Totten declined, as Bradbury threw him under the bus, and Brooks called the campaign coroner.

I would like to see a statement from his opponent. If his opponent, who has something to gain, says it is not an issue then that should satisfy most people.

“Success for some people depends on becoming well-known; for others, it depends on never being found out.” -- Ashleigh Brilliant

Why should his opponent say anything? He didn't bring it up.

Let Mighty Whitey Mouse himself explain it.

You don't accept his explanation?

You Be The Judge. Did Jeff Bennett pass this test?

CANON 2

A Judge Shall Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All
of the Judge's Activities

A. Promoting Public Confidence

A judge shall respect and comply with the law* and shall act at all
times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and
impartiality of the judiciary.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMENTARY

Public confidence in the judiciary is eroded by irresponsible or
improper conduct by judges. A judge must avoid all impropriety and
appearance of impropriety. A judge must expect to be the subject of
constant public scrutiny. A judge must therefore accept restrictions on
the judge's conduct that might be viewed as burdensome by other members
of the community and should do so freely and willingly.

The prohibition against behaving with impropriety or the appearance of
impropriety applies to both the professional and personal conduct of a
judge.

The test for the appearance of impropriety is whether a person aware of
the facts might reasonably entertain a doubt that the judge would be
able to act with integrity, impartiality, and competence.

Of course, Mr. Bennett was not a judge ten years ago and was not subject to the Canons of Judicial Ethics. That only means he can not be prosecuted by the State Bar for the license frame issue.

As voters, we can ask if Mr. Bennett showed the demeanor and sensitivity that should be shown by a judge.

June 3rd is your chance to judge a potential judge.

Oh, c'mon, Brian, how can you even put this "non-story" out there for discussion? The guy explained what it meant and it was a completely innocent nickname based on his fair complexion.

The people that are hopping on this ridiculous "white supremacist" bandwagon (that you helped fan the flames for) are all his Bennett opponents, or Orellana supporters, or both. This is ludicrous and outrageous!

The explanation given here is a different from the one he explained in another setting.

So there are two completely different stories about how he came by the mighty whitey nickname out there.

I think the question is worthy of more discussion. Maybe Jeff Bennett should come on the blog and go on the record, and explain himself to the voters.

Mongo,

It was already being reported on the radio and talked about in comments here.

I don't know what my trying to be the gate keeper would do at that point.

The people that read a political blog are more likely to give the man the benefit of the doubt and wait for an explanation then the general public.

I am sure it will be in a newspaper, regardless if I kept it secret, within a few days.

I appreciate that it was called what this really is: a late hit.

It isn't fair to do this with a few days left if these people knew about it for many years.

Jeff Bennett is not a white supremacist but it shows extremely poor judgement for a grown man in the DA's office. And that is what we are voting for on June 3 - good judgement.

Refusing to talk to the press about it is also not good.

I'm more concerned with him accepting the Strickland endorsement when he is the investigative lawyer for the Stricklands - also bad judgement on his part.

At this point, I think he should resign.

This probably does more to damage Totten, Brooks and Bradbury for endorsing someone with an embarrassment. They should think twice before trying to "control" an election in the future.

Katie's last post raises a real, honest-to-goodness question about Bennett's judgement. Katie, can you explain the investigative tie in to the Stricklands?

GS - I've posted this information before but to recap. Jeff is the investigative lawyer for several complaints against the Stricklands for financial misdoings. The Stricklands have not been charged, they endorse Jeff, he accepts endorsement. Doesn't look good.

Is it an ongoing investigation that hasn't yet resulted in charges being filed or dropped...or has the investigation concluded? Can you direct me to your post about it?

Look at Brian's previous Judge thread - I don't know where the various investigations stand. Best thing to do is ask the DA's office directly.

Couple Paid Each Other Campaign Funds
A GOP candidate for controller and his wife have moved $138,000 to self-owned businesses.
By Evan Halper
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 13, 2006

SACRAMENTO — A Republican candidate for state controller and his legislator wife have funneled campaign money into each other's consulting firms, in effect boosting their income through political donations, campaign finance reports show.

