Compiled by Douglas V. Gibbs
Constitution Association
Voter Guide
California Election 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Handed out as a free booklet at the:
Constitution
Association, Monthly Meeting
Saturday, October 4, 2014 Candidate
Forum
Boston
Billie’s, 26850 Cherry Hills Blvd., Menifee, CA
www.constitutionassociation.com
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Governor of
California
Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown,
Democrat
Incumbent. Pro Amnesty, Environmentalism,
Gay Agenda, Obamacare, Abortion. www.jerrybrown.org
Opinion: Bad for California
Neel Kashkari, Republican (ü)
Former Asst. US Sec. of the Treasury for
Financial Stability, 2008-2009. Decrease
Regulation, Reduce taxes. Against train project. www.neelkashkari.com
Opinion: Donnelly would have been the ideal candidate, but compared to Brown, Kashkari is the lesser of two evils.
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Lieutenant Governor
Ron Nehring, Republican
Chairman California Republican Party,
2007-2011. Supports initiative process,
jobs and the economy most important issues in 2014. www.ronnehring.com
Opinion: Heard him speak at the Republican Party of Riverside County 9th Annual Liberty Dinner, September 27, 2014, his record and my discussion with him has me believing he leans towards conservative principles.
Gavin Newsom, Democrat
Incumbent.
Mayor of San Francisco 2004-2010.
Sanctuary for Illegal Aliens, Obamacare, Programs for homeless, Gay
Marriage, DREAM Act legislation for Illegal Immigrant Youth. www.gavinnewsom.com
Opinion: Militant Liberal Progressive
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Secretary of State
(Chief Election Officer, Keeps Documents/Archives, Registers Businesses)
Pete Peterson, Republican
Exec.
Dir. Pepperdine University's Davenport Inst. for Public Engagement and Civic
Leadership. Reduction of LLC Business
Franchise Tax, Easing filing restrictions for new businesses, Reviewing
statewide voter database. www.petesos.com
Opinion: Supports conservative ideals, though not convinced Voter I.D. Laws are the way to go.
Alex Padilla, Democrat
California State Senator. Expanding participation of voters using local
efforts and increasing access to voter registration materials, while improving
access to election info through greater use of technology. Apply technology for
new business. www.padilla4sofs.com
Opinion: By expanding participation of voters he means Making sure illegal aliens get to influence the vote.
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2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide, Page 3
Controller (State’s
Accountant and Bookkeeper)
Ashley Swearengin,
Republican
Current Mayor of Fresno. “State Controller Office should be a
watchdog, and it has been a disaster.”
Economy: “We need to consolidate agencies, simplify tax code, and reduce
overall tax rate so we can be competitive in attracting new businesses and
jobs.”
Opinion: Recognizes the need to reduce taxes to invigorate and stimulate economic growth.
Betty T. Yee, Democrat
Board of Equalization member. Changed her mind to support high speed rail
just before primary. Would like to
protect public money from mismanagement, reform tax code to create “tax
equity,” including for “same-sex couples.”
Women’s Campaign Fund calls her a “game changer.” www.bettyyee.com
Opinion: Militant Liberal Progressive who jumps on the collective bandwagon to gain personal power and position.
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Treasurer (Chief
Investment Officer, Banker and Financier)
Greg Conlon, Republican
CPA, businessman, and military veteran. Responded to a recent audit of the State
Controller’s office that revealed $31
billion in errors, mistakes and miscalculations. “Accounting errors and lack of
oversight could cost taxpayers severely, but If elected I’ll fight to keep
money, jobs and hard working families here in California.” Supports pro-growth tax policies, improving
California’s poor credit rating (second worst in the country), and reducing the
State’s unfunded pension liabilities. www.gregconlon.com
Opinion: Accurately believes California has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
John Chiang, Democrat
As California Controller in June, 2011, he
withheld legislators' pay on grounds they did not passed a balanced budget on
time. Democrat lawmakers filed a lawsuit, and the courts ruled that he
overstepped. Voted with the unions to
approve 99 new categories of extra pay that can count toward pensions under
Gov. Jerry Brown's pension reform plan. www.electjohnchiang.com
Opinion: Union lackey, in 2012 commented California would run out of cash "if the State does not borrow more money, and delay some payments."
