SAN DIEGO -- After Supervisor Steve Bennett's dramatic decision Saturday night to end his campaign for the House, county Democrats left the state party convention Sunday wondering whether one of the three remaining announced candidates will emerge as a clear frontrunner or whether a new candidate will step in to try to fill that role.
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, whose district includes much of Oxnard and Port Hueneme, said she "will be taking a very serious look" at entering the race, and former Ventura Mayor Richard Francis also is reconsidering a potential candidacy.
"It's fluid," said Democratic strategist Garry South, who is advising the campaign of Westlake Village businessman David Cruz Thayne. "Bennett was clearly the heavyweight in the race — at least the best-known candidate. And now it's very late to be jumping into a race for Congress."
Meanwhile, each of the three current candidates was making the case that he is positioned to take over the favorite's role in the 26th District, which includes all of Ventura County except for most of the city of Simi Valley and a small portion of the city of Ventura.
Moorpark Councilman David Pollock won the support of a majority of county delegates in their vote on a potential endorsement Saturday night — a vote taken minutes after Bennett withdrew — but fell three votes short of the 60 percent majority needed for party endorsement.
In a statement issued Sunday, Pollock sought to reach out to those who had backed Bennett.
"Steve and I shared the ultimate goal of electing a Democrat to represent Ventura County in Congress, and I look forward to working with his supporters," Pollock said. "Steve has been an outstanding supervisor, and as a resident of Ventura County I am glad that he is seeking re-election."
Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jess Herrera, who received two votes for the endorsement, renewed his argument that, as a longshoreman who has spent the past 17 years as a commissioner promoting economic development at the Port of Hueneme, he is a candidate who can unite labor and business interests.
"The diversity of Ventura County is going to come out and support Jess Herrera," he said.
Thayne said in a statement issued Sunday that his campaign has raised more money than the other two challengers'.
"I look forward to continuing to make my case as to why I am the best person to represent Ventura County," he said.
In announcing his decision Saturday, Bennett cited the concern that a split field could result in no Democrat finishing in the top two in the June primary, which would mean the party would have no candidate on the November ballot.
Sen. Tony Strickland of Moorpark has received the backing of the county Republican Party and faces GOP opposition from political newcomer Akiva Werbalowsky of Ojai. Another candidate, Supervisor Linda Parks of Thousand Oaks, also a Republican, has said she may run with a ballot designation of "no party preference" — the equivalent of an independent.
The top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election.
Bennett's concern about a potential Democratic shutout in the primary likely was based at least party based on polling results. Finance reports filed Jan. 31 show Bennett spent $24,000 on polling in November and December in an attempt to measure early voter sentiment.
Parks said Sunday that Bennett's decision will not affect how she conducts her campaign.
"I look forward to getting support from Democrats, Republicans and independents," she said. "It doesn't change my focus."
Francis, who along with Bennett co-authored the landmark S.O.A.R. initiatives in Ventura County that require a vote of the people before development can occur on land where none is currently contemplated, considered entering the race last summer but deferred to Bennett.
"I was ready to go," he said Sunday.
Now, Francis said, Bennett's supporters are up for grabs.
"We generally draw from the same well," he said.
In an email sent Sunday to those who had supported his campaign, Bennett hinted that a personal endorsement may be forthcoming.
"When this settles down," he wrote, "I will communicate to those of you who supported me financially concerning who I believe will give us the best chance to keep Tony Strickland from winning the seat."
Bennett raised more than $240,000 for the campaign in November and December — nearly all of it in contributions from individuals in the county.
The district is expected to be vigorously contested in the fall, as its political makeup and voting history suggest the outcome likely will be very close.
Many Democratic delegates were dispirited after Bennett's departure, thinking it will hurt their chances at winning a district that party leaders this weekend labeled one of nine battleground House seats statewide.
Because there is no incumbent and this is the first election after redistricting, the 2012 election will be especially important, said delegate Helen Conly of Ojai.
"We can't let Tony Strickland go to Washington," she said. "If he does, he'll never leave."
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Comments » 34
Bill_Hays_Jr writes:
Jess Herrera for Congress!
BOB_LABLAW writes:
I have mentioned this before...the Arizona law requires elected officials to "resign to run." It is a good law!
If Bennett really wanted to go to DC, he should not have run for BOS. I have read all of the hatred for Dennis Gillette for running for election when he might have known his health was failing to see how Bennett is really weak here.
C'mon! If you are so special, run for the office that you want to hold, not just use your name to keep others from trying to get ahead of you.
Hey_Scapegoat writes:
"We can't let Tony Strickland go to Washington," she said. "If he does, he'll never leave."
If you feel that way, please urge Lois Capps to leave. After all, she promised to serve only a couple of terms. Now look at her. Still there, advocating for every kooky left wing idea while California bleeds.
CityThatCares writes:
This guarantees that Jess Herrera will be the top two. Ventura County supports Jess for Congress!