Over a little more than five years, Tony Strickland and his wife, Audra, who replaced him as a member of the state Assembly, paid more than $138,000 raised by their supporters to businesses owned by them and a staffer living in their Moorpark home. An additional $20,000 in campaign money was deposited into a nonprofit organization run by Tony Strickland.

The Ventura County couple say they did nothing improper and that investigators have cleared them of wrongdoing.

Strickland, who as controller would manage and audit the state's finances, produced a June 2004 letter from Ventura County prosecutors saying they looked at the transfers and found no evidence of criminal activity. The district attorney's office review was set in motion by a citizen complaint.

"There was an investigation and they sent us a letter of resolution saying the case was closed," Tony Strickland said.

Ventura County Chief Deputy Dist. Atty. Jeffrey G. Bennett said such a letter was sent but would not comment on Tony Strickland's assertion that prosecutors are no longer investigating the couple's campaign finances.

The Stricklands' political opponents say a dependence on donors not only to win the campaign, but also to increase their income, is a clear conflict of interest, even if not illegal.

"How could people be so arrogant to blatantly transfer money like this?" asked Jere Robings, a Republican activist from Thousand Oaks. "It is obvious they are trying to circumvent the law," he said.

The cash transfers add a new wrinkle to what has become a routine practice in Sacramento -- politicians steering campaign cash toward businesses owned by a spouse. In this case, since both husband and wife are political figures with campaign accounts, they were able to transfer funds to each other.

"I've never seen both spouses being paid to work on each other's campaign," said Robert Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles.

The back-and-forth payments began in April 2001. At the time, Tony Strickland was an assemblyman and his wife was a teacher. With his chief of staff, Joel Angeles, she had started a fundraising and political mailing firm called Golden State Strategies. A close friend of the couple and their rent-paying houseguest from 2001 to last year, Angeles became Audra Strickland's chief of staff when she took over her husband's seat.

Tony Strickland said that when he hired the firm, it already had experience raising money for other Republicans, including former Assembly Speaker Curt Pringle, and was qualified to do the same for him.

"The bottom line is that my campaign did far better when they were doing the fundraising than when anyone else was," Tony Strickland said.

Angeles said Audra Strickland sold her interest in the firm to him in December 2002. By that time, it had received more than $54,000 from her husband's campaign account.

Audra Strickland's statement of economic interest filed with the state showed that she had received between $10,000 and $100,000 from the firm in 2003, money Angeles said was owed her from work done before she sold her share.

Audra Strickland was on vacation and not available for comment, Angeles said.

While Angeles was the sole owner of the firm, he was paid $68,600 for organizing fundraisers for Tony Strickland, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state.

As the Stricklands' political circumstances changed, the flow of campaign dollars reversed. In 2004, term limits prohibited Tony Strickland from running for Assembly and his wife was campaigning aggressively for his seat. That September, with his final term coming to an end, Tony Strickland became president of the California Club for Growth, a nonprofit group that works to elect anti-tax lawmakers.

Campaign finance records show that one of the first major donations to the club, in October 2004, was $20,000 from his wife's campaign.

Strickland said none of that money made it into his pocket -- and that his net earnings from the club over the last 18 months amount to less than $10,000. "I do this because I believe in the cause," he said.

In June 2005, Audra Strickland's Assembly campaign fund paid $15,000 to a public relations firm owned by her husband. Campaign reports said the sum was for "consulting." Four days later, Tony Strickland put $25,000 into his own race for controller.

Campaign finance limits prohibit Audra Strickland's political fund from donating more than $13,200 to her husband's campaign account. She had already lent him $6,600. Candidates can contribute unlimited amounts to their own campaigns.

Angeles, speaking for the couple, denied that Tony Strickland's public relations firm was used as a conduit to avoid contribution limits. He said the payment from his wife was for legitimate public relations work.

