you get along this well with others at school? Perhaps Mommy and Daddy mistreated you when you were a little tyke, yes?

While you continue to spew venom and hate towards one of your fellow bloggers and, dare I say, one of the more politically astute that has ventured on this blog, I continue to sit aloft in my perch and gaze down upon you lowly Dems who continue to cut each other to ribbons with your hourly diatribes (witness Marie's and CAP-182's latest exchange as an example of this).

As I have stated before so eloquently, Tony Strickland is enjoying this to no end. Let the entertainment continue...........

Marie, glad to hear that a person who worked for Jackson liked her. That really sets the record straight about how she was liked by her fellow lawyers. The fact that she has so few friends in the State's Democratic leadership further strengthens your position that she was so effective in the Assembly. But everyone needs a friend, Marie, so hang in there. On election night you can cry with her and say "we love you Hannah Beth. Thanks for trying".

As far as Strickland, Mongo, with law enforcement looking closely at his record, I'm sure he does need a light moment now and then.

Brian, can we have a separate blog entry for Mongo and Rotflamo to post their adolescent gibberish?

I don't think CAP-812 and I are cutting each other to ribbons. We are having a perfectly logical political discussion, which is the intent of this blog, last time I looked. I am just being a little nicer because I post under my own name.

CAP-812, Sheila Kuehl asked HBJ to run again, so I know she has one other friend besides me. :-) I just received a fundraiser invitation and there are quite few other names there, too.

Look, Dantona may be a great guy. I don't know much about him other than he lost a race for supervisor and he works as a political consultant. It may be that as a he would do better in a match-up against Strickland. But he has no record as a legislator to back up his centrist claims.

He also doesn't have that much name recognition in West County and S.B. County. I mentioned this race to a group of local movers and shakers in Ventura the other day and not one person knew who he was. These people, mostly Democrats, will be who you need to spread your message to in the primary. There are more registered Dems out on this end of the District.

Tony couldn't give a damn about you or our little repartee, as he's busy counting the bribe delivered from his "Christian" brothers at Salem Broadcasting and party thugs at VCRCC to endorse empty suit Peter Foy. It still didn't get him a coveted State seat vs... what was his name again... oh yes John Chiang.

Hey -I've got nothing against HBJ (except that she cannot win) or Marie (whose opinions are expressed considerably better than spoiled child-politico Heather). The issue is you - you self-serving blow-hard twit. And please don't insult the intelligence of other bloggers by ranting about venom and hate. As poster child for both of them, they are the very qualities you mistake for your "political astuteness." But thanks for the laughs here just the same.

ROT-SCAB, you're certainly welcome for all the laughs. I entertain as well as educate. I've never claimed anything different.

My acerbic wit and relentless spirit thrive despite your venomous attacks on this blog, your Scabiness. But look at you, attacking everyone within reach of your keyboard - including poor Heather, who is just trying to make a difference in a troubled world, by God. Leave the poor child alone would you? It will undoubtedly come back to get you, as John Lennon prophesized in his memorable - "Instant Karma".

Now, off with you, ROT-SCAB, you're clinging to the heel of my shoe as I walk.

Marie,

There is enough time between now and June for Jim Dantona to get his name recognition in the northern reaches of the district. Santa Barbara and Ventura are not afterall Siberia or the Yukon. And once people meet and hear Jim Dantona they will remember his name. After 50 or more blog entries, this is the first time anybody really took the time and effort to write out the other candidate's entire name, Hannah-Beth Jackson. HBJ sounds like a sleazy corporation.

Dantona does afterall have the better "sounding" name of the two Dem candidates. Strickland sounds like something you caught, like a cold or the Plague.

If Dantona's argument that he is the better positioned candidate prevails in the primary then I would hope you would see the wisdom of his appeal. It would be unwise to be dismissive of him. He is a good campaigner and can be counted on to bring a spirited attack come election day.

This is all very reminiscent of the discussions I have with my friends over Hillary.

