Oh the twists and turns. Even as Darrell Issa is trying to get Elton Gallegly to campaign for re-election, the Chairman of the Ventura County GOP sent out the following e-mail yesterday, rallying support for Michael Tenenbaum, the only other Republican on the primary ballot with Gallegly:
Dear Central Committee Members, Alternates, and friends:
This has been a trying week for Ventura County Republicans. Many of us have felt frustrated, surprised, saddened, betrayed, challenged and/or confused.
The sudden news that our 10 term congressman, Elton Gallegly has had to withdraw from the race due to serious health issues has caused us sadness and concern for him and his family. This was obviously not planned by him, and I can only imagine how difficult this must be for his family and loyal staff. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.
A strange by product of this announcement has been the free-for-all to try and legally wrangle an opportunity to get on the ballot by a number of people in our county and in Santa Barbara County. It has pitched us all into unfamiliar political territory. I take comfort in our legal system, which it appears, has already answered the questions. Elton Gallegly will remain on the ballot, although has announced will not seek the office. Michael Tenenbaum qualified as well and will be actively seeking the office, as was his original plan.
During the recall of 2003, we experienced similar confusion and need for guidance. When there was no direction from the party, the majority of county chairmen stepped in and threw their support behind Arnold Schwarzenegger. This allowed for the party and people to join together and work towards an unprecedented victory in California.
After serious thought on whether I should stand aside and let events drag our county into chaos, or take a stand, I have decided to ask that you rally behind our legally uncontested and qualified candidate Michael Tenenbaum. Most of you have met him, and many have had the pleasure of finding him extremely intelligent, well qualified, a strong fiscal conservative, and one who will represent this county with professionalism and dignity.
I am endorsing the only active candidate on the ballot, Michael Tenenbaum. My immigrant-turned Republican husband Enrique joins me in this endorsement. Our interest is in what is best for our community, our county and our country. We do not want the world to see Ventura County politics made a mockery.
I take this action with heartfelt concern for our party, and belief that in coming together in unity our message of principled, rational, common sense government will prevail.
Thank you,
Leslie Cornejo