"We hired Tony Strickland to assist us," Angeles said. "Did he have a job to do? Yes. Did he do it? Yes."

The June payment was the last the couple would transfer between a campaign and a business account. Golden State Strategies went out of business within a year of Audra Strickland's departure. And Angeles said Tony Strickland is not taking clients while he runs for controller.

"We don't plan to hire Tony again," Angeles said. "He expects to win his primary and become controller. I believe he gave up all his clients because of his plans to be controller."

His opponent in the GOP primary is state Sen. Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria.

Resign from his position, Katie? Are you kidding me or something?

These allegations are absolutely outrageous and Katie is just using them as part of a late hit to prop up her candidate, Roberto Orellana. She is a huge Orellana supporter (she even has written a letter to the editor in today's Star supporting him).

The ties to the Stricklands is just another red herring tactic by Katie to disparage Tony's name while at the same time dragging down a clearly superior candidate for judge.

The divisive politics that Katie Teague supposedly eschews with her phony-baloney organization (CAPC) has never been more evident in her relentless campaign against Jeff Bennett.

Stop the hypocrisy, Katie! It's so obvious what you're doing here.

Mike/Mongo - this thread isn't about you or me - it is about the race for judicial appointment and who has the best judgement. Instead of talking positively about your candidate, you wasted bandwidth on me.

There are no allegations - just facts. I think the voters can decide on the ballot but I really think Bennett shoud do the right thing and resign.

According to the LA Times report and Bennett's letter to the Strickland's, nothing illegal occurred. Case closed on the money transfer issue. But that still leaves us with three candidates who have shown us they either can't be trusted or that they have a terrible sense of judgment. They can't distinguish between good or bad and in my mind that makes them unworthy of holding public office. But that's the voters' choice to make on election day.

Instead of resigning it would be better for Bennett and the Stricklands to explain to the voters, openly and honestly and prior to the election, just what had occurred and what their connections are.

Maybe THE STAR can do a feature to help inform voters.

Jeff Bennett is an honest and respectable person. He is a staunch advocate for children and victims.

I believe the explanation about it being a nickname sums it up. He got rid of it ten years ago. Possibly he was not aware that it may have seemed offensive but when he became aware he ameliorated the situation. I give him the benefit of the doubt. My understanading is that Bennett did not seek the Strickland endorsement they offered it to him.

Jeff Bennett oversees Safe Harbor for the DA. This facility has saved victims of child or sexual abuse from going through further traumatic events and interviews.

There is a forensic investigation room in this homey little cottage. Victims used to have to endure up to 11 interviews and spend countless hours in emergency rooms. The house is set up with a camera in one room monitoring the interview so that the multiple people that need to ask questions can do it remotely and not intimidate the victim and overwhelm them and have only one person ask questions.

The sensitivity and good judgement of Jeff Bennett has made sure that victims are not further traumitized.

I have heard only good things about both candidates and they both admire and respect each other.

I will be voting for Jeff Bennett because of my firsthand knowledge and evidence of his good works as a child advocate.

So the Stricklands offered their endorsement, he didn't ask for it, but then he just happened to print it the top of his mailer. Don't be so naive, Donna. I wonder if Hannah Beth Jackson will still want you to be on her campaign team knowing you are so easily mislead and proudly supporting a puppet of Tony Strickland.

Sensitivity and good judgement? Obviously not.

I am neither naive or mislead. If you want to build a good case against Bennett you are losing your argument and credibility by attacking me. You over generalize and paint with very broad strokes.

Until further evidence against Bennett proves otherwise I stand for my endorsement.

Having worked as a mediator and arbitrator there are usually at least four sides to a story, never walk into a case without all your facts and know how to ferret out the real truth.

Have you ever visited Safe Harbor?

Have you acted as a court advocate for youth?

I base my support on solid EVIDENCE and a proven record not a personal grudge. I have nothing negative to say about Bennett's opponent.

Your jab about HBJ is childish you must not know HBJ very well to think she would be so petty.