I want to see Strickland go down, too. You just haven't convinced me yet that Dantona's the person to do it. I will look forward to learning more.

Thanks for getting us back on track R.J. Here is a news editorial that supports your contention. Interestingly, it comes from Santa Barbara.

***

Santa Barbara News Press
Opinion: Travis Armstrong:
A Kennedy support for Dantona's Senate bid
October 28, 2007 8:55 AM

There's going to be a Democratic slugfest for the party nomination for the state Senate position held by Tom McClintock. Two Democrats have announced -- and is Assemblyman Pedro Nava waiting in the wings?

The defeat of a statewide proposition in February to ease legislative term limits could persuade Mr. Nava to pursue the 19th District Senate seat. Observers say voters may be reluctant to mess with term limits unless the governor throws his weight behind it big-time.

Mr. Nava's entrance could mean an ultimate match-up between him and Republican candidate Tony Strickland in the November 2008 general election.

Little-known in Santa Barbara, a centrist from Ventura County named Jim Dantona has lined up big-name endorsements and may be the Democratic front-runner for the time being.

His endorsements include a Kennedy -- retired Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, who was in Ventura on Oct. 18 for a Dantona fundraiser. Other endorsers include State Senate President pro tem Don Perata, state Sens. Alex Padilla and Gil Cedillo, and city council members from Los Angeles, Oxnard and Simi Valley.

Mr. Dantona barely lost a county supervisor's race in Ventura County in a district dominated by Republicans. In other words, he's got appeal across the board. Republicans have an edge in the 19th Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Lompoc, Buellton and Solvang, and communities in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

"It's not about being a Democrat, Republican or a decline-to-state," Mr. Dantona said in a statement discussing the Kennedy fundraiser. "It is about getting results for all of us. The major difference between me and my opponents is that I can work with both sides of the aisle now. I can work with the pro tem and the leadership of the party, and that's what we need."

That would be in contrast to Hannah-Beth Jackson, a former assemblywoman who's also announced her candidacy. The Montecito resident gained a reputation in the county and Sacramento for being difficult to deal with personally.

How difficult?

State Democratic leaders redistricted her out of the chance to move up to the state Senate before being termed out of the Assembly. To spite her, they placed Santa Barbara in Mr. McClintock's district when redrawing the lines.

Then local Democrats worked early on to line up support and endorsements for Salud Carbajal to become 1st District supervisor so she couldn't later enter that race.

Let's play the political version of Where's Waldo?
Mongo Flamo says he is from Ventura.
Mongo Flamo is a legend in his own mind.
Mongo Flamo is a rude, condescending bully.
Since there were only about 25 people at the September VCRCC meeting, and there were only about four from Ventura: including Osborn, City Council candidates Lou Cunningham and Mike Gibson, VCRCC member Paul Thompson (who is an Osborn stooge, but is well mannered and has his ego in check)
Who's Flamo?

Mongo Flamo was the insane and crazy guy in Blazing Saddles, so no wonder this Flamo supports Strickland. I will be voting for Dantona as he is the only real candidate in this race. Strickland is only out for Strickland and the small group of far right crazy wacko's who support him because of the cash he funnels to them.

As entertaining as this thread has become after nearly 60 posts nobody has bothered to discuss the basis of this thread, which is the article outlining Dantona's stand on the issues. Many around here, myself included, have complained that Dantona has often dodged taking a stand on important issues, so naturally any article that could provide more information would be enlightening. I took the time to read the article but still could find little substance that gave any clear indication where Dantona stands.

As an example, on the issue of women's reproductive rights Dantona stated, "I care about the ability of women to be able to choose what they want, that they’re working on the same level". Sorry, but that hardly clarifies his stand on abortion.

Another example is when Dantona says, "I am not against globalization, what I’m against is when major corporations end up outsourcing jobs, Americans, Californians in particular, lose their jobs, they can’t afford any health care, they can’t afford anything else in terms of putting food on the table".

