I heard somewhere that TM ran for congress against Bob Hope's son for a congressional district including Simi valley. Story was he withdrew from the race thinking he could never beat a celebrity. Turns out Hope lost.
I imagine that retreat plays heavily on his mind.
Simi Valley and Ventura Co. have been ably represented for over 20 years by Elton Gallegly. I don't remember anything about "Bob Hope's son."