Wait to call Mongo out, Katie. We all knew he was Osborn all along.

Dear Gary,

She meant Mike Gibson.

Well, that's interesting. Does she really think it's Mike Gibson? I can't believe he even likes the VCRCC after they turned their backs on him in the City Council race.

Be sure to vote on June 3 and be sure to vote for Roberto Orellana for Judge!

Or, Jeff Bennett, who is the superior law and order candidate.

Orellana will bring superior justice and fairness to the bench (along with good judgement).

Sorry, I'm new to this blogging. I'm not Orellana himself, just a supporter. Vote Orellana!

Any reasonable person would know that a "mighty whitey" license plate frame represents a white supremacist view. We can't have someone this naive being a judge. It's unacceptable even for Ventura County.

Every defendant of color who would stand before Jeff Bennett would have a reason to appeal. Jeff Bennett would cost the tax-payers millions and create a backlog of cases to be reviewed.

This is a perfect example why we want a Ivy League educated Judge with maturity and experience. Please vote for Roberto Orellana for Ventura County Superior court Judge.

Was just in TO rooting for Orellana! What a beautiful day.

They exploded overnight and are all over the place now.

Since the primary role of a judge is to preside over jury trials, I am curious how many Orellana has done, because my sources say it is ZERO. This makes hime very, very unqualified to be a judge.

I agree with RVV. Orellana has absolutely no qualifications to be a judge. He's worked in the County Counsel's Office his entire career in a bureaucratic position. He knows nothing about court procedures or the role of a judge.

Bennett is the man to vote for!

Mike - jury trials are not the "primary role of a judge". If so, neither candidate would be qualified. If your sources are any good, they would say both candidates are good but Orellana is better.

Mike, why don't you read his website before you spout out your nonsense. Orellana has plenty of experience, plenty of bi-partisan support and is well liked in both the legal and non-legal community. Bennett is fine but very redundant. Orellana will be better for the citizens of Ventura County.

Most of a judge's time is spent in hearings and other matters, including law and motion, as well as in public outreach, etc., which Orellana has already done. Orellana is experienced in jury trials. He was endorsed by at least eight judges, more than twice as many as Bennett has. I remember one of his trials involved a multi-million dollar flood control basin project along Vineyard, that was in the news, including the LA Times and Star, about nine years ago.* I understand that Orellana has also had several bench trials, involving writs on behalf of the County, and that he has argued and won over 20 appeals, including ones before the US ninth circuit appeals court and the California Supreme Court. Besides, almost all civil cases settle before trial, and many of the current judges, including one of those recently appointed, hasn't had any more jury trial experience in private practice than Orellana, who was rated 'Well qualified' by the Ventura County's Bar Association Judicial Evaluations Committee. In addition, five past Presidents of the Bar have endorsed Orellana. Vote for Orellana for experience AND integrity AND common sense!"

P.S. other than the Hells Angels fiasco, Bennett was last in trial in 1995!

Orellana did not CHOOSE to run for judge...he was recruited by the CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS. Law and order for who?

Are these some more of those sources? Change your sources.

Fairness, integrity and civil justice for everyone.

I prefer an independent judge then someone tied in with Gallegly and Strickland.

His campaign message seems to be about letting everyone know he is a Republican.

There isn't a need for partisan judges.

More Facts, you're turning this race for judge into a political litmus test when it's supposed to be a non-partisan, judicial position that provides just and fair legal services to the community.

I agree it should be about "non-partisan, judicial position that provides just and fair legal services to the community."

But I disagree that I did it.

When he campaigns using VCRCC resources as Katie Teague alleged, he puts signs up right next to Elton Gallegly's, and you are endorsed by the Stricklands it is clear he is sending the message that he is a conservative Republican. He has used the local right wing machine in this election.

Am I supposed to not notice?

I haven't seen any mail from him. Does he only send it to Republican homes? Does he send mail at all?