According to Websters Dictionary globalization is: the act or process of globalizing : the state of being globalized; especially : the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets

So by definition globalization results in the free flow of trade, capital and labor. This is how every economist in the world would define globalization. Yet Jim Dantona says he is for globalization but against the outsourcing of jobs. That is a contradiction. If Jim Dantona is against the outsourcing of jobs then he is against globalization. You can't have it both ways.

What I see here is Dantona calling himself a centrist, but he is vague on exactly what makes him a centrist. Dantona has taken a strong stand on Rocketdyne, the landfill, and LNG, however these are typical environmental issues that you would expect from any democrat. From that standpoint he is no different from HBJ. Dantona also claims support from education and firefighters, but once again this is the typical support that democrats get from organized labor, no different than would be expected from HBJ.

What exactly is the difference between Dantona and HBJ on the issues? What makes him a "centrist"? Is it because he will not give a clear answer on where he stands on abortion? Is it because he is both for and against globalization? The only people claiming that Dantona is a "centrist" seems to be Dantona and his supporters, most of whom seem to be typical far-left liberals. This seems to be a case of putting lipstick on a pig and calling it kosher. I see no difference between Dantona and any typical democrat, and this article on where Dantona supposedly stands on the issues didn't shed any additional light.

I'll give this to HBJ, at least she doesn't try and pretend to be something that she is not.

Of course we know where Strickland stands on the issues. Tony believes that political office is there so he and his wife can become rich at taxpayer expense. He believes whatever his big corporate and far right donors who mainly live outside the district tell him to believe. He believes it is up to the government to tell a woman if she can have an abortion even if she was raped by her mentally challenged uncle. He believes that he must do what God and the VCRCC tell him to do. He believes voting no on everything is the right thing to do. He believes he and his wife should have healthcare provided to them by the government but it is not okay for anyone else. He believes it is okay to use taxpayer funds to mail out anti-illegal alien literature to voters right before election time and to call it a "survey". Yes, we know what Tony is all about and that is why the people want Dantona!

I have a question for the Jackson detractors. If she was as disliked as you say, how did she manage to get more than 60 pieces of legislation passed and signed into law in the six short years she was there?

From a constituent's point of view, this seems remarkable. I really felt she was working hard for us. I guess I don't care if she was snubbed at the Democratic cocktail parties.

The only thing I seem to recall Tony Strickland working on in the Assembly was those Reagan license plates, but I'm sure he did more.

I am your typical voter. These are the things that stick in my head.

And once again we have the typical response from Team Dantona attacking Tony Strickland instead of responding to the questions. What makes Dantona a "centrist" besides the fact that he calls himself a centrist? Why is it that Dantona's supporters keep calling him a bi-partisan moderate, yet they can't seem to answer simple questions about their candidate?

All I see in all these threads are repeated, random attacks against Strickland, the VCRCC, Osborne, Foy, Mikels, and various bloggers. Even liberals such as HBJ, Marie, and Heather are not immune from attacks from Team Dantona as they seem to readily turn on anyone who doesn't accept their propaganda at face value. Yet we are all still waiting for simple answers to simple questions. If you guys can't intelligently support your candidate on a blog then he certainly has no chance in a high-profile election against experienced, well-funded opponents. Personally I'm not certain that Dantona will even survive the primary.

Why is Dantona the only one who is supposed to "answer questions?"

I've seen little regarding "issues" from anyone at this early date.

And why would anyone running for a State office Strickland, HBJ or Dantona respond to "intelligent" questions from people hiding behind names like Bubba, Mongo Flamo or ROTFLMAO?

Give it a rest Bubba.

Bubba, I'm not really much of a liberal. I was a registered Republican for many years until the Republican Party and I parted ways on a few issues.

I admire politicians with guts and the ability to get positive things done. If Chuck Hagel, a Republican, ran for president, I'd vote for him.

Your Mr. Strickland has not impressed me at all. Too bad there isn't a better Republican choice for CA-19. There seems to be a bounty of good Dems running.

