5 Call For Samuelian To Resign

The Fresno Bee (Online) ^ | (Published Monday, February 10, 2003, 6:34 AM) | By John Ellis

[Amerigomag]

Five prominent Valley Republicans, including two members of Congress, called Sunday on Steve Samuelian to resign from the state Assembly.

Their two-paragraph joint statement came a week after the Clovis Republican was pulled over on Parkway Drive, a known area for prostitution in Fresno. Police did not issue a citation, but after further investigation recommended that Samuelian be cited for loitering for the purpose of soliciting an act of prostitution. In 1998, Samuelian was cited for that violation on the same stretch of Parkway Drive.

"Assemblyman Samuelian's recent indiscretion is reprehensible, and establishes a pattern of behavior that is unbecoming of an elected official," the statement reads. "While unfortunate, we feel it incumbent upon us to call for Assemblyman Samuelian's resignation from the California State Assembly."

The statement was authored by Rep. George Radanovich, who has played a key role in Samuelian's political career. Samuelian was Radanovich's district director for more than seven years, and the Mariposa Republican was honorary campaign chairman for Samuelian's Assembly exploratory committee.

Also signing the letter were two of Samuelian's staunchest allies -- Fresno resident and state Republican Party executive committee member Michael Der Manouel Jr. and Fresno City Council Member Jerry Duncan. Both already had issued statements critical of Samuelian over the latest incident.

They stood by Samuelian after he revealed the 1998 incident to The Bee as he prepared to run for the state Assembly. Their reasoning for continued support at the time included assurances by Samuelian that it was a one-time incident and he learned from his mistake.

The other two signees are Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, and Jane Parsons, chairwoman of the Fresno County Republican Central Committee.

[Jim Robinson]

Ouch!

[GilesB]

Aaaaaah, it's just about sex, isn't it time to move on?

Seriously, I am happy to be associated with a party where silly things like morality and law still mean something.

[demnomo]

That sort of no-nonsense response from this fool's Republican collegues is one of the biggest reasons why I respect/trust conservatives to do the right thing.

I am so glad that I left the Left behind. This sort of behavior is a badge of (ahem) honor amongst Democrats and liberals. Dems know that the majority of their base are only interested in blood when a Republican/conservative is involved and think this sort of stuff (coming from their own kind) is "cool." That's why Democrats/liberals studiously ignore or outrageously excuse bad/criminal behavior in their own ranks. Nor do they dare go out on a limb and cut off a rotting branch, even if it endangers the entire tree. (Well, maybe if the polls are in favor of such action. Even then...)

[evilsmoker]

Saundra Duffy-Hawkins, a close Samuelian ally and Senate district director for the California Republican Assembly, said in a statement she was "absolutely appalled at the un-American treatment Steve Samuelian is receiving from the media and from some opportunistic Republicans."

This isn't Saundra Duffy the Freeper is it?? I sure hope not.

I remember a couple of years back a Dem Assemblyman -- Kevin Murry -- got caught with his pants down (literally) and faced NO repercussions.

I'm so happy my party won't rally around this scumbag. He should have never been elected in the first place. But the fact that the GOP is admitting it's mistake makes me...Proud to be a Republican!!

P.S.Go Larry Willey!!(I think that's his name) He's a decent guy who Samuelian beat in last years GOP primary bec/Scumbag Samuelian had the backing of the party establishment.

[NormsRevenge]

CA: Fellow Republicans seek assemblyman's resignation .. AP Fresno

[Saundra Duffy]

Steve is being framed and set up. I had a letter to the editor about this in today's Fresno Bee. Something about a WITCH HUNT! Sheeeesh! For victory & freedom!!!

[Saundra Duffy]

LOL!

[Saundra Duffy]

Read my letter to the editor in today's Fresno Bee?

[NormsRevenge]

Thanks, Saundra. I'm headed there right now.

[NormsRevenge]

This whole thing smelled fishy from the get go. FYI - The Mercury News today ran a little spot on it but made no mention of an arrest or even a citation.

'Witch hunt'

By Saundra Duffy
Senate District Director, California Republican Assembly, Fresno
(Published Tuesday, February 11, 2003, 7:00 AM)

I am absolutely appalled at the un-American treatment Steve Samuelian is receiving from the media and some opportunistic Republicans. We have come to expect the media to exploit a story; that's their job. However, for influential Republicans to pile on without so much as a phone call to Assemblyman Samuelian is unconscionable.

Stopping at a gas station to get directions may be illegal in Cuba or Iraq, but this is America! The assemblyman committed no crime. The "thought police" are apparently making the rounds in Fresno deciding what they think people might be thinking. This is scary, folks.

This apparent scheme to "get" Assemblyman Samuelian reeks of filthy political shenanigans, and the assemblyman's enemies apparently have some friends in the press. The liberal media not liking a conservative Republican -- imagine that.