I don't think I alleged that Bennett used VCRCC resources. However, I am emphatic that having the Stricklands endorse an investigative lawyer responsible for researching their financial misdeeds is an ethical problem. And I am emphatic that Orellana is the better choice for Judge. And I did point out that Orellana does have bipartisan support.

Ask yourself, would you use an endorsement from a person you investigated to help you with your campaign to be a judge. Wouldn't a person with good judgement recognize that might look bad?

Greg Totten didn't comment o Jeff Bennett's white supremacy views because he had no answers. The County's top law enforcement official took the 5th on Jeff Bennett. I believe Greg Totten took the 5th so he wouldn't implicate himself in a crime.

We have two choices for judge and both of them are Republican. Totten, Bradbury, Gallegly and Strickland are trying to control this race with a good-ol'-boy that will do their bidding.

What we need is the most intelligent, thoughtful, best-prepared candidate with integrity, and that is Roberto Orellana.

The good ol' boys club is full - let's elect someone who is independent.

Nobody, this is the problem with people being able to post anonymously. You just accused the top law enforcement official of the county of being a criminal. You have no facts to back that up. Just because Greg Totten holds public office does not mean that he should be subject to baseless claims and allegation from people who do not have the courage to identify themselves publicly. I am sure that Greg would rather hear an explanation and more facts about the story before he makes a public comment. It is called being responsible, not taking the 5th.

If you want to talk about the race for judge then so be it. You want to talk about Mr. Orellana and Mr. Bennett do it. But, to take a cheap shot at a public official is wrong, immoral and unethical.

At least Ms. Teague has the courage to identify herself when she endorses a candidate or has an opinion about something. She does not hide behind a screen name. Mr. Totten does not have the ability to hide behind a screen name either. That is why he thinks before he speaks.

RE: Record Clarification

Actually, I did have a problem with the Republican Booth handing out only Bennett material and only supporting Bennett during Simi Valley Days. I gave them Roberto Orellana material ealier that morning and was advised that no judge material COULD be handed out that day (which made no sense because they are both good Republicans). So I suppose the booth is a VCRCC resource.

Anyway, I was in Simi again today handing out Orellana material - what a beautiful day all over the county today.

Ryan Wright,
Be glad I didn't use my real name. If I had you just slandered me. I said "I believe". I can believe whatever I want. I can talk about what my beliefs are.

For instance;
I believe you are a part of Jeff Bennett's white supremacist gang here to threaten people into being quiet. If you want me to identify myself just ask me to look you up. I would be more than happy to do so.

You can believe whatever you want. I am not sure what I said that constitued a threat to silence you. I just pointed out that you are making baseless allegations guised as a political discussion.

If that is threatening to you, I am not sure how to respond.

I could give you a call at your office tomorrow if you like. You are the Ryan Wright that works for Greg Totten aren't you?

While I appreciate your asking me first, it would be inappropriate to have a personal, political discussion while I am at work.

In other words don't call me I'll call you...
Right?

Mr. Wright, I forgot to thank you for your kind comments. E-mail me at KatieTeague@verizon.net

I received an automated call earlier today from a democratic group supporting Roberto Orellana. Wish I could remember the exact title, but since I'm a Democrate it I got the call. It was very well done. Roberto is running a very effective campaign.

I got a call today from a local Republican - asking me to vote for Roberto Orellana. Looks like both sides support him.

And I got a call yesterday from a top-notch Republican leader in the County who urged me to vote for Jeff, which I had already done by absentee ballot a couple of weeks ago.

Oh look, someone from the DA's office showed up to throw a little intimidation around. Isn't that special.

What's the matter Ryan, is your boss nervous that Bennett might strike out on Tuesday?

I know Roberto as a founder of my childrens' school. Here's a perspective on him from someone in the DA's office.

One of the very best

I have known Roberto Orellana for more than 15 years. I have been a prosecutor in the Ventura County District Attorney's Office for 28 years. I have litigated many issues before the judges in Ventura County.