Hey Marie - glad to see we are on the same page re: Strickland and Hagel. Of course you realize Hagel is now considered a "liberal" by our former party for daring to stand up against the President.

We are simply on different pages regarding Jackson and Dantona.

You will notice that Bubba did not deny he is Mongo. You will also notice that even though he is a hardcore member of the VCRCC he did not try and defend Strickland as you cannot defend the indefensible. Bubba is mainly angry that some of us use the tactics he and the GOP use which is to attack, attack, attack. I too would vote for Chuck Hagel, even though his own party calls him a RINO. I saw a big sign yesterday that said "Vote for Ron Paul. Restore the Republic". It is clear that even though Ron Paul is a republican he is saying that Bush has destroyed the Republic and Bubba supports Bush, remember that folks whenever you read any of the crap that Bubba/Mongo/Kunicki posts.

Watch for Tony the Tiger to encourage all his donors to fund HB Jackson's race in an attempt to pick off Dantona in the Democratic Primary. He's rather run against Jackson than Dantona.

He stays up nights plotting these things.

Tony the Tiger? I heard he changed his name to Tony the PUSSYcat.

I'm pretty sure I know who Mongo is, and it's NOT Bubba.

Mongo can be civil when he wants to be. If you look on old threads he has a glimmer of humanity when nobody is looking.

He reminds me of the little boys who used to chase me around with garter snakes on the playground when I was 7. If you ran and screamed they would keep doing it. If you ignored them, they went away.

He hangs out here because it is entertaining to poke Democrats and watch them scream. Ignore him and he'll go away.

Mongo pretends well. Not an ounce of humanity in 'im.

I have been accused in the past of being Mongo, Voter, Ron, Owen, Kunicki, Osborne, Mikels, or somehow closely associated with Foy, Strickland, Becerra and even Gallegly. You guys really need to get your story straight. It must be nice living in your own narrow world where you can pretend that every post you disagree with somehow magically comes from the same person. That way you can ignore the growing multitudes of people who have legitimate questions about Dantona and simply want straight answers. Sorry to disappoint you but wishing for something to be true does not make it true. I am none of the above. But it clearly seems to bother Dantona's supporters to the extent that they feel it necessary to try to invent their own personal blog reality. The fact is that this blog is evidence there are plenty of people, both democrats and republicans, that have serious reservations about supporting Jim Dantona. And he better start doing a better job reaching out to these folks instead of allowing his followers to continually insult and smear anyone who doesn't join their little cult.

And in response to Just Wondering, he asks "Why is Dantona the only one who is supposed to answer questions?" The answer to that question is obvious, but I guess I will have to state the obvious for Team Dantona. If you scroll to the top of this thread it is titled "Jim Dantona on the issues". Brian even posted a link to an article and states, "Here is an article about Jim Dantona and where he stands on a variety of issues."

Seems simple enough. Brian created a thread that is specifically about where Dantona stands on the issues. Yet Team Dantona is somehow offended that questions are being asked about where Dantona stands on those issues. That is some pretty convoluted logic.

And yet through all of this Team Dantona will not answer my basic question as to why Dantona is a "centrist", other than all of us just accepting that at face value because he says so. Dantona is involved in a primary against HBJ, so what distinguishes his stand on the issues from her? And please explain how Dantona is seemingly both for and against globalization based on his statements in the linked article.

C'mon folks, these are softball questions. Certainly you can come up with something more creative than just the regular tired attacks against the evil Strickland empire. If you guys can't handle simple questions in a blog how do you expect to win an election against a real opponent?

Bubba - don't get me wrong, but for all your talking, have you stated whom you are supporting to replace Tom McClintock?

You will now notice that as soon as it was pointed out that Mongo was Bubba, that Bubba appeared and Mongo went silent, this is Bubba's usual M.O., when you catch him trying to be someone else he then returns quickly as himself and the other person is gone. You will also notice that once again he did not try to defend the unethical behavior of Strickland, instead he again tried to attack Dantona, why? Because Bubba and the VCRCC are scared sh*tless of Dantona because they know he can and will beat the living crap outa Tony the PUSSYcat!

