There was an impressive turnout of volunteers this morning at the Modesto headquarters of Senator Jeff Denham’s campaign against the recall.  Almost 100 activists heard words of encouragement from Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill, California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring, Assemblyman Tom Berryhill and congressional candidate Dean Andal (see them all, along with Senator Denham, in the photo below to the right, taken by Bob Phelan). Despite the noteworthy presence of several of the state’s top GOP leaders, a number of the volunteers were local Democrats outraged at Don Perata’s abuse of the recall process.

Senator Denham told the assembled precinct walkers that even though Senate President Pro Tem Perata has publicly declared he is no longer funding the pro-recall campaign, voters need to be reminded that the issue remains on the June 3rd ballot, particularly given the expected low turn-out on Election Day.  

Assemblyman Berryhill pointed to his own personal experience – when he lost his first Assembly race by less than 70 votes – to reinforce the message that every vote counts.  Senator Cogdill (see him speaking in the photo below to the left, taken by John Franklin) emphasized how important defeating this recall election is to blocking Sacramento Democrats from gaining the two-thirds majority they need to massively raise taxes.    

CRP Chair Nehring said the recall race had "national implications."  He declared that if the Democrats succeeded in stealing the Denham seat in a low-turnout election, after capturing three Republican congressional districts in recent special elections across the country, it would be a serious blow to the party.  But he also declared the recall election was an opportunity for Republicans to get back on offense, gain a victory and begin to turn the tide. 

11th CD candidate Dean Andal praised Jeff Denham for standing up to Perata and opposing last year’s unbalanced budget. The former BOE Member said it was ironic – and wrong – that there was a recall attempt against the Senator who’d stood up for fiscal responsibility and it was launched by the Senate leader who had helped create California’s current budget crisis.

Precinct walkers are canvassing throughout all five counties that comprise the massive 12th Senate District. Merced will be the location of tomorrow’s Denham volunteer rally. For more information or to volunteer, please call Denham headquarters at 209-338-0288.         

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.