It might not have the cache of a Superdelegate but Republican Michael Tenenbaum has earned the endorsement of a former local elected official that represented Simi Valley for many years at the local and state level.
Can you guess who it is before you click on continue reading for a picture and press release?
UPDATE: Tenenbaum was out walking precincts as he ridiculed Rep. Gallegly's record on the environment.
She has a reputation for independence from party orthodoxies so it shouldn't surprise me that she is being independently minded again. Read this and this article for some background on Cathie Wright. If you know of more articles please leave a few links to them.
Also, did you see the "new blood" quote? Do you think it was an intentional reference to Rep. Gallegly's first run way back in 1986 when he said Washington needs new blood and that politicians should come home and live under the laws they passed?
Maybe Rep. Gallegly should update his website with a clear position about th war in Iraq? You could make a great start by actually using the word Iraq on your issues page more than once ( and even then, you were discussing the a GI Bill modification you voted against.) Why do you think Elton Gallegly won't discuss Iraq? Sure he might win, but if the elected officials cut and run from explaining why we are there and our plans for the future what we lose will be far greater to our system of government. Did some consultant design the website or tell him not to discuss the nation where we have sent so many of our families and friends to fight for us and a better Iraq? Fire him.
If it is a simple mistake that he forgot the war, make a correction and I will put it on my front page.
Click here to see Rep. Gallegly's Myspace page. Nevermind. It is now private and you must be his friend to view it.
Click here to see Michael Tenenbaum's Myspace page.
Here is the press release word for word:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Former California Senator Cathie Wright Endorses Tenenbaum for Congress
Respected Former Legislator Says Tenenbaum is New Blood Congress Needs Today
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- May 29, 2008 -- Michael Tenenbaum, Republican primary candidate in California's 24th congressional district, has received the endorsement of former California Senator Cathie Wright.
"Michael Tenenbaum offers an impressive combination of focus, intelligence, and energy that should make him the ideal new standard-bearer for Republicans in Congress," says Wright. "We sure need some new blood back there, and Michael is the kind of young man I'd be proud to have represent us in Washington."
Tenenbaum is thrilled to have the endorsement of such a well-respected former lawmaker. "I am honored to have earned the backing of former Senator Wright, and I hope that the voters who supported her over the years will recognize the contribution I can make as the new representative for our district in Washington." "Cathie Wright has always been an outspoken voice for our community," Tenenbaum said, "and, like her, I will never shy away from making our voice heard on the most important issues in Congress."
In addition to having served Ventura County as a California Senator for eight years until 2000, Cathie Wright served the district for 12 years as a member of the California Assembly and preceded Tenenbaum's primary opponent, Elton Gallegly, as Mayor of Simi Valley.
Tenenbaum faces off against Gallegly in the Republican primary on June 3rd.
CONTACT: Steve Krutsch, Press Assistan
contact@GoTenenbaum.com
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tenenbaum Reaches Out to Voters at Their Doors Using Electric GEM Vehicle
Candidate Applies New Technology to Old-Fashioned Method of Reaching Voters
WHAT: Opportunity to capture Michael Tenenbaum campaigning for Congress in electric GEM car (see sample photo attached) and talking to voters at their doors
WHO: Michael Tenenbaum, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress (24th District -- Ventura/Santa Barbara counties) driving through neighborhoods in an electric GEM car and talking to Republican primary voters at their doors
WHEN: Friday, May 30th, starting at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Walter Avenue in Newbury Park, Calif. (in between houses, Tenenbaum will gladly speak with and answer questions from the press; for Michael's exact location on Walter Avenue when you arrive, please call *** *** ****
WHY: With only 3 out of 10 registered Republicans expected to vote in the June primary, Tenenbaum has found the perfect blend of modern technology and old-fashioned campaign methods to reach the handful of GOP primary voters on each street. "If someone is willing to make the effort to vote in this primary, then I'm more than willing to make the effort to meet them at their door to talk about the issues that matter to our district," says Tenenbaum. In an era of "out of touch" career politicians, Tenenbaum has been taking it to the streets in order to personally speak with as many voters as possible before the primary election on June 3rd.
Tenenbaum's electric GEM car uses no gas and emits no pollution. This approach is drastically different from that of his opponent, Elton Gallegly, who is using an enormous gas-guzzling bus to promote his campaign.
Well Cathie Wright will be trashed for this endorsement!
I don't think Cathie Wright will necessarily be trashed for this endorsement. That's just Katie being Katie again (i.e., predicting the worst from the VCRCC).
Cathie is a fiercely independent person who has always stood up for her beliefs and positions no matter whose feathers get ruffled in the process. I think fellow Republicans in the County understand this well and thus it will not come as a big surprise.