Brian,

Way to spark a discussion.

Brian,

Way to spark a discussion.

I already stated long ago who I support in this race. I'm for extending term limits and I will be supporting Tom McClintock.

See how easy that was. Now your turn.

What are some key differences between Dantona and HBJ on the issues? How do you reconcile Dantona's statements that make him appear to be both for and against globalization?

Gopher alert. Gopher out from under rock. Grab your poison and traps. This is an official gopher alert.

You got that right CAP. Thanks for beating me to the ALERT. Sometimes the gopher sneaks out when I'm not watching. It is good to have a few of us watching for crop damage. You never know when the gopher will come out from the dark underground and utter a few grunts. "Dantona is bad. McClintock is good. Dantona is evil. Dantona is fat." Best action is to not speak when we hear the grunts. Instead, grab your traps, poison and club and look for the pile of fresh dirt. He always runs back underground to his dark tunnel.

Sorry CAP. Surf's up. See you at the pier in the early morning. For now, let's get us a gopher.

Is that all you Dantona guys have? Tired old attacks against Strickland and the VCRCC? Attacks against other bloggers? Gopher alerts? LMAO!!

This thread is about where your candidate stands on the issues, yet Team Dantona repeatedly punts and refuses to answer even the most basic questions. Dantona is a self-annointed "bi-partisan moderate" and "centrist", but he and his followers refuse to back up those claims with anything of substance. They even go as far as to accuse their opponent in the primary of being too far left, yet simultaneously refusing to differentiate their candidate's position on the issues from HBJ.

What are some key differences between Dantona and HBJ on the issues? This is not a trick question.

How pathetic that you guys can't even answer a simple question. Your gopher alerts only prove that Dantona is an empty suit.

Gopher alert. Gopher out from under rock. Grab your traps and poison. This is an official gopher alert. Never waste time talking to a gopher. Gophers are very dumb animals, living in the dark, and only coming out for brief seconds during which they may make odd grunts and eat a weed.

One of the main problems with conspiracy theorists is that they often believe in theories that contradict each other. I thought that Strickland controlled the VCRCC, but now it's apparently them who control him.

Bubba, you've been accused of being me?? Must have been when I wasn't looking . . .

I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.

See how they run like pigs from a gun, see how they fly.

I'm crying.

-Lennon and McCartney, "I am the Walrus"

It's been a while since I've been accused of being you. These days I'm mostly accused of being Mongo or Kunicki. But I'm sure the accusations will continue to evolve depending on the popular conspiracy theory of the moment and which individual happens to be the current enemy du jour of the lefties around here.

OK. I'll ask. Please tell me how Jim Dantona differs from Hannah-Beth Jackson on the issues. I would really like to know. Convince me of the error of my ways.

Or are you guys just in "clear the field" mode right now without fully formed talking points? Or maybe you don't want to give the "enemy" any early clues about your campaign.

I love the Beatles as much as anyone. But I already know the lyrics by heart, thank you.

Bubba,

Do you really think that Dantona and his supporters are leftists? They live in an upper class community and I doubt many of them quote Lenin, Trotsky, or Marx often.

It seems odd to be mad at name calling and then throw leftist around so often.

For everyone else, Bubba Kidd is not Mongo.

Hey Marie, sorry your little garter snake is loose again. But in listening to all this banter between the Hannah-Beth Jackson and Jim Dantona camps I couldn't help but wonder where this is all going to lead. One of the 2 has to win and the one you want to win is the one that can beat Strickland, right? In this district, the only Dem that has a prayer of doing this is Mr. Dantona You should be putting all your eggs in that basket and stop dividing the party.

What I want is a solid, issues-based reason why I should desert my loyalties to a woman I owe a debt of gratitude to and vote for an unknown quantity. I don't want to hear about her personality issues, when I know she authored more than 60 bills that were signed into law.