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Attorney General
Kamala D. Harris, Democrat
Incumbent.
Former San Francisco District Attorney.
Participated with other State Attorney Generals in forging a settlement
with banks over mortgage crisis.
Supports Environmentalism, Gay Marriage. Against death penalty,
Obamacare, and the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. www.kamalaharris.org
Opinion: Militant liberal, possibly eyeing federal bench.
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Attorney General Continued
Ronald Gold, Republican
Former California Deputy Attorney
General. Under Harris, “Corruption is
passed off to the FBI to investigate and prosecute; mortgage bailouts are great
for her special interest supporters, and Harris supports allowing incompetent
teachers to stay on job.” Supports legalizing marijuana. www.rongold.org
Opinion: Very moderate member of the GOP, and during his speech at the 2014 Republican Party Liberty Dinner, an excited crowd became very quiet while he was speaking. Voting for him only makes sense because of his comparison to Kamala Harris. She is such a militant liberal progressive that he suddenly becomes palatable as the lesser of two evils. Conservatives will vote for him, but they will be holding their nose while doing so.
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Insurance
Commissioner
Dave Jones, Democrat
Incumbent.
Signed regulation requiring health insurers to spend at least 80 cents
of every premium dollar on health care, rather than profits and administrative
costs, to help implement Obamacare.
Issued gender non-discrimination regulation. Implemented
nationwide survey of insurers’ response to climate change. www.davejones2014.com
Opinion: Big fan of Obamacare, considers insurance companies "profiteers."
Ted
Gaines, Republican
Current member of the California State
Senate, vice chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Insurance. California State Assemblyman 2006-2011. Former President and owner of Point West
Insurance of Sacramento. In January
2014, Gaines supported an audit of California's health care exchange after
reports of $1.37 million spent on an advertising campaign by Covered
California, the state's health exchange. The exchange also faces a $78 million
deficit during the next fiscal year due to cutbacks in federal funding. “What a
waste of money — oh, my gosh,” said Gaines in an interview. On a scale "100" is a perfect
liberal score and "0" is a perfect conservative score, the 2009
Capitol Weekly legislative scorecard ranked Gaines as a 6. www.tedgaines.com
Opinion: Not only abhors Obamacare, but has taken the time to expose it's downfalls, and the danger it presents to the healthcare system, while revealing fiscal problems with California's exchange in relation to Obamacare.
2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide Page 5
Judicial
California
Supreme Court (Yes/No)
Mariano-Florentino
Cuéllar
Current nominee to the
California Supreme Court, appointed by Governor Jerry Brown on July 22,
2014. Cuéllar is running for retention
to a full term. Cuellar was born in
Mexico, and walked across the border each day to attend an American school. Co-chaired National Equity and Excellence
Commission to grade American Public Schools.
Member of the Constitution Project, a national bipartisan organization
devoted to advancing support for the U.S. Constitution. www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18612
Opinion: Though Cuellar is a member of a number of constitutional organizations, his membership's support the case law view of the Constitution, using the courts to subvert the original intent. Cuellar supports amnesty, and is outspoken regarding his opinion regarding a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers.
Goodwin
Liu
Current member California
Supreme Court, appointed by Governor Jerry Brown and confirmed on September 1,
2011. He is running for retention. In
2003, Liu accepted a position as a professor of law at the UC Berkeley School
of Law, Boalt Hall. Liu was named associate dean of UC Berkeley School of Law
in 2008, where he worked until his appointment to the California Supreme Court
in 2011. On February 24, 2010, President
Barack Obama nominated Professor Liu to fill a vacancy on the United States
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
However, after a filibuster in the Senate, Liu withdrew his nomination
in a letter to the President on May 25, 2011.
www.judgepedia.org/Goodwin_Liu
Opinion: Closely connected to hard-left politicians, will do whatever it takes to assist the Obama administration.