Roberto Orellana is all that any party to a lawsuit could desire. He is intelligent, honest, can quickly grasp the issues and facts, and is very compassionate.

All plaintiffs, defendants, prosecutors and defense attorneys would be assured of a fair trial in front of Mr. Orellana.

I know all the judges, past and present for the past 28 years. Mr. Orellana will be one of the very best.

I urge all the citizens of Ventura County to vote for him.

— Donna W. Thonis, Ventura County deputy district attorney, Ventura

Phil Schmidt with the Elections Office is predicting a particularly low turnout - your vote is even more important!

Intimidation? What are you talking about? I am not trying to intimidate anybody. Political discourse is fundamental to democracy. I just like to seperate legitimite discourse from anonymous accusations based on absolutely no facts.

I did not identify myself as being a DDA, someone else did. I simply signed my name to prove the point that people should not hide behind screen names. People should have to own their opinions. I own mine.

Why didn't Mongo identify who the Republican that called him was when he posted?

Becuase the VCRCC chose to support Bennett I turned against him.

What is wrong with them? It is a nonpartisan race for judge! I would not feel comfortable appearing in front of him knowing he owes favors to Strickland, Gallegly, and the VCRCC.

I am not voting for him!

Ryan Wright,
I think people are most angered by the Ventura County's D.A.'s office selective prosecution policy. Jeff Bennett pursued and endorsement not justice.

You have been with Greg Totten's D.A. office so long you don't see anything wrong with that?
Look how Greg Totten let the most vulnerable citizens be abused for years by Ventura Counties probate and conservator department.
If you like we can put together a post with all our complaints about Ventura Counties D.A.'s office going all the way back to Donald Scott.

This sounds too much like a personal dispute with too many charges an average reader cannot prove.

Please stop posting about it and if you have issues with the DA's office of a personal nature call them or contact an elected official.

If anyone has any questions about me shutting down this conversation or wants something removed email me.

Thanks,

Brian

I agree with you Brian and I actually think the last post by Nobody should be removed. Ryan is just stating an opinion and Nobody keeps dragging in his place of employment. Not cool.

I have no problem revealing which Republican it was. His name is Congressman Elton Gallegly. I was honored to take his call.

Brian,
They are trying to elect a judge with a mighty whitey license plate frame. If this isn't the time to get personal when is it time?

Nobody,

Not "with" but "had," as in "had one seventeen years ago."

So, to answer your question,"If this isn't the time to get personal when is it time?" I'd say sometime around 1991 sounds about right.

Better late than never...

OK so 17 years ago, Bennett was so insensitive (at the age of what, 32-37?) that he had and used a "mighty-whitey" license plate holder. He was not a foolish teen at the time. Has he miraculously gotten sensitive as he matures?

It will be a long and painful learning curve if Bennett is elected - and it will be at the expense of Ventura County residents.

If anyone is wavering between Orellana and Bennett, consider this:

1. Orellana's education far exceeds Bennett's education.

2. Orellana has no skeletons that have surfaced.

3. Bennett has big time question marks.

If that isn't enough to tip you to Orellana, remember that Mongo Flamo has chosen Bennett. That's all I need to know to fill in my ballot for Orellana.

Did Jeff Bennett ever file his June 3 financial report with the Elections Office. According to the Star, he missed the deadline. Another question mark for you Mr. Burke.

The license plate was referring to his light complexion, you morons. Whether he did it 17 years ago, or yesterday, it's a non-issue.

He is a far better candidate based on overall qualifications and experience than Orellana. Stop trying to mask this reality by bringing up this red herring license plate issue. It's just plain stupid and indicative of why liberals lose elections time after time.

Mongo must have flamed out. Is he getting old and forgetful? If so, I'll remind him that the 2006 election was a sweeping victory for the Democratic Party in which it captured control of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and a majority of governorships and state legislatures.

Mongo may even want to forget because that election also brought Nancy Pelosi to Speaker of the House. Imagine a woman leading the people's house.

Mongo wouldn't recognize insensitive if it bit him in the nose. This is why he doesn't get it.

