Friday, January 29, 2010

Lee McGroarty, Gary Miller announce Fundraising totals

The FEC has released the fundrasing totals for Congressman Gary Miller and Republican challenger Lee McGroarty. It does not appear that any other current 42nd Congressional district candidate raised or spent enough money to require a FEC filing. 2008 Democratic candidate Ron Shepston filed several weeks ago.

Gary Miller raised $58,394 in the 4th quarter of 2009. He spent $18,695 and has $950,191.76 cash on hand. He has a debt of $94.10.

Lee McGroarty raised $1,450 in the 4th quarter of 2009. He spent $7,499.91 and has $1550.09 cash on hand. He has a debt of $14,599.15. McGroarty raised a total of $6,550.00 for 2009.

Phil Liberatore officially formed a committee with the FEC earlier this week, which means he expects to spend or raise at least $5,000 during his campaign.

Liberatore Uses Book Endorsements for Campaign?

Congressional Candidate Phil Liberatore has an endorsement section on his newly launched website. He has quotes from six individuals, including two national figures, supposedly supporting his candidacy. They are Carlo E. Caravetta, Hector Valiente, Bob Archeleta, Warren Duffy, Jack W. Hayford and Ron & Judy Radachy.

The Warren Duffy endorsement quote seemed interesting. It said, "For more than a decade, Phil has helped our family and business to make more and save more." That doesn't seem like a quote someone would use to support a Congressional candidate.

So I did a quick google search and what did I find?

The amazon.com page for Liberatore's book which also had a quote from Warren Duffy. This one said," For more than a decade, Phil has helped our family and business to make more, save more and give more God s way. If that expresses your heart, read this book."

So, Phil took the book quote and took off the part that mentioned God. Really? Now it is possible that Warren Duffy just gave him a similar quote. So, I looked to see if any of the other quotes looked familiar. One did, word for word!

The quote from Jack W. Hayford, President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and Chancellor of The Kings College and Seminary, is the same one on his campaign site. It states,"Phil is an authentic servant of Christ with great qualifications to serve you and me with problem-solving keys to managing our money."

So, the two national figures who he lists as endorsing his campaign endorsed his book. But did they actually endorse his candidacy?

Normally I would believe a candidate when they claim to have endorsements but after Lee McGroarty, another Congressional candidate, made up endorsement quotes, I have learned to verify before believing.

UPDATE: The Liberatore web site has removed the two mentioned "endorsements."

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Liberatore Launches Website

Congressional candidate Phil Liberatore has launched his campaign website.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Bob Huff Announces "There Ought to be a Law" Contest Winner

Bob Huff has announced his "there ought to be a law" contest winner.


Senator Bob Huff (R – Diamond Bar) announced today that James M. Dorn, from Chino Hills, CA has been chosen as this year’s There Ought To Be A Law contest winner.

After reviewing over 40 submissions, Senator Huff has decided to take on Dorn’s idea as part of this year’s legislative package. Dorn’s bill will ensure potential legislation is available to the public and to legislators for at least three full business days prior to a vote in any committee in either house after it has been amended.

“Providing adequate time for legislators and the public to review bills gives Californians a way to hold legislators accountable, which is essential to a more transparent government,” Senator Bob Huff said. “I am pleased to carry Mr. Dorn’s idea and this powerful message to the halls of Sacramento.”

Although the California Constitution currently provides for a 30 day review period after each bill is introduced, there is neither a mechanism in place to ensure it is actually reviewed, nor is there any set time set aside for review once the bill has been amended. This 72 hour period will help remedy this issue.

There Ought To Be A Law submissions came in from across the district and touched on a wide array of issues. Senator Huff is happy about the response to the contest.

“This contest provides the chance to hear directly from constituents about what matters to them most,” commented Senator Bob Huff. “It is a great way to gain a better understanding of what is important to the people who are affected everyday by decisions in Sacramento.”

Besides having his idea taken through the legislative process, Mr. Dorn will be invited to join Senator Huff for lunch in Sacramento and will receive a California State flag that has been flown over the Capitol.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Tuesday, January 26 Evening Filing Update

List of those that have begun the filing process as of 6:00 pm tonight.

Curt Hagman pulled signatures in-lieu papers for the 60th Assembly seat he currently holds.

Congress
42nd (Gary Miller)
Gary Miller-Rep
Lee McGroarty-Rep
David Su-Rep
Philip Liberatore-Rep
Louie Contreras-Dem
Michael Williamson-Dem
Mark Lambert-Lib

State Senate
32nd (Gloria Negrete-McLeod)
Gloria Negrete-McLeod-Dem
Michael Bryant-Rep

State Assembly
60th (Curt Hagman)
Curt Hagman-Rep

61th (Norma Torres)
None

72nd (Chris Norby)
Brian Lee Cross-Lib
James Gerbus-Rep
Jane Rands-Green

We will post an update when new candidates have pulled signatures in-lieu papers.

Norby to be sworn in Friday

According to Chris Norby's Office, he will be sworn in to the Assembly on Friday.

Norby is offering free transportation to the ceremony.



Anyone wishing complimentary transportation to attend Friday’s Sacramento festivities swearing-in should call Mark (714-834-3440) in my office immediately for a seat on a special turnaround charter bus. We’ll leave OC Thursday afternoon and return late Friday.

Tuesday, January 26 morning filing Update

Sorry for the delay. List of those that have begun the filing process as of 9:00 pm Monday night.

Jane Rands, pulled signatures in-lieu for the 72nd Assembly seat currently held by Chris Norby.

Congress
42nd (Gary Miller)
Gary Miller-Rep
Lee McGroarty-Rep
David Su-Rep
Philip Liberatore-Rep
Louie Contreras-Dem
Michael Williamson-Dem
Mark Lambert-Lib

State Senate
32nd (Gloria Negrete-McLeod)
Gloria Negrete-McLeod-Dem
Michael Bryant-Rep

State Assembly
60th (Curt Hagman)
None

61th (Norma Torres)
None

72nd (Chris Norby)
Brian Lee Cross-Lib
James Gerbus-Rep
Jane Rands-Green

We will post an update when new candidates have pulled signatures in-lieu papers.

Norby's last day as Supervisor

Today will be Chris Norby's last meeting as the Supervisor for Orange County's Fourth district. He is expected to be sworn in as the Assembly Member for the 72nd district later this week.

There will be a reception honoring Norby before the Board of Supervisor's meeting. The reception will be held from 8:30am-9:30am.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Assemblyman Curt Hagman Named Assistant Republican Leader

From the Office of Assemblyman Hagman


Assemblyman Curt Hagman will continue his responsibilities as Republican Floor Leader

Sacramento- Assemblyman Curt Hagman was named as Assistant Republican Leader by Republican Leader-Elect Martin Garrick.

"Curt Hagman has been a strong champion for his constituents at the State Capitol, leading the charge against higher taxes, bigger government and threats to our public safety," said Garrick. "He has been a true champion for Assembly Republicans in legislative floor debate, demanding that the voices of our constituents are heard in the People's House. I look forward to having him as part of my leadership team as we work together to end business as usual in Sacramento."

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to serve Assembly Republicans as Assistant Republican Leader," said Hagman. "It is an honor to have been chosen by Republican Leader-Elect Garrick to serve in this important role for our party on his leadership team. I look forward to leading the charge for Assembly Republicans as we fight for the shared priorities for California families - a responsible balanced budget, government reform, public safety and no new taxes."