The numbers are too close right now in this district and the DTS will decide this race. I'm not convinced Strickland is the rock star everyone says he is. He's got way too much negative baggage. I don't think he is going to play well in W. County and Santa Barbara at all.

I'm not dividing the party. I'm asking honest questions that I am sure other Democratic voters will have.

Just because Brian has named this thread "Jim Dantona on the Issues," does not mean this is a hot line to Jim Dantona. This is not Jim Dantona's blog. This is Brian's blog and he can call the threads whatever he wishes. He simply made reference to one article.

None of us here can speak FOR Dantona, anymore than Marie can speak FOR Jackson or Bubba can speak FOR any of the people he is accused of being (unless of course he is ALL of them). We can only speak ABOUT them.

But let me address Bubba's question on abortion. I do not know Dantona's stance on abortion. Neither do I know if McClintock and Strickland believe like Tom Tancredo that we should nuke the Middle East. And neither issue is relevant HERE since the President makes the call on pushing the button and the Supreme Court debates and decides procreation rights. But knee-jerk Republicans and Democrats still use the divisive abortion issue as the black and white litmus test of allegiance.

This is a State Senate seat. I DO know Dantona does not believe in raising State taxes. He recognizes government waste, even from within his own party. Anybody can say that of course but not many Democrats do. He DID say so out of the gate in his Supervisor campaign. I believe Jackson said taxes were “an investment in our future.” That Amway sounding marketing tag line might be an easier sell for Ms. Jackson if California was showing more bang for its buck and the average working man and woman were not struggling so hard to make ends meet.

I also trust that Dantona can work with California leadership, something McClintock and Strickland cannot do because they have positioned themselves as conservative ideologues acting as contrarians to anything Democrat or anything “moderate.” When Strickland made an attempt to cross party lines (by supporting Dantona for a local non-partisan Supervisor seat) the party reined him in and threatened his multi-million dollar campaign allowance, thereby blackmailing him for support of Foy.

Dantona supports capital punishment, opposes eminent domain, and has come out strongly for securing our porous borders where the biggest danger involves the drug runners and potential terrorists who wait in line.

He has a positive working relationship with our Republican Governor. Tom McClintock cannot claim that.

These are not the talking points of the talk-show demonized Democrat Bubba. But these are points he made as he canvassed for the Supervisor’s race. I know because I questioned him and was pleasantly surprised by the straight forward answers I received. I originally met Dantona some years ago through Baseballers Against Drugs. I was impressed by his organization and its dedication to kids. I knew very little about his political ideas until the campaign.

His environmental support was made clear in a post by “Former Santa Barbara Elected” above. (And please don’t lecture us about his anonymity - or my own- until the rest of you come clean.)

His call for cleanup and accountability for SSFL was louder than our current or previous Mayor and City Council’s EVER was. And these people live in the shadow (and denial) of SSFL! Of course, once the Sheila Kuehl bill was signed, they all made sure they were quoted in local papers. (You would have thought Glen Becerra was instrumental in getting this bill signed – though he previously uttered nary a word about SSFL). Sorry – I digress...

I support his opposition to the landfill expansion and am grateful he exposed it.

Globalization? Businesses were leaving California for other states before “globalization” became the buzz word and the excuse for its exodus. You CAN support keeping more jobs in California with a business-friendly environment without opposing globalization. We can export our products and our technology without exporting our livelihoods. For the record – this is MY take on the question raised, not Dantona’s. In rebuttal to Bubba - I think you CAN have it both ways.

Dantona and I do not agree on everything (for one – he is a Chicago Cubs fan). I really don’t care who Bubba is and I wish the “To Tell the Truth” panel would stop throwing out its tired guesses and offer up some political dialogue. I hope there is some food for thought and civil discourse.

Bubba - Can you tell me why you support McClintock (not why you hate Dantona)? Marie - Can you tell me about HBJ's 60 bills?

