Many FlashReport readers may not be aware of the fact that there is a special election taking place in Los Angeles County RIGHT NOW.  President Obama tapped a local Democrat to serve in his Cabinet, opening up a seat in East Los Angeles County.  Longtime FR friend and California Republican Party Regional Vice Chairman for that area, Doug Boyd, pens this introduction to the situation, and his words are followed with some commentary from the Republican Party’s endorsed candidate for the seat, Teresa Hernandez…

AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
An introduction by Doug Boyd

Teresa Hernandez is a prototypical candidate for our Republican future in Southern California. She is Hispanic, smart, attractive, a businesswoman and not fazed in the least by "conventional wisdom" that Republicans can’t be competitive in a working class district.

She grew up in this San Gabriel Valley based district and built a business there. Nobody handed her anything – she went out and earned her success the American way. Now Teresa wants to give back to her country and fight for the principles of free enterprise and limited government that allow anyone with talent and determination to succeed.

The California Republican Party Board of Directors recently heard from all three Republican candidates for this seat and then endorsed Teresa without dissent. The CRP joined the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, the New Majority, the National Republican Congressional Committee and dozens of Republican congressmen in supporting Teresa Hernandez as our best choice for the 32nd Congressional District.

No less a luminary than former Speaker Newt Gingrich touted Teresa at the annual New Majority dinner in Orange County last week. Newt went so far as to urge the assembled royalty to take out their checkbooks and contribute to her campaign right there on the spot. Now that’s enthusiasm! And a good idea for everyone reading this column. 

There is a lot of opposition to the May 19th ballot propositions in the 32nd district, as in most parts of California. If Democrats and independents join Republicans in turning out vote "No" and then also vote for Teresa, this could be one interesting and extremely low turnout runoff election in July.  
Democrats Judy Chu and Gil Cedillo are viciously bashing each other on the other side – the winner there will be as battered and bloodied as Ricky Hatton was for Manny Pacquiao at the end of the second round last weekend.

I don’t like theft as a rule, especially when government steals from my wallet. But I’d love to make an exception for stealing this congressional seat from the Democrats. Please join Teresa in her aggressive campaign to take the fight to the liberals on what has been until now their ground.   

And now from Teresa Hernandez…

It isn’t often in California that Republicans get the chance to add a congressional seat to their count.  But the quirkiness of the special election process makes that a real possibility in the upcoming battle for the 32nd Congressional seat vacated by Hilda Solis when she became Secretary of Labor.  The primary vote is set for May 19th and if no candidate receives 50% plus one vote, the top vote getters from each party move to the runoff on July 14th.  There are eight Democrats, three Republicans and one Libertarian in the race. With Gil Cedillo and Judy Chu waging Armageddon with nearly two million dollars combined, whoever wins will be damaged goods in the July runoff.

Let’s look at the prospects for a Republican victory.  The 32nd is a largely blue collar, middle class district stretching from Monterey Park to West Covina and it includes Rosemead, El Monte, South El Monte, Azusa, Covina, Irwindale, Baldwin Park and Duarte.  Half of the registered voters are Hispanic. While Republican registration is only 21%, in low turnout elections they represent better than 30% of the ballots. In addition there is a large decline-to-state base of independent voters and a sizable old, white Democrat population of long time residents with very conservative leanings.  The district voted Yes on Proposition 8 by ten points higher than the statewide average.  Most will be voting in May against the propositions and their tax increases.

The ideal candidate by anyone’s standards would be a female Latina, with business experience, strong ties to the community and the ability to appeal across party lines.  I believe my campaign meets all of those criteria and is the Republican’s best chance to win this district. I was born and raised in the district and for 24 years, along with my husband, Latin entertainer, Jose Hernandez, have owned the landmark restaurant Ceilito Lindo in South El Monte. Eighteen years ago, we formed the Mariachi Heritage Society to teach in-school and after-school music lessons to under privileged and at-risk youth.  Over 7000 local children have benefited from the program.  

Judy Chu and Gil Cedillo are far too liberal for this district.  Their voting records will astonish and frighten the habitual voters in this district.  Their roots in this community are limited at best and the very low turnouts in May and July will greatly benefit any alternative candidate.  In fact a poll by Public Opinion Strategies in January showed this race to be wide open.

There hasn’t been a well funded, well spoken, well organized Latina candidate in this district, ever.  Republican activists have rallied to support my campaign with endorsements, volunteers and dollars.  I have gained the primary endorsements of the California Republican Party, the California Republican Congressional delegation, the Los Angeles County Republican Central Committee, the Young Republicans Federated of California, California Republican Assembly, the New Majority, and Atlas PAC.    

This campaign will be an uphill battle.  But I am prepared to conduct the best campaign the Republicans have seen in this district in 25 years.  I hope I can count on your support as well.  You can reach me at www.teresahernandez.com.  

We encourage you to read more about Hernandez’ candidacy on her website, and if you are so inclined, follow Newt’s advice and make a contribution!

This entry was posted on Friday, May 15th, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.