Kathryn
Mickle Werdegar
Appointed to the
California Supreme Court by Governor Pete Wilson on May 3, 1994. In November
2002, she was re-elected to a new term of office which began on January 7,
2003. Prior to her elevation to the Supreme Court, she served on the First
District Court of Appeal in San Francisco.
SFGate calls her the "Champion for ordinary people," and a
"Powerful woman. . . and the leading dissenter on a court that leans to
the right." www.courts.ca.gov/5761.htm
Opinion: Though she is middle of the road on most issues, and her constitutional prowess is very questionable, of the three candidates, she is the best of them.
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Justice,
California State Court of Appeal; District 4, Division 1 (Yes/No)
Gilbert
Nares
Appointed by Governor George Deukmejian and took the oath of office on October 13, 1988. Free Republic
website lists Nares as a Republican. www.judgepedia.org/Gilbert_Nares
www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: Definitely a Yes Vote for me. Has shown to rule closer to the Constitution than most judges I have encountered.
Terry B.
O'Rourke
Appointed by Governor Pete Wilson and took the oath of office on December 7, 1998. Free
Republic website lists O’Rourke as a Republican. www.judgepedia.org/Terry_O'Rourke www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: Some questionable rulings, but overall a good choice.
Alex C.
McDonald
Appointed
by Governor Pete Wilson and took the oath of office on June 12, 1995. Free Republic lists
McDonald as a Republican. www.judgepedia.org/Alex_McDonald
www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: Gets the highest conservative score of the four judges for this court by Craig Huey.
James A.
McIntyre
Appointed by Governor Pete Wilson and took the oath of office on June 6, 1996. Free Republic lists McIntyre as a
Republican. www.judgepedia.org/James_McIntyrewww.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: On Craig Huey's Judicial Index, McIntyre is a "5", placing him midway between "Activist" and "Constitutional Constructionist." His record is slightly "to the right". A reluctant "yes," because a "no" would allow the appointment of a more liberal judge by Jerry Brown.
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Justice, California State Court of Appeal; District 4,
Division 2
Thomas E.
Hollenhorst
Appointed by
Governor George Deukmejian and took the oath of office on August 26, 1988. Free Republic website lists Hollenhorst as a
Democrat. www.judgepedia.org/Thomas_Hollenhorst
www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: Constitutional rating is midway. He could easily be a moderate Republican. A "Yes" vote only to prevent Brown from appointing a more liberal judge than Hollenhorst.
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Justice,
California State Court of Appeal; District 4, Division 3
Richard
M. Aronson
Took office on November 21, 2001. Appointed by Governor Gray Davis. Free Republic lists Aronson as a
Republican. www.judgepedia.org/Richard_Aronson www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: A surprisingly constitutional judge, considering Gray Davis appointed him. "Yes."
2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide, Page 7
Kathleen E. O'Leary
Appointed by Governor Gray
Davis and took the oath of office on January 21, 2000. Free Republic lists O’Leary as a
Democrat. www.judgepedia.org/Kathleen_O'Leary www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: Liberal Activist, strong "No."
David A. Thompson
Appointed to the court by Governor Jerry Brown on May 18, 2012,
and was confirmed by the California Commission on Judicial Appointments on June 28,
2012. Registered “Decline to
State.” www.judgepedia.org/David_A._Thompson www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17551
Opinion: Slightly above mid-line between activist and constructionist according to Craig Huey. "Yes."
William
F. Rylaarsdam
Appointed by Governor Pete Wilson and took the oath of office on April 10, 1995. Free
Republic lists Rylaarsdam as a Republican.
www.judgepedia.org/William_Rylaarsdam
www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: More often than not rules in line with Constitution. "Yes."
