Last Place Vote Getter is Running for Congress?

It is interesting to see that Michael Williamson is running for Congress again. He ran for Mission Viejo City Council in 2008 and out of a field of six he placed sixth. He certainly sounds like an up and coming go getter with Congressman written all over him.

Ballot title is always an interesting aspect of elections. The amount of fretting that goes into figuring out the correct title on a ballot is huge. It sums up a candidate and can say a lot about them. So I would have thought that a Cop / Lawyer would have done better in a Republican city like Mission Viejo.

At least he doesn't commit himself to fringe groups. Oh, wait. He does seem to think that the United States needs to have a national referendum.

I wonder what is possessing him to run for Congress, again?

Williamson in 42nd Race

Michael Williamson has filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) stating that he will seek the Democratic nomination in the 42nd Congressional district.

Williamson is the first Democratic candidate to officially announce that he is running. Williamson finished second, out of three candidates, in the 2008 42nd primary. He spent less than $5,000 on the race.

Ron Shepston has not yet made an official announcement on his 2010 plans. He finished third in the three way 2008 primary race and has a FEC committee that shows $45,544 in debt. His campaign website is still active and was recently renewed.

Merry Christmas from Three Corners Politics

Luke 2: 1-20

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

More on Liberatore Jumping into 42nd Race

As was reported last night, Phil Liberatore, a local CPA, ordained minister and author, has jumped into the 42nd race.

I haven't been able to find a campaign web site yet but he does have two for his businesses, Liberatore CPA and IRS Problem Solvers

Liberatore has also authored the book "God, Money & You: 101 Spiritual Answers to Your Financial Questions."

Unlike Lee McGroarty, the other challenger to Congressman Gary Miller, I have met Phil. He also has some name ID from advertising his business on KKLA and from his involvement in North Orange County and the Los Angeles County portion of the 42nd.

This has to come as a serious blow to McGroarty. Liberatore will camaign for the same base that McGroarty is, splitting the voters that are against Miller.

One has to wonder if McGroarty will simply choose not to run. The fact that the McGroarty campaign made up endorsements that were posted on their website will haunt them the entire race. If he is serious about defeating Miller, dropping out and endorsing Liberatore may be the best way to try and do that. If he stays in, he will be attacked by Miller and Liberatore, which will only split the anti-Miller vote. Based on name ID and the fake endorsement story, I predict that Liberatore will beat McGroarty. But can he beat Miller?

Liberatore enters 42nd Race

Congressman Gary Miller has drawn a second Republican primary challenger in CPA Phil Liberatore. He filed a "Statement of Candidacy" with the FEC on December 10. Haven't been able to find a website yet but will post it here when I do.

Liberatore joins Miller and Chino businessman Lee McGroarty in the 42nd race.

Mike Duvall featured in national story, "The Year of the Scandal"

From Politico

If Michael Duvall was hoping to get to Washington someday, accidentally detailing his sexual romps over a live microphone probably wasn’t the best way to do it.

The married-with-children Republican was recorded sharing details of his affairs, including one with energy lobbyist Heidi Barsuglia, whose work with a committee on which Duvall served has raised ethics issues. Barsuglia initially lost her job but was reinstated after denying the relationship. Duvall resigned from office on Sept. 9, the day after the story broke.

Update: Politico has a poll on what was the most shocking political scandal of the year and has Duvall listed as a choice.

Assemblyman Curt Hagman To Introduce Legislation Banning Monster Electric Towers In Residential Neighborhoods

From Assemblyman Curt Hagman's Office

Assemblyman Curt Hagman - "These towers would be 75 feet from homes in Chino Hills and carry half a million volts."

Sacramento-Today, Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) expressed his intention to introduce legislation to ensure that the monster electric towers approved for use in residential areas by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in Chino Hills never cast their shadow over the homes of its residents.

This is the only community along the 173 mile route where Southern California Edison (SCE) proposes to construct 200-foot high, 60-foot wide poles within 75 feet of homes. This is unprecedented for the SCE. No utility in the country ever installed a 500,000 volt transmission line so close to existing homes. Over 1,000 homes will be within 500 feet of the line, along with daycares, places of worship and parks. "

Edison and the PUC refuse to use safer, less expensive alternative routes that don't run by residential homes." said Assemblyman Hagman, "Renewable energy can be transmitted with out endangering the families living along the utility corridor."

Senator Huff Expresses Outrage Over Approval of Edison's Tehachapi Transmission Line

From Sen. Bob Huff's Office

Senator Huff Expresses Outrage Over Approval of Edison's Tehachapi Transmission Line

Transmission Line Will Be Within 75 Feet of Chino Hills Residential Homes

Senator Bob Huff (R – Diamond Bar) expressed today his extreme displeasure with the decision by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) to approve transmission lines proposed in Chino Hills. These lines will be placed within 75 feet of Chino Hills homes in potential danger to the safety of residents.

A small portion of the project passes through the community of Chino Hills. This is the only community along the 173 mile route where Southern California Edison (SCE) proposes to construct 200-foot high, 60-foot wide poles within 75 feet of homes. SCE has never done this before. Nor has any utility in the country ever installed a 500,000 volt transmission line so close to existing homes. Over 1,000 homes will be within 500 feet of the line, along with daycares, places of worship and parks.

“I have been opposed to the placement of the transmission lines within residential neighborhoods of Chino Hills since the project was first announced. I have advocated for the alternative route proposed by the City of Chino Hills and a diverse coalition of environmental groups because it would have reduced transmission infrastructure and provided for better safety for the community,” stated Senator Huff.

Evidence uncovered in hearings before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) shows that despite SCE’s adherence to approved construction standards, over the past 40 years numerous SCE towers have collapsed. Needless to say, this is a huge concern for the residents of Chino Hills.

“While I recognize the need for renewable energy to power our growing population, I don’t believe it should be done at the expense of the safety of the citizens of Chino Hills,” continued Senator Huff.