And remind me again what the Democrats have accomplished after gaining control of Congress? Weren't they supposed to end the war in Iraq immediately, cure the dying economy, and pass comprhensive immigration reform legislation?

In baseball, we call that 3 strikes and you're out!

Thanks for showing me which judge was looking to be a nonpartisan judge and which is a part of the Mongo style Republican machine.

I want a nonpartisan judge. Bennett has failed to show me he would have judicial independence.

Now that Obama's speech is over (what a comparison to the tired drone of McSame), I'll go back to beating up on Mongo.

So, when Mongo got whupped in claiming that "liberals lose elections time after time," he quickly changed the subject to what the victorious did after the election. Hey, Mongo, you use the term "red herring" often, most times wrongly, so let me point out to you that your changing of the subject was a true "red herring."

No, the Democrats were "not supposed to end the war in Iraq immediately, cure the dying economy, and pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation." They were just supposed to do what they could under our constitutional system in which a dyslexic non-reader lacking curiosity, intellect and judgment sat in the Oval Office vetoing needed legislation.

If I was an old Republican Congressman from Simi Valley I wouldn't want a black President either.

Edmund Burke (who shames the name, by the way), Obama had best enjoy his "moment" in the sun. It's not going to last long, believe me.

He's going to have to do a lot more than make motivational speeches on the presidential campaign trail. He's actually going to have to talk about what he's done, which, as near as I can tell, was just community activism.

He hasn't served his country in the military (POW for 5 years), and longtime service in the U.S. Senate. Yes, Cousin Eddie, he has a lot of talking to do, yet. But, the difference this time will be he actually has to say something...

Wow, it looks like Bennett is kicking the snot out of Orellana in the race for judge. Experience must speak for something after all, huh?

You have to be pretty naive to think it's o.k. for someone in law enforcement in Ventura County to have a mighty whitey license plate frame. It's disturbing we have that level of ignorance representing us in Congress.

Our Bush Republican Congressman Elton Gallegly calls someone named Mongo Flamo for support. If that isn't a sign of the apocalypse I don't know what is. I hope people wake up before it's too late.

Well, Nobody, I'm not really "Mongo Flamo" you know, or did you catch on to that yet?

Orellana craters!

Once again the Katie Teague endorsement proves to be the kiss of death.

Orellana craters!

Once again the Katie Teague endorsement proves to be the kiss of death.

Pretty dang good for a guy that was shut out by the Republican party - even though he is a lifelong Republican. Which managed to alienate a lot more Republicans. No wonder this county is getting bluer and bluer. And he ran a clean campaign. Roberto was the superior candidate and it is too bad some people fought against his election. I only really got involved after Jeff accepted the endorsement from the Stricklands. Call me silly, but I think it is kind of unethical for the Strickland Investigative Lawyer in the DA's office to accept their endorsement.

I think he'll hit 35% or so.

Superior Court Office No. 5
442/579 76.34%
Vote Count Percent
ROBERTO ORELLANA 20,868 32.91%
JEFF BENNETT 42,054 66.32%
WRITE-IN 493 0.78%
Total 63,415 100.00%

Give it a rest Katie. He's a nice guy but he ran a terrible campaign. Your taped phone calls were a nice touch though, like I said, the kiss of death.

By the way, I could be wrong but I think the Republicans stayed out of that race.

Anyhow, Katie, you may want to find another hobby, politics doesn't seem to be your game.

He was shut out from the get go but he managed to get support from everyone else. I don't know why he was shut out - he shouldn't have been. But I'm glad you received my taped message - must have been music to your ears.

You talk mighty tough for a person using a screen name.

Mongo continues to be the cartoon for Brian and this blog. There appears to be no end to his willingness to entertain us at his own expense.

Mongo, if you will but offer us a few words in support of your naked conclusion that I have shamed the name of Edmund Burke, I will show you and the other readers just how ridiculous, unthinking and unknowledgable you continue to be.