Richard D. Fybel
Appointed by Governor Gray Davis and took office on February 8, 2002. Free Republic Lists Fybel as Democrat. www.judgepedia.org/Richard_Fybel
www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/778145/replies?c=18
Opinion: Craig Huey as Fybel listed as a "3", placing him well below the line for being a Constitutional Constructionist. "No."
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State
Board of Equalization; District 4
Nader Shahatit, Democrat
Current Auditor, State Board of
Equalization, Riverside since 2000. Supports Upholding Proposition 13, Lower Sales Tax and Increase
Tax incentives to bring businesses to California. www.electnadershahatit.com
Opinion: Not horrible for a Democrat, but way short of conservative ideals.
Diane L. Harkey, Republican
Harkey is a
former Council Member and Mayor of the City of Dana Point, California. She is
the Republican representative in California's 73rd State Assembly
district. Supports Free Market
Economics, lower taxes; opposes retroactive taxes or penalties. www.dianeharkey.com
Opinion: Very Conservative, Shows basic knowledge of Constitution.
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State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Tom Torlakson
Current California Superintendent of Public Instruction. Registered
Democrat. Supports Common Core. www.ballotpedia.org/Tom_Torlakson www.tomtorlakson.com
Opinion: A strong supporter of Common Core loses my vote.
Marshall Tuck
Founding
CEO of the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, former President of Green Dot
Public Schools, a leading charter school operator based in Los Angeles. Registered Democrat. Supports Common Core, and fast tracking the
implementation of Common Core. www.marshalltuck.com www.facebook.com/TuckforCalifornia/info www.ballotpedia.org/Marshall_Tuck
Opinion: Thanks to California's idiotic Open Primary voting system, we have two democrats running for this office. Unfortunately, the voting law does not allow write-ins, keeping anti-Common Core candidate Lydia Gutierrez off the ballot. However, of the two Democrats, both pro-Common Core, Tuck is the less progressive of the two, so he will get my vote. This is an extreme case of having to vote for the lesser of two evils.
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State Propositions
Proposition 1 Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement
Act of 2014
·Should the
state sell $7.1 billion in additional general obligation bonds--as well as
redirect $425 million in unsold general obligation bonds that were previously
approved by voters for resource-related uses--to fund various water-related
programs?
Yes: $2.7 billion that would go to new water storage,
including dams and projects that replenish groundwater. Supported by Gov. Jerry Brown (D), US Sen.
Dianne Feinstein (D), US Sen. Barbara Boxer (D), Rep. Marc Levine (D-10),
California Democratic Party, California Republican Party
(ü)No: Majority of Water Bond Spending Has
Little to Do with the Intent of the Measure, filled with environmental
pork. Fiscally irresponsible. Opponents include various waterway associations,
fishing associations, and farming organizations.
Opinion: I agree, we need to fix the water supply, but not like this, not with this kind of borrowing. The bond is too open for other borrowing to piggy-back on it, and will be used by environmentalists as a slush fund. A Strong "No" vote for me.
2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide, Page 9
Proposition 2 State Budget. Budget Stabilization Account
·Should the
State Constitution be amended to change how the state pays down debt and saves money
in reserves?
Yes: Establishes
much needed rainy day fund. Forces the
State to save money when times are good.
Supporters include: Jerry Brown, Governor (D), Neel Kashkari,
Gubernatorial candidate (R), California Democratic Party, California Republican
Party, California Forward Action Fund, California Chamber of Commerce, League
of Women Voters of California, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
(ü)No: Proposition 2
will take money away from our schools.
Opposed by Former California Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin
(D).