This is also payback for an ancient political disagreement.
It has nothing to do with history. Michael is the superior Republican candidate.
Good for Cathie! I trust her independent spirit. It's risky to endorse against Gallegly, just as it's risky to run against him. I admire Cathie and Tenenbaum for standing up for what they believe in.
I got Tenenbaum's mailer and it has no committee id number on it. Isnt this required by the FPPC? I also note that he did not file his statement in time for the press. What is his reason for this? Since he hasn't done anything in the community of note, is he just runnning on the basis of going to Harvard? How smart can he be if he cant even follow the FPPC rules? Not impressed.
What is a committee id number? Can you link us to where exactly this rule is stated?
If this is in fact a rule by the FPPC then both candidates are not following it. I have recieved two Gallegly mailers that contain no id numbers eithers.
Frank, he's smarter than you in that he knows it's the FEC that he files his reports with, not the FPPC. And no, the committee number is not required to be on the mailer.
Let's all chip in and buy Frank a copy of Campaign Finance for Dummies.
Gary, why is it risky for Cathie to endorse against Gallegly? What's he going to do to her, ruin her political career? She's retired.
I think the bigger question here is whether Cathie Wright will put up a Tenenbaum sign in her yard; and how long it will stay up until it's stolen by a Gallegly staffer.
I think the bigger question here is whether Cathie Wright will put up a Tenenbaum sign in her yard; and how long it will stay up until it's stolen by a Gallegly staffer.
dpwiener - you're right, she is retired. But are you implying that people with political aspirations have to suck up to Gallegly or risk ruining their careers?
Excuse me for mixing the FPPC and FEC up. The point is its rather shady not to file in time for the press to pick it up. So I looked at the FEC list. 53 individual contributions to Tannenbaum; 24 from out-of-state and a total of 40 or 42 from out of the district. Not a lot of grass roots support I guess; but it begs the question, what has Tanenbaum done in the district and is he running for anything other than his own ego gratification?
Gary, I'm not going to go there. I'm merely saying that it certainly can't be a consideration for Cathie at this point in her life, contrary to your comment that it was "risky" for her.
Tenenbaum needs a better haircut.
I wonder if Victoria ever learned how to drive?
From what I can see, Tenenbaum is running because he thinks Gallegly isn't doing the best job. Better to try and do something about it than sit back and complain, don't you think?
I don't know why Michael is running being that people who agree in private that he is a good candidate attack him in public.
He is intelligent, persuasive, and a down to earth guy for all the attacks he gets for going to a great university.
He should not be attacked for going to Harvard. That seems anti-intellectual to me.
Is he or Gallegly more conservative?
Why would anyone vote for someone who would be a rookie in the rough and tumble politics of Wash. DC? Congressman Gallegly has 22 years seniority. That says a lot if anyone knows about the seniority system in the HoR. I just think Tenenbaum is running too soon. He basically has the same thoughts as Gallegly.
I'm voting for senority.
Why would anyone vote for someone who would be a rookie in the rough and tumble politics of Wash. DC? Congressman Gallegly has 22 years seniority. That says a lot if anyone knows about the seniority system in the HoR. I just think Tenenbaum is running too soon. He basically has the same thoughts as Gallegly.
I'm voting for senority.
Why would anyone vote for someone who would be a rookie in the rough and tumble politics of Wash. DC? Congressman Gallegly has 22 years seniority. That says a lot if anyone knows about the seniority system in the HoR. I just think Tenenbaum is running too soon. He basically has the same thoughts as Gallegly.
I'm voting for senority.
It appears that Democrats will have a majority after the next election.
Gallegly is obviously at the end of his career.
If seniority matters to you then vote for Tenenbaum so he can start building some up!
Tenenbaum is the only candidate in this county with the ba**s to challenge an old worn out legislator that has little respect in D.C.
All the rest of the "ladies in waiting" have no credibility for a future run because they are tied to Elton's apron strings.
When you're Wright your right. Cathie Wright always had the guts to the right thing.
Positive change isn't given it's earned. We have to reach out to enough people and ask: Do you want to keep your Bush Republican Congressman? I feel strongly many people will say no. It's just a matter of reaching out to enough people. Michael should post on here. America needs more Republicans they can be proud of.
Did Gallegly finally endorse McCain? When?
Tenenbaum has the same antiquated position as Gallegly on global warming, so his electric car stunt is disturbingly cynical. At least Gallegly's idiotic bus is consistent with his backward environmental record. I wonder what Tenenbaum drives in real life...
Besides global warming there are other problems with oil consumption including air pollution, trading with dictatorships, and drilling in sensitive environmental areas.
To add to that it doesn't seem very conservative to waste money.
