Federal and State candidate filing begins on Tuesday. Monday was to be the official start but the Presidents Day holiday moved it until Tuesday.
Candidates for office must return nomination papers and pay the filing fee by March 12. Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate and State Assembly must have 40 valid nomination signatures. The filing fee for the U.S. House is $1,740. The filing fee for the State Legislature is $952.91.
Candidates can offset the filing fee by collecting signatures in-lieu. The signature in-lieu forms have been available since January 4 and are due by February 25. We explained more about the signature in-lieu process in early January.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Congresswoman Diane Watson to Retire
CQ is reporting that Los Angeles area Rep. Diane Watson will not be running for reelection this year. Watson won election to Congress in 2001.
Two Democrats and two Republicans had already declared for the seat, but the Watson retirement should bring several more candidates. Karen Bass, former Assembly Speaker, is rumored as a possible candidate.
UPDATE: Politico is reporting that Watson has scheduled a 10a.m. press conference.
Two Democrats and two Republicans had already declared for the seat, but the Watson retirement should bring several more candidates. Karen Bass, former Assembly Speaker, is rumored as a possible candidate.
UPDATE: Politico is reporting that Watson has scheduled a 10a.m. press conference.
More on Earl De Vries entering 32nd Senate Race
As we reported yesterday, Earl De Vries, has pulled signatures in-lieu papers for the 32nd Senate race. The seat is currently held by Democrat Gloria Negrete McLeod.
Earl is involved with the San Bernardino County Republican Party and California Republican Assembly (CRA).
Earl was elected to the San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee Central Committee in 2008. He is the President of the West Valley CRA and 32nd Senate District Deputy Director on the CRA's Board of Directors.
In 1994 he won the Republican nomination for the 32nd Senate district. He was defeated in the General Election by Ruben Ayala 60.7% to 39.3%.
Earl is involved with the San Bernardino County Republican Party and California Republican Assembly (CRA).
Earl was elected to the San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee Central Committee in 2008. He is the President of the West Valley CRA and 32nd Senate District Deputy Director on the CRA's Board of Directors.
In 1994 he won the Republican nomination for the 32nd Senate district. He was defeated in the General Election by Ruben Ayala 60.7% to 39.3%.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, February 9 Filing Update
List of those that have begun the filing process as of 6:00 pm.
Earl De Vries, the 1994 32nd Senate district Republican nominee, pulled signatures in-lieu today for the 32nd Senate seat currently held by Gloria Negrete McLeod.
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
Earl De Vries-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.
Earl De Vries, the 1994 32nd Senate district Republican nominee, pulled signatures in-lieu today for the 32nd Senate seat currently held by Gloria Negrete McLeod.
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
Earl De Vries-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.
Chris Norby's Assembly Web Site Active
The web site of Assemblyman Chris Norby is now active, but doesn't have much on it yet.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Orange County Register: Running for Congress costs a million
Dena Bunis with the Orange County Register wrote an interesting article stating that the chances of defeating an incumbent if you can't raise at least a million dollars.
Dena writes, "The Center for Responsive Politics, which is the best in the business in tracking political money, found that in the 2008 election the odds were 302 to one that someone who spent less than $1 million was able to knock off an incumbent.
In the 2004 House races, not one incumbent was defeated by a challenger who had raised less than $1 million."
As we wrote last week 42nd candidates Rep. Gary Miller and Lee McGroarty filed their fundraising reports with the FEC. 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 last week, which means he expects to spend or raise at least $5,000 during his campaign.
Why does money matter in the 42nd?
There are three Republicans challenging Miller in the primary. McGroarty has raised the most ($6,550), but has nearly $15,000 in debt and only $1500 cash on hand. The others have yet to raise $5000, which would require they file with the FEC.
Citizens are upset and are looking to vote against incumbents, but with three challengers to choose from, who do you vote for against Miller? Dividing the anti-Miller vote three ways won't beat Miller, which is what will happen unless one of the candidates raises enough to do mailers on a regular basis and rise above the other two.
There are about 171,000 registered republicans, so there are probably around 80,000-90,000 households for mailing purposes. A mail piece, just for mailing, would probably cost close to $25,000.
The three challengers need to either start raising lots of money or loaning their campaigns lot of money. Liberatore and McGroarty both own businesses and probably have money to loan their campaigns.
In the 2008 42nd Democratic primary, two candidates filed with the FEC for spending more than $5000. Ron Shepston, who finished third, spent $105,817. Ed Chau, who won the Democratic nomination, spent about $65,000 in the primary and $347, 351 including the General election.
At this point in the 2008 election cycle (2007 end of year filing) both had raised more than the three 2010 Republican challengers. Shepston had raised $24,407.86, had loans of $4131. 98 and had $6080.01 cash on hand. Chau had raised $12,180, loans of $19,000 and had $13,747.85 cash on hand.
Dena writes, "The Center for Responsive Politics, which is the best in the business in tracking political money, found that in the 2008 election the odds were 302 to one that someone who spent less than $1 million was able to knock off an incumbent.