But why are the GOP vultures circling over this non-issue? Jealousy, vengeance, ego? I just wish the salivating detractors could find something more constructive to do.

Assemblyman Samuelian deserves better; he has been in the trenches for years, working hard to get other Republicans elected. I stand shoulder to shoulder with this fine, hard-working family man.

I implore the good citizens of Assembly District 29 to show their support for Assemblyman Samuelian. Join me in urging the perpetrators of this witch hunt to cease and desist from their persecution of Steve and his family.

---

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[Saundra Duffy]

These brave Republicans you're so proud of never even spoke with Samuelian. It's a lynch mob mentality, a media circus, a witch hunt. You wouldn't believe it! Unbelievable. Meanwhile the Mayor of Fresno, Alan Autry, came out saying he won't make a statement because there's nothing to make a statement about. LOL! In addition, Shawn Steele issued a statement saying he's reserving judgment on the matter. Sheesh! What a mess. Check out my letter to the editor in today's Fresno Bee entitled "witch hunt". You can tell I'm pissed. For victory & freedom!!!

[Saundra Duffy]

But are you happy with a Party that lynched this guy before they had the facts straight? Are you happy with a Party that crapped all over Steve's rights? Are you happy with a Party that thinks a guy should resign from the Assembly because HE DROVE DOWN A STREET?! Sheeesh. For victory & freedom!!!

[Saundra Duffy]

For the record - Steve Samuelian won with an overwhelming majority of the vote. He has enemies. He can't even take a crap without a pile of Republican spies sniffing around and taking pictures. This is disgusting.

[demnomo]

I have read your letter and believe you if you say that none of the Republicans quoted in the above news article said such things. However, what's the scoop on the so-called similar 1998 incident involving Samuelian? I want to keep an open mind, but I don't want to close it if there is anything to these allegations. One of the main reasons that I left the Left was because of the blatant hypocrisy regarding morality--especially when it concerned Clinton's conduct which my former fellow libs "pooh-poohed," ignored or blamed on lies from the vast right-wing conspiracy.

[tame]

I absolutely agree with your article respecting the "thought police". Unless there are additional facts of which I'm unaware, I think it is extremely dangerous, and a gross violation of civil rights to cite Steve with loitering WITH THE INTENT TO SOLICITE PROSTITUTION. If he was loitering, then cite him for simple loitering.

Loitering is one thing. But to be honest, even if picking up a Ho was on Steve's agenda, we can't read his mind. A lot of guys window shop with no intention of buying. Window shopping may be lustful and immoral, but I doubt it should be a crime automatically equated with "the intent to solicite prostitution".

But, then again, I am guilty of PC unpardonable sin of being severely attracted to the opposite sex, so what do I know?

BTW, I confess to loitering on FOX news this morning with the intent to check out that absolute FOX Bridgette Quinn. Ooooh she's sooooo fine, and if I saw her walking down parkway, I would have offered her a ride. LOCK ME UP!

May God forgive and love you and me Mr. Samuelian.

P.S. Tell Scott I said hello.

[dighton]

Let that underachiever resign at once.

Costa, D, was caught with two prostitutes.

[GilesB]

OK, maybe I was hasty, BUT...while he has every right to drive down any street he damn well pleases - what WAS he doing in that particular area? It also appears that he has tacitly admitted his "purpose" in the previous incident - is that accurate, or does he deny intent at that time as well?

What was the "additional investigation" that prompted the delayed citation? What evidence was discovered in that investigation?

Why are these Republicans (one who is presented as his mentor) calling for his resignation?

I am not asking these questions contentiously, but in an honest quest for the truth and a clearer understanding of the situation.

[tame]

Post 16 above.

[Saundra Duffy]

Well, stay tuned. Today, Samuelian is meeting behind closed doors with the Republican Caucus. It'll be all over the newspapers cuz the media can't get enough of this story. Steve was cited 4 years ago for loitering and when the story broke all hell broke loose. However, he weathered the storm and won the election. Now two weeks ago he got lost trying to find the Farm Bureau (don't laugh; it's true) and he pulled into a gas station to ask for directions. He said, "I'm an Assemblyman and I'm trying to find the Farm Bureau" to a police officer. The police officer gave him directions and sent him on his way without a citation or anything. THEN TWO DAYS LATER the police report got doctored up and made to look as if he was driving around looking for prostitutes. Then the media circus began. There have been no charges filed; just all this speculation. It's so awful. Supposedly the DA's ofc is still investigating but I don't know what they're investigating. He wasn't cited because he didn't do anything. How can people defend the high level Republicans who demanded Steve's resignation? I don't get it. Anyway, thanks for asking. For victory & freedom!!!