Would you rather have someone that agrees with you on some environmental issues or someone that almost never does?
I agree Brian, there are environmental issues other than global warming. Are you saying that Tennenbaum is an environmentalist who happens to not believe in global warming? I have never met such a creature. He has come out against reducing carbon emissions, so don't tell me you are falling for his electric car stunt.
Tennenbaum has attacked Gallegly on every one of his positions, yet has remained uncharacteristically mum on Gallegly's defense of ANWAR drilling. What does that tell you?
I didn't say I trust him the most of all the candidates on both sides running. Do you trust Gallegly more?
Why attack the guy trying to do something, even if it is small, rather then the guy not doing anything at all?
I have issues with the hypocrisy. That's all. I agree Tennenbaum is the better candidate of the two, but that doesn't mean he should get a free pass. This kind of stunt, combined with his poor excuses for not releasing his financial records (like last time, I bet you he is waiting for Tuesday and planning not to release them if he loses), makes it difficult to trust the guy.
With Gallelgy we know what we are getting and if people want to vote for gross incompetence, at least they can do it with their eyes wide open.
At the end of the day, this is all good: The district may finally go to the dems this year.
It seems that Michael Tenenbaum is the focus of more scrutiny then Elton Gallegly.
It isn't hypocrisy to believe we should reduce our dependence on oil but not to believe in global warming.
It isn't what I believe but it doesn't make it hypocrisy.
I see your point BUT: his press release touts the fact that the car emits no pollution, so to me this does look like pandering from somebody who is on the record against reducing carbon emissions.
I agree that Tennenbaum has been under extra scrutiny, but that may be due to the fact that we know precious little about him. Today's article in the Star about his failure to release financial records both this year and in 06 adds to the question marks. For him to explain that he hasn't filed yet because it is a very time-consuming process and then in the same breath say that he "thinks" he filed last time but needs to double-check -- come on! Does he really think voters are that dumb? With this type of behavior of course he is going to be subject to added scrutiny.
I think Michael Tennenbaum would destroy Elton Gallegly in a debate. Please speak up if you feel different.
If Elton Gallegly is too much a coward to debate he can't meet the challenges in Congress. We are at a time of war.
We need someone that won't freeze up. In the economic times we are in now; Elton Gallegly's only initiative lately is tax-paid birthday parties for Republican politicians.
We need to get rid of our Bush Republican Congressman!!
Hi, it really is hard to decide who to vote for during any election, as long as they are republican... All I can tell you is that I went to school with Mike and he is a very smart and compassionate person.. and that can never hurt in Washington.. Vote for Mike..
Yes! Get a Democrat in there!
If Elton Gallegly cannot stand up to Tenenbaum who can he stand up to? The big spenders of either party?
They seem more powerful than Tenenbaum.
The special interests?
Again, more powerful!
My prediction:
Gallegly - 75%
Tenenbaum - 25%
I can't believe with news of his Expedition and the price of gas chocking everyone that Gallegly has the nerve to drive around in that bus. So out of touch with reality.
I am voting for Elton Gallegly because I am on the Ventura County School Board. I have been breaking ethics laws and I need Elton Gallegly, Tony Strickland, and a white supremacist judge in power or I might get in trouble.
I work for myself.
School Board or no, I am voting for Elton and Tony because I think they are the best representatives for the residents of this County.
Who do you think is more effective at their job:
Tony Strickland ( when he was in the state assembly ) or Elton Gallegly?
Hey Elton, I think you are a good man, and the only man who can carry on my legacy."
~ Ronald Reagan's Ghost
Hey Elton, when you gonna help us 91% of the people with your continued support of the Bush Tax cuts of 2001 and 2003?
When did you intend to start paying for this illegal and unnecessary war you continue to support?
-Martin Luther King's Ghost
I think Elton has more legislation that he has initiated that he can point to than Tony does, but that comes with the many years he has been in Congress.
Tony has been effective in other ways, however. He has fought for a responsible State budget for years, in much the same way as Tom McClintock has (unsuccessfully, I might add).
He doesn't sponsor a lot of "nanny bills" either, such as the "no spanking" bill, or the "no smoking in your car" bill. He believes, as I do, that sometimes government just needs to get out of the way. The Legislature is frivolous bill- happy and Tony doesn't engage in this legislative overkill, which makes him extremely valuable to the 24th SD, in my opinion.
Mongo, you are so right. Tony has done powerful bills like handicapped parking for pregnant women and Ronald Reagan License plates that went nowhere. He'll be a great senator!
