Posted on 03/10/2006 5:35:09 PM PST by ArmstedFragg
Congressman Elton Gallegly announced today he would not run for reelection, citing "a medical issue that is yet to be resolved."
In a press release, Gallegly said it has been a privilege to have served Ventura County for the past 20 years, but said "circumstances over the past two weeks have convinced me that it is now time to begin the next chapter of my life."
(Excerpt) Read more at venturacountystar.com ...
Torie, can a lawsuit be brought to demand filing be reopened ? I'd dare say Gallegly has engaged in deliberate fraud and deception in this matter. Mind you, it may be perfectly legal, but it sure as hell isn't ethical.
The reporting I saw was to the effect that he'd pulled his papers, but, as of a few days ago, hadn't returned them. One would (probably safely) assume he's made it now. Elton's press release describes his candidacy as unopposed, and mentions that there are a number of good potential choices.
Here's the press release:
http://web.venturacountystar.com/documents/gallegly031006.pdf
I just checked the list of candidates at the Secretary of State office and I don't even see Michael Tennenbaum listed.
Check for yourselves: http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/election_2006/status/status_03_10_530pm_contest.pdf
If Tennenbaum isn't on the ballot, then if Gallegly wins the primary and drops out, it'll be decided by the local GOP organization. I suspect that Gallegly lined up commitments on this.
If my instincts are right, Glen Becerra will be the next Congressman. He's a Simi Valley City Councilman who looks like he's still in college. Here's his website for those who are interested:
http://glenbecerra.org/
His only political contributions seem to have been to a Dem candidate (also Harvard grad) and the CRP. The following is from http://cal-access.ss.ca.gov . There was only one Michael Tenenbaum at opensecrets, but they were from NY. In the California filing, he lists himself as retired, but just passed the bar in 1996??? Something strange about this fella.
Contributor
Recipient
Contest Name
Amount Contributed
Contribution Date
Contribution Type
Tenenbaum Michael, Michael Tenenbaum, Attorney, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 LEVEY, A Lot Of People Supporting Jonathan, ID#1275995
State Assembly 41
$100.00
12/29/2005
MONETARY
Tenenbaum Michael, N/A, RETIRED, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN PARTY, ID#810163 -
$210.00
9/15/2005
MONETARY
In Gallegly's press release: "With no incumbent or other Republican in the race, I am confident candidates will come forward who will give us excellent choices and who we would be proud to have represent us."
Umm ?!?!
That's a head scratcher. As is Tenenbaum.
Obviously, we need to find out if Tenenbaum ever returned his papers. If not, I'd say the lynch mob is a little premature.
Did you notice that in his retirement announcement, Gallegly mentioned Michael Bradbury, a longtime former Ventura County District Attorney and Gallegly ally?
It appears that Ventura County Republicans have rival fations, presumably lead by Gallegly and McClintock. In view of that, Gallegly's decision makes sense.
The next Congressman will either be Glen Becerra or Michael Bradbury.
FlashReport... Indispensible!
But what the heck is with Gallegly's timing. Maybe he was out to screw McClintock or Strickland. Either one could still mount a write-in campaign for the GOP nomination, but I like them on the paths they've already chosen.
No sign of him on the 7pm list, either.
http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/election_2006/status/status_03_10_700pm_alpha.pdf
The other strange part (also from the press release), stating that he and Bradbury have been dealing with this situation for "two weeks." Well, pardon me, but that was certainly adequate enough time to let the fact be known he would not be running again and get some serious candidates the opportunity to file to replace him. None of this subterfuge makes Gallegly appear in a positive light.
Elton Gallegly will probably drop out officially after he wins the primrary, then the nomination will be decided by local GOP Party Committees. And I'll bet that those Committees are stacked with supporters of the Gallegly faction.
And, again, highly deceitful and undemocratic.
Are you saying that Becerra or Bradbury would run a write-in campaign?
They can't get on the ballot now, right?
Ventura County Elections confirmed by phone that Tenenbaum filed "this afternoon" and is on the Primary ballot along with Gallegly.
It takes a bit of time for that to show up on the SOS list -- counties take time to transmit that info to Sacramento.
>>highly deceitful and undemocratic.
Just win, baby! /s
Ah.... the definitive word. Thank You.
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