Opinion: This has been a difficult one for me. Most Republican Groups say vote "Yes," and this Proposition is one of the few we've seen to ever receive "bi-partisan" support. But, after careful consideration, I choose "No." This will be a disaster, in my opinion, because California's spending is out of control, but the politicians won't admit it, and this will encourage them to try and increase taxes so as to create that extra 3% to put into the Rainy Day Fund. Any shortfall of the money the 3% they must put into this fund, if not acquired by increased taxation, will then, instead of being pulled from bad spending programs, like Governor Brown's "Crazy Train" High Speed Rail project, or money pumped out to union causes, important spending, like education, will be from where they siphon this money. Then, once it is in the rainy day fund, they will salivate and try to figure out how to get their hands on it. Also, the measure would allow the rainy day funds to be spent only in the event of a drop in annual revenue below the preceding year, adjusted for population and inflation, or in a declared emergency. First, as the Obama administration has shown us, anything "adjusted" can be manipulated. Second, if a Republican ever gains the governorship, as unlikely as it may seem, and he somehow gets taxes reduced, before the free market can adjust and the producers increase productivity to increase overall revenue because the "creation of wealth" pie grew, the first couple years of lower income tax rates will see a reduction in revenue, which will see the politicians running to this fund (if it has any money in it), to spend the money on the spending reductions that the GOP governor put into place, undermining his or her spending reduction strategy. In other words, this is not a "rainy day fund," but a "money in a pool just in case a Republican ever wins fund."
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Proposition 45; Healthcare
Insurance. Rate Changes
·
Should changes in some health insurance rates require the
Insurance Commissioner's approval before going into effect?
Yes: Will limit rising insurance costs through government
regulation. Supported by U.S. Senator
Dianne Feinstein (D), U.S. Senator
Barbara Boxer (D), Insurance
Commissioner Dave Jones (D), Superintendent
of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, California
Democrat Party.
(ü)No:
Measure will increase costs for consumers, and harm the quality of
health care. Gives ONE POLITICIAN tremendous power over our health care – including
our co-pays, deductibles and even the treatment options our health insurance
covers. Opposed by California Republican Party, California Chamber of Commerce, Various health organizations.
Opinion: I cannot stress enough why we must vote "No" on this measure. The very idea of giving one person that much power in itself, is reason enough to defeat this dangerous proposition. This is a fast way for the liberal Democrats to undermine the private industry and ensure Obamacare's implementation.
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Proposition 46, Drug and Alcohol Testing of
Doctors. Medical Negligence Lawsuits
·
Should California require random drug testing of doctors,
require doctors to check a statewide database before prescribing certain drugs,
and raise the cap on noneconomic damages in medical negligence lawsuits?
Yes: Will only raise a small fraction of health
care costs, malpractice is not consistent with
high profit margins. Supported by US Senator Barbara Boxer (D), Consumer Watchdog, Consumer
Federation of California, Congress of California
Seniors, Consumer Attorneys of California, California Teamsters Public Affairs
Council, California Conference Board–Amalgamated Transit Union.
(ü)No: Gives lawyers a
bigger payday, enables more lawsuits against health providers, lawsuit payouts
will skyrocket which will be reflected in the rising cost of healthcare because
the rising cost of malpractice insurance would be transferred to the cost to
consumers, threatens patients personal privacy, would force doctors out of the
State, force offices to reduce or eliminate vital services. Opposed by California Republican Party,
Various health groups, various medical societies, various hospitals, various
labor unions, various insurance companies.
Opinion: The dangers associated with this proposition are incredible, once you get passed the nice packaging on the surface. "Do you want doctors intoxicated or under the influence of drugs in the operating room?" we are asked by the proponents. Of course not. But if a doctor is pulling that kind of garbage, it won't be long before they lose their license to practice medicine, regardless of this law. What Prop. 46 does is it opens up more lawsuits with loftier penalties, making worse our healthcare costs, not better. The frightening truth is if this proposition passes, we would see an increase the maximum amount of money patients are able to collect from doctors in malpractice lawsuits to $1 million from a current cap of $250,000, which will increase malpractice insurance costs, and in turn healthcare costs. The costly lawsuits that would result from Prop. 46 would lead to higher costs to patients and possible reductions in services, while creating a new bureaucracy jeopardizing privacy by putting bureaucrats in charge of a new database of confidential patient records. In the end, the damage to the private healthcare industry would be catastrophic. In other words, this is a ruse to further destroy the private system, opening the door for us to embrace Obamacare as the only remaining choice.