In the 2004 House races, not one incumbent was defeated by a challenger who had raised less than $1 million."
As we wrote last week 42nd candidates Rep. Gary Miller and Lee McGroarty filed their fundraising reports with the FEC. 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 last week, which means he expects to spend or raise at least $5,000 during his campaign.
Why does money matter in the 42nd?
There are three Republicans challenging Miller in the primary. McGroarty has raised the most ($6,550), but has nearly $15,000 in debt and only $1500 cash on hand. The others have yet to raise $5000, which would require they file with the FEC.
Citizens are upset and are looking to vote against incumbents, but with three challengers to choose from, who do you vote for against Miller? Dividing the anti-Miller vote three ways won't beat Miller, which is what will happen unless one of the candidates raises enough to do mailers on a regular basis and rise above the other two.
There are about 171,000 registered republicans, so there are probably around 80,000-90,000 households for mailing purposes. A mail piece, just for mailing, would probably cost close to $25,000.
The three challengers need to either start raising lots of money or loaning their campaigns lot of money. Liberatore and McGroarty both own businesses and probably have money to loan their campaigns.
In the 2008 42nd Democratic primary, two candidates filed with the FEC for spending more than $5000. Ron Shepston, who finished third, spent $105,817. Ed Chau, who won the Democratic nomination, spent about $65,000 in the primary and $347, 351 including the General election.
At this point in the 2008 election cycle (2007 end of year filing) both had raised more than the three 2010 Republican challengers. Shepston had raised $24,407.86, had loans of $4131. 98 and had $6080.01 cash on hand. Chau had raised $12,180, loans of $19,000 and had $13,747.85 cash on hand.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
State Candidate Fundraising Totals
State candidates were required to file their fundraising reports for the second half of 2009 this week.
60th district Assemblyman Curt Hagman filed reports for two committees. Together he raised $133, 834.96 and spent $109,101.64. One committee has no cash on hand. The other has $29,631.45 on hand.
61st Assemblywoman Norma Torres raised $146,948.89 and spent $109,586.51. She has $154,698.43 on hand.
32nd State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod has two committees. Together she raised $61,221.00 and spent 8761.45. Combined she has $990,880.72 on hand.
60th district Assemblyman Curt Hagman filed reports for two committees. Together he raised $133, 834.96 and spent $109,101.64. One committee has no cash on hand. The other has $29,631.45 on hand.
61st Assemblywoman Norma Torres raised $146,948.89 and spent $109,586.51. She has $154,698.43 on hand.
32nd State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod has two committees. Together she raised $61,221.00 and spent 8761.45. Combined she has $990,880.72 on hand.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
42nd Congressional Candidate David Su speaks at Chino Hills Council
David Su, who recently spoke at the Diamond Bar city council meeting, spoke during the public comments portion of the city of Chino Hills council meeting (speaks at 29 minutes) last week. However, this time when he started talking politics the city attorney informed him he could not make political announcements during public comments.
Conservative Party Pledge signed by McGroarty
As we posted yesterday, 42nd Congressional candidate Lee McGroarty has announced the endorsement of the Conservative Party. He is running for the nomination against Congressman Gary Miller, Philip Liberatore and David Su. I thought I would post the entire pledge that McGroarty had to sign in order to receive the endorsement.
Conservative Party (California) PledgeFor Local, State and Federal Elected Office
I (Candidate) hereby agree to adhere to the following stipulations in order to gain the endorsement of and/or support from the Conservative Party (California), hereinafter referred to as PARTY.
As a Candidate for elected Office, I pledge to:
1. Hold any combination of elected Federal offices for a maximum of 18 years, consecutive or otherwise, but not exceeding three (3) terms (18 years) in the U.S. Senate and four (4) terms (8 years) for the U.S. House after which I will resign and not seek re-election to those offices.
2. Agree to limit my maximum term in office to 20 years for any combination of local, state or federal elected offices.
3. Make my legislative schedule public at all times via the internet and provide explanation of any missed votes.
4. Report to my constituency and the PARTY monthly on the progress of my legislative initiatives and the reasons for all my votes or rulings.
5. Accept funds or contributions only from individual US citizens and PAC’s or corporations or groups specifically approved by the PARTY. I will immediately disclose all contributions/donations to my PAC for review by the PARTYwithin 48 hours of receipt. If deemed not acceptable, all such funds will be returned to the contributors with explanation. I further pledge to post all donations on my website.
6. Be fully transparent in disclosing all my activities concerning Gerrymandering.
7. Disclose immediately when any of my personal investments could benefit from any pending legislation on which I will vote and outline any potential conflicts of interest.
8. Not develop or support any legislation that contains language on spending for budget items unrelated to that specific Bill (“Riders”).
9. Not support or submit any off-budget Earmarks. I further pledge to publically expose all Earmarks and those Legislators who submit them.
10. Promote and support fiscal responsibility for Federal and State governments, a Federal and State Balanced Budget Amendment and a Presidential Line Item Veto.