VoteAkiva#771577 writes:
Congressional Announcement Today at Noon, Ojai Valley, from Candidate Akiva Werbalowsky
Live Presentation, Photo/Video Opportunities of What Democracy Looks Like at our favorite Bioregional Organic Farm Cafe
Major election announcement from Akiva Werbalowsky
Party Affiliation Shift, New Movement Named
Monday, Feb 13, Farmer and Cook Organic Farm Cafe, 12 noon sharp.
Stay for optional fresh, local, organic celebration, all welcome.
(You will be pleased, this one's for the ages)
http://www.farmerandcook.com/
Thanks-
Akiva Werbalowsky
VoteAkiva@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Akiva-f...
WiggleRoom writes:
Phony Tony?! The guy who lied about his business background? The Phony Tony who, on various campgain literature, portrayed himself as a vice president of Green Wave Energy Solutions? But Phony Tony has only worked in politics his entire adult life!!
Or the Phony Tony who was fined $3000 by the state Fair Political Practices Commission for a negative attack mailer against then-opponent Hannah-Beth Jackson in 2008?
When it comes to reproductive rights, violence against women, family medical leave, women’s health care and gender discrimination, Phony Tony has opposed the fundamental rights of women year after year.
raylaw43#321876 writes:
Willy, how much have you and your associates already contributed, already pledged to contribute, or expect to contribute, to the Strickland campaign?
nobaloney writes:
Uh, maybe you haven't noticed that we're in the midst of the Great Recession? These days, anybody in Congress spending time on social issues such as "reproductive rights, violence against women, family medical leave, women’s health care and gender discrimination," has a distorted sense of priorities and won't get my vote.
carthomas7 writes:
I guess you did not read that Julia should be coming Francis is also a no growth opportunistic guy like his 2 soar buddies FOR himself only
Jess if you ran a good campaign you may have had a shot Why did you sit at home and not reach out to all the Dem Clubs in the County??
Julia's parents were GOP She just lost her cause to let us know who is behind hate mailers P. Tony & GOP crowd defeated it!!
Run Julia RUN!!!
cassandra2 writes:
For those who asked, Bennett returned donations from his Congressional campaign. My sweetie got his check back. He will probably give it back for his sup. seat. The guy's a class act. No wonder so many of you don't like him.
nobaloney writes:
Bennett realized he was going to get his head handed to him in the election so he scurried back to the safety of his seat on the BOS. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Jbigelow writes:
Bennett't work ain't done at the county, yet.....the county budget has doubled during his tenure, gross taxes have doubled on the people, Bennett sits on the pension spiking committee which stonewalled.the taxpayer group for legal fees they won on release of the county's $100,000 pension club members' names.....I'm sure the county elites love him, but what has he done for the average Joe and Jose Sixpack besides raising their stinking taxes.......how many jobs has he brought onto the county.....and that goes for No Growth Linda Parks, too
Oceaneagle writes:
Mr. Bennett will have to return the $89,000. he received to the Democratic Party PAC from Connecticut, right?
Traditional writes:
Rumor has it that Daffy Duck has pulled papers and will be seeking an endorsement from the Dems. He has supposedly retained the Three Stooges to run his campaign as they are more organized than the local Dem Committee.
cassandra2 writes:
This group can make sow's ear out of a silk purse, so I suppose the reverse is possible.
Traditional writes:
Oceaneagle: Would you quit bringing that up, for heaven's sake? We don't want to embarrass any liberals here. (Just kidding, btw.)
carthomas7 writes:
Traditional Can't believe that u r not shook up now that Julia will be coming to town (daughter of GOP like Hillary) Great legislative achievements unlike P. Tony who ALL he is good at is collecting from special interests, running for dog catcher & promoting turmoil!!
Regarding 3 Stooges they came back from the dead 5 yrs ago and had endorsed Nick Quidwai when Council was appointing Glancy to Council.
Regarding Daffy Elmur says Duck hunting starts when phony Tony gets a REAL job which will be NEVER!!!!
Just_a_guy writes:
The way this Democratic infighting will continue along the fault line in the local party, Phony Tony is sure to win. Althought it sure would be a nice notch in Parks belt to beat down both Stricklands. Parks knows how to win as an underdog - Parks is the Teabow/ Jeremy Lin of this race.
Jess Herrera would be good as well, but the Dems just need to clean up their house and figure things out if they don't want to loose this opportunity.
Whoever gets the seat, will likely hold it for some time!
Politics77 writes:
Well I am ready to see a real candidate win this race. David Cruz Thayne has shown no hesitation when he entered the race and has reached out to the community for support. The other candidates don't have a realistic approach to this election resulting to being the instruments of the local establishment instead of reflecting the needs and concerns of the citizens within the district. The Republican Candidates are viable opponents and thats why we need to rally behind a strong candidate and get in front of the primary. I hope that you at least look into the candidates and find out what they are about.
