More California Republicans are entering the Congressional fray for Election 2016.
MEET CALIFORNIA’S FOUR YOUNG GUNS
Four Republican candidates running for open or
Democratic-held House seats in California are “on the radar" for spots in
the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns" program,
which offers support to candidates, Javier Panzar reports.
Democratic-held House seats in California are “on the radar" for spots in
the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns" program,
which offers support to candidates, Javier Panzar reports.
The four are:
San Diego businesswoman Denise Gitsham, who is challenging
Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego) in the 52nd congressional district. Gitsham,
who owns a public relations firm, worked for Karl Rove during then-Texas Gov.
George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign and later worked in the Bush
administration, announced her candidacy two weeks ago. Her campaign bragged on
Facebook it raised $100,000 in the first week. In 2014, Peters defeated
Republican businessman Carl DeMaio 52% to 48%.
Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego) in the 52nd congressional district. Gitsham,
who owns a public relations firm, worked for Karl Rove during then-Texas Gov.
George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign and later worked in the Bush
administration, announced her candidacy two weeks ago. Her campaign bragged on
Facebook it raised $100,000 in the first week. In 2014, Peters defeated
Republican businessman Carl DeMaio 52% to 48%.
Gitsham may be the more conservative and palatable alternative to another candidate, the openly gay Jacquie Atkinson. Conservatives refused to vote for Election 2014 GOP Congressional candidate Cark DeMaio, who embraced nearly every liberal issue imaginable. He ended up losing by 4% in a district which a good Republican would have carried. Will Gitsham accomplish what DeMaio and Brian Bilbray failed to do?
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Folksy trauma surgeon Dr. N. Eugene Cleek, who is
challenging Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) in the 3rd congressional
district. This is Cleek’s first foray into politics. He is also a farmer,
former Army surgeon and is known to have cowboy boots poking out of his scrubs.
He reported having $223,589 cash on hand last quarter — including $190,000 he
loaned the campaign. Roll Call, which rates every congressional race, lists
Garamendi as safe.
challenging Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) in the 3rd congressional
district. This is Cleek’s first foray into politics. He is also a farmer,
former Army surgeon and is known to have cowboy boots poking out of his scrubs.
He reported having $223,589 cash on hand last quarter — including $190,000 he
loaned the campaign. Roll Call, which rates every congressional race, lists
Garamendi as safe.
"Folksy", huh? Sounds derogatory, to say the least. How disrespectful can one get?
Santa Barbara businessman Justin Fareed and Assemblyman K.H.
"Katcho" Achadjian of San Luis Obispo also made the cut. They are in
the race to replace a retiring Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara). Fareed came
about 500 votes short of advancing to the general election in 2014 and is
amassing a campaign warchest, raising $430,000 so far. He recently hired Kayla
Berube, who was Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s state political director
in New Hampshire, to be his campaign manager. The only candidate who has
raised more is Democratic Santa Barbara County Supervisor Salud Carbajal, who
topped $1 million last quarter. Fellow Democrat and Santa Barbara Mayor Helene
Schneider also is in the running.
"Katcho" Achadjian of San Luis Obispo also made the cut. They are in
the race to replace a retiring Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara). Fareed came
about 500 votes short of advancing to the general election in 2014 and is
amassing a campaign warchest, raising $430,000 so far. He recently hired Kayla
Berube, who was Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s state political director
in New Hampshire, to be his campaign manager. The only candidate who has
raised more is Democratic Santa Barbara County Supervisor Salud Carbajal, who
topped $1 million last quarter. Fellow Democrat and Santa Barbara Mayor Helene
Schneider also is in the running.
The funny thing is – only three candidates are mentioned. Major fail.
The article could have mentioned Scott Jones of Sacramento, or Kathryn Nance of Stockton. How about Chris Castillo of Wilmington or Omar Navarro of Torrance, or Paul Chabot of Rancho Cucamonga? Even Ron Cohen of Fremont has turned the Dem v. Dem fight in CD-17 into a three part free-for-all. Let's not forget Rafael Dagnasses of Ventura, who is challenging the vulnerable Julia Brownley.
The Democratic Party must fight to hold onto ten seats in California – Ten! There are plenty of Republican Young guns vying for Congress, and yet the Los Angeles Times could only name three.
Sad indeed,