I think the title of this post says it all. Thank God we’re done.
Primaries are the toughest thing ever. Friends for years end up on opposite sides and their relationships are forever strained. People get mad. People get weird. People get angry. And on and on. . . . .
I just hate Republican primaries.
Having vented – I want to say —
* Congratulations to John Benoit, the new Senator-to-be from my district. John ran a terrific campaign and his win was impressive. This was the single most hard hitting election I’ve ever witnessed. Both sides got hit – and both sides hit HARD. Anybody that wasn’t receiving the mail, hearing the radio spots and seeing the TV commercials just can’t appreciate the intensity of this campaign.
I supported Russ Bogh, and I’m sad he lost. But the primary is over and we’ll try our best to put the pieces back together again. Again, congrats John – you’ll be a fine Senator.
* Congrats to Brian Nestande – John Benoit’s replacement in the Assembly. I’ve known Brian forever. He ran a great campaign and it showed in the results. Brian will be an asset right from the start in the Republican caucus. He’s a political pro.
I just stayed out of the campaign altogether, but knew Brian had it locked weeks ago. His win was no surprise.
* Congrats to Jeff Miller. From beginning to end, Jeff dominated this election. Jeff did a great job as the Chairman of the Riverside County Republican Party, and he’ll do a great job in the Assembly Rep Caucus too. Jeff is an absolute rock solid conservative. I love people like Jeff in the legislature (there is never anything to worry about).
Hey, Tim Clark – do you owe me a cigar?
* Congrats to CONGRESSMAN (to be) Tom McClintock! I never had a minute of doubt that Tom would win. He is a true conservative legend in California and I just don’t believe there is anyone that could beat him in a district that is as strongly Republican as this one. C’mon, we’re talking about Tom McClintock.
Congress has no idea whats coming – a man that walks the walk no matter if it’s popular or not. We need another hundred or so Tom McClintocks in congress.
* Finally, congratulations to Mimi Walters and Bob Huff. My caucus will be well served by both of these fine legislators.
Let me close as I started. I’m glad the primary is over. Now is the time for the winners and losers to put aside the animosity of the election and support each other to further the cause of the Republican party. I know, easier said than done — but we have to try.
I don’t know if my relationship with John Benoit will ever be what it was. I knew that it would be impacted before I endorsed Russ Bogh — but I’m not one to sit on the sidelines, and I just couldn’t be one of those guys that "stayed out" or "dual endorsed" – it’s just not me. Russ is my friend, I’m sorry he lost – but John Benoit won and I’ll support him 100% going forward.
Let’s hope it can work that way all around California. Our party needs it to.