I am supporting David Cruz Thayne.
nobaloney writes:
Bennett, who is often described as an "educator" and ex-high school teacher, was instrumental in blocking a state college from being located in Ventura in the area known as the Taylor Ranch. Camarillo was eventually the location selected for the California State University at Channel Islands but it was Ventura who initially had a very strong chance for the institution until Yvon and Malinda Chouinard, owners of Patagonia Inc. helped stack the deck on the Ventura City Council in 1993 with Steve Bennett and two other political cohorts.
According to the LA Times, the resistance to the University goes back to 1989, when environmental activists at Patagonia Inc. helped plan the no- growth environmental revolution that swept three slow-growth candidates into the Ventura City Council. In an August 8, 1993 LA Times article, Bennett was identified as a key member of that group. The LA Times said, "Environmental interest groups were hoping to run a four-person slate this year, but have been unsuccessful in finding a fourth candidate." The article went on to say, "The three candidates expected to be backed by slow-growth groups are Steve Bennett, Todd Collart and Gary Tuttle."
http://articles.latimes.com/1993-08-0...
WiggleRoom writes:
Blah blah blah. More ramblings from the shallow end of the gene pool!
WiggleRoom writes:
What Kool Aid are you drinking? You post an old link to a newspaper, yet when you look at GWEC website, he isn't mentioned!! Get your facts straight before you post nonsense!!
http://greenwaveenergycorp.com/aboutu...
And he WAS fined for his improper action
http://www.fppc.ca.gov/press_release....
http://www.votesmart.org/candidate/16765
Now why don't you stay on topic instead of trying to push Phony Tony on every subject?
wowza writes:
702TO805 said, "Tony has opposed the fundamental rights of women year after year."
I googled Tony Strickland and women's rights and found out that you're right. Who knew?
carthomas7 writes:
Regarding Daffy Elmur says Duck hunting starts when phony Tony gets a REAL job which will be NEVER!!!!
Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/feb/1...#ixzz1mIHjXL8k
- vcstar.com
702to805 R U one of the 702 Vegas GAMING guys that FEED our local Senator??
When is he going to CARE about the AVE Joe Blow like me??
STOP the bickering WORK with the other side
FALSE talk NEVER wrote a check in the front (Sign) Never sold or built any thing except great job on VC GOP Central comm (keep under thumb)
barfly5540 writes:
Blocking the Taylor Ranch site for Cal State was the biggest mistake Ventura has ever made. And that includes that stupid bus stop.
vcforlife writes:
Caring_Dad? really. When you state reproductive rights you mean Abortion the killing of a defenseless baby. Does gender discrimination mean homosexuality. Liberals need to stop referring homosexuality as a gender. Homosexuality is a abnormal sexual behavior. Caring_Dad, I hate to inform you that 90% of the Democratic Party have never worked in the private sector. Most have worked in government. Before throwing stones make sure you have no sins.
WiggleRoom writes:
Actually, you chose to use outdated and unreliable sources in order to pander to your right wing thinking. Sad, but there is help available.
JMeeks71 writes:
Negative attack? You mean like lying about the source of the fine and accusing Strickland of encouraging violence against women?
Hypocrisy....it's what's for dinner.
legalwarrior writes:
Based on the Democratic endorsement vote with David Pollock getting drastically higher numbers than Jess Herrera and no votes for David Thayne, I believe that Pollock must be considered the Democratic front-runner.
He has consistently performed well at the forums based on strong middle-class progressive positions. He will pose real problems for both Tony Strickland who has a lot of special interest and ethical baggage, and for Linda Parks who will try to draw from a not-very motivated right wing.
Pollock will make a strong fighter for our District in Washington D.C.
Rio writes:
Caring Dad is not so caring. He is obviously a plant for the liberal wing dings. Don't take hime seriously people, take him/her for what they are. Ridiculous.
Rio writes:
Since they cut off the crowded first supervisor race comments.... Bennett ran away to run for Congress, but his own allies found him to be inept. Bennett is a farce. Bennett denies land owners the right to their own land, and that is against all of our property rights.
carthomas7 writes:
U did not read Julia Brownley will knock your socks off GREAT Assembly record!!
Oceaneagle writes:
Patagonia was fined for sending out a mailer with no source identified in a Ventura election.
Ventucky writes:
90's Council pragmatists' slow growth policy was a necessary and inevitable response to ventucky's unmitigated build out of the 70-80's (camarill-yucky?) -- an overstretch which effectively robbed urban core and westside of needed maintenance and development.
Despite the popular mythos of Patagucci political power, Taylor Ranch was skipped based on unarguable financial limitations and irrevocable geological realities - i.e., any new state college was only possible by adapting significant, existing, state-approved infrastructure -- certainly not a greenfield mountainside with no existing services.
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