Free Republic

Loitering report leads Der Manouel, Duncan to withdraw support.Two of Steve Samuelian's staunchest supporters distanced themselves from the state Assembly member Friday after learning that Fresno police stopped him last week in an area known for prostitution. Republican strategist Michael Der Manouel Jr. issued a statement saying the incident "greatly compromises" Samuelian's effectiveness as a legislator. Der Manouel played a key role in Samuelian's battle for the Republican nomination to the 29th Assembly District in 2002.Fresno City Council Member Jerry Duncan, in another statement, said: "I'm so disappointed in Steve. It's a real tragedy for his family, not to mention...