Bubba supports McClintock because Tommy Boy is a wack job, just like Bubba. McClintock thinks it should be legal to strap a baby into a car seat, roll up the windows and smoke a pack of cigs (Tommy Boy received big money from tobacco companies), but he also thinks the government should forbid women from having an abortion even if they were raped by a mentally challenged ex con and the government should act like big brother. Tommy Boy has also never brought anything to this District, all he is is a career politician who feeds at the public trough!

BK is a rodent. A gopher in fact. It is best not to talk to a rodent. Grab your traps and poison. A gopher doesn't say anything worth listening to. Let the gopher make its silly noises right up until the trap springs or it eats the poison. Talking to a gopher makes no sense. Just let it babble.

Thank you, "Former Republican," I really appreciate the time you took to answer questions and provide thoughtful debate. This blog frustrates me because for every person who wants to talk about the issues there are two or three who just want to act like little kids.

I have looked for a detailed and comprehensive list of ALL Jackson's legislation. She doesn't have a campaign web site up yet. I'm a member of Jackson's Speak Out California group, which does have a site. This is straight off the site:

"She is a tireless advocate for progressive change, having authored more than 60 bills that were signed into law on issues including education, health care, environmental protection, financial privacy, crime victims, reproductive rights, domestic violence, childcare and protecting the rights of consumers."

There are two bills which I was very interested in and know a lot about:
AB947 that allows county agricultural commissioners to place restrictions on the use of all pesticides applied on farms within a quarter-mile of schools. It increased the maximum fine for serious pesticide-related violations from $1,000 to $5,000. It also includes language encouraging school districts to address in their safety plans steps to take in the event of pesticide drift.

She also authored legislation which allows local governments to create increased fine zones in marked areas near schools. Money from the fines issued to traffic violators helps fund programs to promote safety in school zones. The money may also be used to hire crossing guards and to create community education and awareness programs.

She also authored bills which protect victims of stalking and domestic abuse and many bills which deal with coastal cleanup.

I heard that she was a pistol in the Assembly, too, but obviously she was able to get a lot done.

So Bubba, what legislation did Tony the PUSSYcat get passed that helped bring money to his assembly district? Do you think it was ethical of Strickland to accept money to work as a lobbyist while he was still in the assembly? Do you think it was ethical for Audra Strickland to accept thousands from Saperstein and then to deceive Caltrans and the City of Simi Valley?

I will respond to Former Republican now Proudly Independent because he is the only Dantona supporter around here who has even attempted to provide a thoughtful, reasoned post in defending his support for Jim Dantona. It is unfortunate that Dantona doesn't have more supporters like FRNPI who can articulate the reason why they support him instead of simply attacking and trying to tear everyone else down.

On the issue of speaking for a candidate, I realize that nobody can really speak for a candidate. But if you are passionate about supporting a candidate you should be able to articulate why they are a better choice and what you would expect them to do when in office. Nobody really knows for certain what a candidate would actually do if elected, but we should at least have somewhat informed positions based on research and the candidate's history in elected office or other occupations. Unfortunately in an era of campaign flyers and soundbytes it is often hard to seperate the wheat from the chaff. All the more reason why voters should insist on better information before casting their ballot.

My question on the contrast between Dantona and HBJ was simple. If I understand FRNPI's response correctly, he believes that the key difference between the two is that Dantona is opposed to raising taxes while HBJ favors increasing taxes. He also stated that Dantona supports border enforcement and capital punishment, which also would be a sharp contrast to HBJ (Really, that wasn't so hard, was it? Why do so many of Dantona's supporters insist on trashing everyone else instead of a simple response to a simple question).

Assuming that the information from FRNPI is accurate, and I have no reason not to believe him/her, then I think that makes a powerful argument for Dantona as a more moderate democrat compared to HBJ. However I'd like to see Dantona actually take all of these stands publically, not just privately. In this fairly conservative district those positions would play very well. I'd especially like to see Dantona take a firm, public stand against increasing taxes. Maybe Marie should weigh in on why she thinks that HBJ is the better progressive, or any other thoughts she might have on the subject.