As a life long proud Conservative Republican, who supported Ronald Reagan, I will be casting my vote tomorrow for Mr. Tenenbaum. It is time for new blood in the GOP and time to retire Elton Gallegly. I will also be leaving my ballot blank when I get to the names of both Strickland's as they have not upheld the high standards set by the great Ronald Reagan.
Too bad Tony is in the wrong district then Mongo. Welcome to CA 19!
Seriously, if given the same resources who is better at getting things done: Tony or Elton?
I'm all for new blood in office, but what disappointed me with Tenenbaum was when he appeared at a Memorial Day ceremony in Simi Valley trying to campaign. That was an event honoring Paul Mole and other veterans. It was an inappropriate place for him to go up to veterans, asking about their background and then hitting them up for a vote. He may have gone to Harvard, but he's not too bright when it comes to tact.
Were any incumbents or their representatives there? If so, they were campaigning.
What Just Me seems to be saying is that Tenenbaum was actively campaigning. Being present in a manner respectful of the event is different from hitting people up for votes. Sounds in line with his refusal to make required financial disclosures: arrogant and oblivious. That is all very disappointing because he is a real quality candidate, but just a bit too slick in a car-salesman kind of way.
I'd still like to know about the incumbents.
Jeff Bennett didn't file his financial paperwork and he is running for judge. Sounds like I shouldn't vote for him.
Yeah, I agree with "Just Him." Tenenbaum failed to file his financial disclosure statements too, so that would be reason enough to not vote for him in my book.
What's he trying to hide?
I wouldn't vote for a judge candidate who either can't follow the rules or has something to hide.
I know the Star is biased in favor of Gallegly and the timing of the article about Tenenbaum's disclosure statements was particularly damaging, but if he was correctly quoted and the facts are correct, then he strikes me as manipulative of the process and dishonest.
It seems clear he has no intention of making the legally required disclosures after he loses today. He knows people won't be watching then. It looks like that's what happened in 06. Why would a smart candidate like him open himself to these types of attacks unless he has something to hide? Puzzling and disappointing.
You guys don't seem to want to do your research. Theresa Rochester was not accurate in her article. Tenenbaum filed his FEC reports on time. And if you read the rules on personal financial disclosures, there's a 30 day grace period. But I wouldn't expect Mongo (or sometimes even the Star) to report things fairly when it comes to Tenenbaum.
I respect Tenenbaum for going to the Memorial Day event. I'm glad he campaigned at it because Elton has not supported our troops or our vets. He voted to cut benefits and he did not give them the armor they needed in Iraq. In terms of finances it seems Mr. Mongo forgot that he supported Peter Foy, despite the fact that Foy had tax liens and a long history of stiffing people and not paying his bills, that is why I voted for Mikels and then Mr. Dantona, they followed Reagan, unlike Mr. Foy and Mr. Gallegly.
Wow, it looks like you are the one who needs to do your own research, starting with reading the article. We are not talking about FEC filings, we are talking about financial disclosures, which were due on May 15th, presumably so that voters could make an informed decision. Tenenbaum is the only one of the CA-24 candidates who has yet to file. He did get a 30-day grace period, but that conveniently ends AFTER the primary. His disclosures for 06 couldn't be located and asked about it, he said he doesn't quite remember if he filed last time or not. What??? Wow, do you want to try your hand at real research and locate these?
Do you really think he will file this time if he didn't last time? Hopefully he will prove me wrong and file whether he loses or wins. At least that would let us know he had nothing to hide. Proud Republican makes a good point: without the disclosures, how do we know Tenenbaum is not another Peter Foy?
If Mr.Tanenbaum can't play by the rules....and I am speaking about putting his signs where ever he darn will pleases, then how can I trust him to do the right thing in congress. Desperate people to desperate things....
FLASH*****FLASH*****FLASH
Tenenbaum crushed.......again.
You saw it here first.
I think it us unfair that Simi Valley made a sign policy that favors those with connections to developers and those with connections to wealthy property owners.
But leave it to the city council which hasn't had a competitive election in this millenium to make it harder to run for office.
Is it true that Bennett didn't file his financial disclosure paperwork? I find that really odd. Did The Star report on it?
Better luck next time, Mikey...
To Proud Republican, Tennenbaum didn't even stay for the Memorial Day program. I overhead him talking to veterans, acting like he was interested and then telling them who he was and why they should vote for him. Then he left before the presentation started. It's one thing to campaign, but don't choose a Memorial Day event that you aren't even interested in to do that.
Tenenbaum craters!
Once again the Katie Teague endorsement proved to be the kiss of death.
Uh, Voter, the only race I got involved with or endorsed was the Judicial Race and that was after there were some unethical decisions made by one of the candidates.
However, since you mention it - I think it is great that voters had a choice in this race.
Yeah, Katie, and we can all see how that worked out for you...