As San Bernardino County’s population continues to grow, the region’s clout and influence in the State Legislature is increasing as well. Perhaps the most significant victories of the last election cycle occurred in Republican Party primaries for seats in the State Legislature.
Among the 2006 victories San Bernardino County residents can be proud were the surprise wins of Yucca Valley’s Paul Cook for the 65th Assembly District and Hesperia’s Anthony Adams for the 59th AD. Both Adams and Cook replaced non-San Bernardino County incumbents (The 65th was held by termed-out incumbent Russ Bogh of Riverside County and the 59th was held by Dennis Mountjoy of Los Angeles County). Thus, the victories of Anthony Adams and Paul Cook increased the number of lawmakers in the State Capitol who call San Bernardino County home.
The results have paid off, as both Assemblymembers Adams and Cook are serving in active roles in the Inland Empire Caucus and have made representing the needs of San Bernardino County a top priority.
The year 2008 gives San Bernardino County a unique chance to further increase its clout and effectiveness in Sacramento.
The decision of Assemblymember Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) to seek an open state senate sear will leave a vacancy in his 60th Assembly District constituency. Huff’s district comprises three counties, but the largest city in the district is Chino Hills, which is located in San Bernardino County.
Running to replace Assemblymember Bob Huff in 2008 is the popular mayor pro tem of Chino Hills, Curt Hagman. A conservative Republican, Hagman has already garnered significant endorsements and assembled a talented team to guide his bid. Of course, Hagman is reporting outstanding financial resources that will be needed as he does battle with a candidate endorsed by influential Orange County politicians.What Hagman is lacking is support from certain San Bernardino GOP legislators, such as Assemblymembers Bill Emmerson and Paul Cook. Many insiders point the reasoning behind Emmerson’s lack of endorsement is due to his Chief of Staff and former FR correspondent Joe Justin, who is the general consultant to Hagman’s opponent, Orange County Municipal Water District Director Larry Dick.
Now is the time for these San Bernardino County assemblymembers to support the future of San Bernardino County by endorsing Curt Hagman. An endorsement of Hagman in a contested primary with a non-San Bernardino County candidate signifies that our current delegation is closing ranks behind one of our own – a conservative Republican whose presence in the Assembly GOP Caucus would enhance the influence of San Bernardino County as a region with a united team of Republican legislators who understand our county.
Also running for an Assembly seat in 2008 is retired SB County sheriff’s deputy (and Barstow resident) Bob Smith, the only declared candidate for termed-out lawmaker Assemblymember Bill Maze’s seat (AD 34). Smith is already endorsed by Assemblymembers Anthony Adams and Sharon Runner of San Bernardino County. Even former Senate Republican leader Jim Brulte is on board with Bob Smith, as Smith continues to gather the lion’s share of district endorsements in his quest to replace Assemblyman Maze.Curiously absent from Smith’s endorsement roster are Senators Roy Ashburn and Bob Dutton, and Assemblymembers Bill Emmerson, Paul Cook, and Bob Huff.
The individuals who have not yet announced support for San Bernardino County’s hometown candidates should do so to help ensure that San Bernardino’s numbers – and clout – continue to grow. I’m especially calling on Assemblymember Bill Emmerson who is our Inland Empire Caucus Chairman, to support Inland Empire residents to further his organizations prominence in Sacramento.
As San Bernardino’s population increases, the political clout of the county should rise accordingly. The support of San Bernardino County’s current delegation in solidifying its position as a growing county is crucial to ensuring that San Bernardino County’s voice is heard loud and clear.
2008 is the best chance San Bernardino County will have to increase its influence in Sacramento before redistricting occurs in 2011. With time of the essence, sitting on the sidelines and is not an option.
San Bernardino County’s Republican lawmakers need to support San Bernardino County’s Republican candidates.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Adam…the great thing I admire about Emmerson is his ability to think for himself…regardless of political pressure…i would not assume for a minute that I have any advantage in preventing his endorsement of your candidate…i’m just not that powerful. my sense is, however, that, knowing Bill as I do, that posts like this may not have helped your candidates cause…sometimes pressure like this backfires…
June 30th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I can certainly voice for Joe’s lack of powerfulness. I’ve seen the way his kids boss him around.