The primary reason why I have supported Tom McClintock is because he has a long, consistent record of opposing tax increases. There have been numerous attempts by the State Legislature over the years to jack up taxes and fees every time the state spends itself into another fiscal crisis. McClintock has been very successful in fighting those efforts, and he was successful in stopping the recinding of the VLF. McClintock is also a staunch opponent of increased borrowing and has always argued in favor of spending cuts, or at least more sensible increases in spending, something that has often put him at odds with not just democrats but even our own republican governor. In short, he is a true fiscal conservate, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of fiscal conservatives in Sacramento these days.

I have no problem with McClintock being add odds with the governor and his democratic counterparts on some issues. A good elected official should be true to their ideals and their constituents instead of caving for the purposes of political popularity. Sometimes there is a role for somebody who bucks the status quo, especially when the status quo is a broken system that caters to special interests.

The ONLY question for those who'd like to see a Dem in the seat is which candidate has the best chance of beating Strickland? Dantona or Jackson?

Bubba and Tommy Boy McClintock have a lot in common, they are both as long winded as a bad fart. McClintock did not end the VLF, Arnold did, and now we have a billion dollar hole in our sate budget because of it. McClintock talks a good game but he doesn't deliver for the people he is supposed to represent, he only delivers for those who give him money like the tobacco lobby!

Being at odds with people on some issues is expected Bubba. Being at odds all the time is counterproductive to our district. And McClintock is only at odds with Dems and moderate Reps. Somewhere along the line fiscal conservativism got tangled up with values ideology and hijacked the Republican Party. Just as 70s liberalism overtook the liberalism of John Kennedy and hijacked the stifled independent voices of the Democratic Party. McClintock has been a nice voice of fiscal conservatism but an ineffectual representative. Strickland caving in to the party last year only reinforces more of the same to me.

As for HBJ and Speak out California, I quote from their web site:
"Together we we (sic) are making great progress against Governor Schwarzenegger's backwards agenda for our state."

I see Schwarzenegger's mistakes as those made by a first time office holder who has now become a stronger voice for moderation because of it. I don't want an official campaigning on fighting a moderate point of view. Though, neither do I want a someone who changes with the wind. I want someone who can be productive, no matter which party, and search for common ground, not divisiveness between the parties. That current divisive philosophy is hurting us all.

The issue isn't (just) taxes. The issue is leadership. Dantona is a Democrat and I am not. But neither am I a Republican anymore. His party affiliation and his experience in the party do not scare me away. It tells me he can get things done in California while still maintaining an independent voice. We will find areas of agreement and disagreement but I trust his leadership will be constructive and results-driven for our district. I just don't see results from McClintock. I see a tired Republican mantra and a Reagan wanna-be.

In response to Brian, I don't think that all of Dantona's supporters are leftists, however I think that many of his strongest supporters on this blog are. This is characterized by the outright distain and hatred that some Dantona supporters seem to display on a regular basis for all republicans. Which is one of the reasons why I consider Dantona's self-proclaimed "centrist" qualifications so dubious. I think it is fair to judge a candidate not only on what he says but also on the company he keeps.

I do find it curious why you take issue with my use of the term leftist. The term leftist means that an individual or a group is on the political left. I suppose that would be inclusive of all those on the left of the political spectrum, including both moderate and far-left liberals. However, I did not call anyone a marxist or a communist as you imply by your response. If that is what I meant then that is what I would have said.

As far as the issue of name-calling is concerned, I think you are splitting hairs if you are going to characterize the use of the word "leftist" as name-calling. I find it funny that terms like neocon (and other things that are far worse) are used with regularity on this blog to describe conservatives, and you seem to be OK with that, but take exception to the term leftist to describe liberals. If you are OK with one then you should be OK with the other.