Your statement about Obama's experience "as near as you can tell" presents a clear picture of your limited knowledge, certainly not a clear picture of Obama's experience. I thank you for that clarification.

Congratulations Mr. Wright and Mr. Lief! And thank you for using your real name.

Cousin Eddie, Edmund Burke was a renowned author, statesman, orator, political theorist, philosopher, and member of the British House of Commons during the 1700's. He published many well-respected books and articles on politics and world affairs, including his famous critique of the French Revolution.

You, on the other hand, spend many of your waking hours hanging out on a blog where you make baseless accusations and criticisms aimed at a so-called "cartoon character" of Brian Dennert's making. If you were so repulsed at my existence on the Dennert blog and my thoughtful, yet highly controversial, opinions and ideas, you would pay no attention to me.

But you do, Eddie, you do. So, I'll let the readers draw their own conclusions.

Mongo/Mike,

Who wrote that you were a character "of Brian Dennert's making"? I only wrote that you were a "cartoon for Brian and this blog."

I saw that you wrote some very general facts about the real Mr. Burke, but you did not show how I brought shame to the name. Remember your assignment: it was to offer a few shows showing that support for your naked conclusion that I shamed the name of Edmund Burke. So far, you have failed.

Here's your next assignment: show me one time that I made a baseless accusation or criticism aimed at you.

On your claim to be my cousin, well, it may be the nature of politics: Barack has his Cheney and I have you. I guess you're my family embarassment.

I want to wrap this up. Mongo, I am not repulsed by your existence; you're my daily joke. I love your cartoon character just like I love other Republican cartoon characters like Archie Bunker.

Save it, cuz. You just keep going around in circles, don't you? Mission accomplished, I guess.

You're obviously too old, humorless, or both, to get my "Cousin Eddie" joke. Anyone want to offer poor Edmund a little help here? OK, I'll do it. He was the character in the National Lampoon's "Vacation" series starring Chevy Chase. I think Randy Quaid played him.

So, tell us again, simpleton, why do you use the great Edmund Burke's name as your moniker on a political blog? At least I try to have a little fun with it by using "Mongo". You, my friend, are an elitist (minus the credentials).

Voters in Ventura County have Stockholm syndrome. That's the only thing I can think of. If the uninformed saw the district attorney endorsing the other candidate they would have voted for him. Everybody is hiding behind Greg Totten while he is suing us. Greg Totten and his lackeys need to be investigated more than anybody.

Sure, go ahead and argue that the dumbo voters of Ventura County are lulled into complacency by high level endorsements and a "Stepford Wives" approach to voting.

I, on the other hand, choose to believe that those who vote make well-reasoned decisions based on the information they have available to them on the various candidates running for office.

This election reflected a solid performance by Republican candidates for a variety of offices and higher turnout County-wide that for Democrats, despite the new advantage in voter registration.

A bad day for Democrats, yes. And Nobody is just spouting sour grapes!

The voters didn't receive all the information. The VCRCC refused to promote Roberto Orellana. The VCRCC only promotes Republicans that will do their biding. What they do cannot be considered "member Communications". I feel the VCRCC is manipulating the system for their own personal greed and not for the benefit of the Republican Party. It looks as if they rewarded Jeff Bennett for not doing due diligence in the investigation of Tony Strickland.

As long as we have VCRCC investigators investigating VCRCC hierarchy these crimes will continue to happen.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love you guys. You cannot accept the fact that the voters made the best choice, can you?

It must be some deep, dark conspiracy engineered by Mike Osborn and the VCRCC. Why don't you just accept the fact that your guy lost because he was the weaker candidate and move on and do better next time.

Good grief!

It's not any of those things. It's a pattern of conduct. I won't elaborate. Brian already put me in the penalty box once this period. Use your imagination.

Here's the thing.
It's seems to me; and if any district attorneys here disagree please tell me, that the ball field is uneven if you don't kiss Mike Osbourne's ring. Just some odd coincidence I guess.