11. Consistently vote to defund, or vote against appropriating any money for, any federal program or activity not specifically authorized by an enumerated power in the United States Constitution. I further pledge to provide the specific constitutionally enumerated power for any federal program or spending activity for which I do vote to enact.
12. Have Town Hall meetings as often as practical but not less than once a Calendar quarter (3 months) and/or Monthly Webinars.
13. Be evaluated for adhering to and supporting the PARTY Platform. A Report Card will be published based on overall voting record, attendance and voting frequency and missed votes.
14. Resign if the preponderance of public evidence indicates that I have committed sexual misconduct or promiscuity or adultery or repeated abuse of illicit drugs or
alcohol. I further pledge to resign immediately if I am formally indicted for any felony.As a signatory to this Pledge I understand that failure to comply with the provisions defined herein may result in the loss of PARTY endorsements and financial support.
Signed
(Candidate)____________________________ Date________
Monday, February 1, 2010
Conservative Party Endorses in 42nd Republican Party Primary?
42nd Republican Congressional candidate Lee McGroarty has announced the endorsement of the Conservative Party. This is an puzzling move for McGroarty who is running in the Republican Party primary against Congressman Gary Miller, Phil Liberatore and David Su.
The home page for the California Conservative Party, which has a link to the McGroarty for Congress website, states, "The time has come for true Conservatives and like-minded Independents to secede from their respective parties and join the Conservative Party of the United States."
The party pamphlet states on page 2, "It is the belief of the Conservative Party that true conservative representation can be provided only by establishment of a new national party. Present affiliation within any political party that leads to a significant compromise of values should be impetus for a citizen to search for a new organization and leadership; the Conservative Party!"
Line 13 of the candidate pledge, which must be signed "in order to gain endorsement," states McGroarty will, "Be evaluated for adhering to and supporting the PARTY Platform. A Report Card will be published based on overall voting record, attendance and voting frequency and missed votes."
Line 5 of the candidate pledge states the candidate will, "Accept funds or contributions only from individual US citizens and PAC’s or corporations or groups specifically approved by the PARTY. I will immediately disclose all contributions/donations to my PAC for review by the PARTY within 48 hours of receipt. If deemed not acceptable, all such funds will be returned to the contributors with explanation. I further pledge to post all donations on my website (I noticed McGroarty currently doesn't post donations received on his website.)
So does Lee McGroarty believe that "true conservative representation" cannot be found in the Republican party? Why is McGroarty giving final review of his donations to a political party he is not a member of? Does McGroarty plan on leaving the Republican Party if elected to Congress in order to comply with the platform?
I think these are questions his three opponents should ask.
The home page for the California Conservative Party, which has a link to the McGroarty for Congress website, states, "The time has come for true Conservatives and like-minded Independents to secede from their respective parties and join the Conservative Party of the United States."
The party pamphlet states on page 2, "It is the belief of the Conservative Party that true conservative representation can be provided only by establishment of a new national party. Present affiliation within any political party that leads to a significant compromise of values should be impetus for a citizen to search for a new organization and leadership; the Conservative Party!"
Line 13 of the candidate pledge, which must be signed "in order to gain endorsement," states McGroarty will, "Be evaluated for adhering to and supporting the PARTY Platform. A Report Card will be published based on overall voting record, attendance and voting frequency and missed votes."
Line 5 of the candidate pledge states the candidate will, "Accept funds or contributions only from individual US citizens and PAC’s or corporations or groups specifically approved by the PARTY. I will immediately disclose all contributions/donations to my PAC for review by the PARTY within 48 hours of receipt. If deemed not acceptable, all such funds will be returned to the contributors with explanation. I further pledge to post all donations on my website (I noticed McGroarty currently doesn't post donations received on his website.)
So does Lee McGroarty believe that "true conservative representation" cannot be found in the Republican party? Why is McGroarty giving final review of his donations to a political party he is not a member of? Does McGroarty plan on leaving the Republican Party if elected to Congress in order to comply with the platform?
I think these are questions his three opponents should ask.
Most Read Stories: Week of Jan. 25-31
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Update: Phil Liberatore Uses Book Endorsements for Campaign?
As of this morning, the Philip Liberatore for Congress web site has removed the two endorsements we mentioned in Friday's post, Liberatore Uses Book Endorsements for Campaign?
In it we mentioned that Liberatore was using two quotes supporting his book as campaign endorsement quotes. One was from Warren Duffy, minus references about God and the book. The other was from Jack Hayford and was taken word for word from the book endorsement.
These quotes were obviously about the book and it is hard to believe they were accidentally put on his campaign website. Especially when the Duffy quote was changed to omit God and the phrase, "read this book," from a sentence. Maybe he just thought no one would notice.
In it we mentioned that Liberatore was using two quotes supporting his book as campaign endorsement quotes. One was from Warren Duffy, minus references about God and the book. The other was from Jack Hayford and was taken word for word from the book endorsement.
These quotes were obviously about the book and it is hard to believe they were accidentally put on his campaign website. Especially when the Duffy quote was changed to omit God and the phrase, "read this book," from a sentence. Maybe he just thought no one would notice.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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