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Proposition 47, Criminal Sentences. Misdemeanor
Penalties
·Should the
penalties for certain offenders convicted of nonserious, nonviolent crimes be
reduced from felonies to misdemeanors?
Yes: Stops wasting prison space
on low-level nonviolent crimes, Keeps rapists, murderers and
child molesters in prison. Supported by
California Democrat Party, Sen.
Loni Hancock (D-9), Sen. Mark Leno (D-11), Sen. Darrell
Steinberg (D-6), Rep. Nancy
Skinner (D-15), AFL-CIO, NAACP, SEIU,
California Teachers Association.
(ü)No: Rewrites our laws to
benefit criminals, will release dangerous three-strikes inmates, will make it
impossible to stop some criminals from buying or possessing guns, hurts
consumers by slashing penalties. Opposed
by California Republican Party, California Police Chiefs Association,
California Retailers Association.
Opinion: I will vote "No." Some "conservative" groups have reasoned this may not be as bad as written, and we need to do something about our crowded prisons. The way to fix crowding in prisons is not to let prisoners loose and reduce the penalties for crime, but to reduce the number of people going in by increasing penalties on more serious crimes in order to deter more people from committing those crimes. Making their stay in prison seem more like prison, and less like a vacation with all of the amenities of home, wouldn't hurt, either.
2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide, Page 11
·
Should the tribal gaming compacts negotiated by Governor
Brown with the North Fork and Wiyot Tribes and ratified by legislative statute
be allowed to go into effect?
Yes: Creates thousands
of jobs, generates State and local revenues, respects local control, and
protects scenic wildlife areas – at no cost to State taxpayers. Supported by Governor Jerry Brown, California
Democrat Party.
(ü)No: A No Vote keeps
Indian gaming on Indian lands. A Yes
Vote would enable Indian gaming casinos to be built in urban areas across
California. Opposed by Stand Up For
California.
Opinion: Vote No. A "Yes" vote turns California, potentially, into Las Vegas. Indian Tribes have kept their end of the bargain and have kept casinos on Indian land. Notice, also, this proposition would give preferential treatment to only certain tribes. Any time preferential treatment is being dished out, the end result tends to be catastrophic.
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U.S. Congress
Duncan
Hunter, Republican
U.S. Congressman since 2009. Family
values, pro-life, reduce spending, repeal Obamacare, secure border, enforce immigration
laws, strong military, gun rights, low taxes and simplifying the tax code. www.hunter.house.gov
James H. Kimber, Democratic
Supports amnesty, Obamacare, growing the drone industry, green energy,
global warming legislation, environmentalism, reduce military spending by
investing in future technology, developing mentoring and internship programs
through schools/colleges, veteran’s care.
www.kimberforcongress.com
Opinion: Duncan Hunter is the logical choice. A Conservative Republican that values the principles of the United States Constitution.
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Ken
Calvert, Republican
Congressman since 1993. Repeal Obamacare,
strong military, secure border, stop illegal immigration, reduce federal
spending, reducetaxes. www.calvert.house.gov/issues
Tim
Sheridan, Democratic
Lawyer. Development green
technologies, federally fund job training programs, right of employees to
organize (labor unions), student loan programs, school food programs, tax
credits businesses, secure borders, e-verify, amnesty for illegal immigrants
already in US, Obamacare, reproductive rights, regulate the banking and
financial, gay rights; opposes Voter ID laws.
www.sheridanforcongress.com
Opinion: Those who know me know that I have no love for Congressman Ken Calvert. However, a squishy Republican that can be nudged in the right direction is the better choice over a hard-left Obama-bot that champions every single liberal progressive policy and platform issue.
Steve Adams, Republican
Riverside City Council. Pro Economic Growth, reduce regulations,
reward good teachers, improve transportation infrastructure, crime reduction,
reduce the size of government, reduce federal spending; preserve Constitution
and Bill of Rights. www.steveadams2014.com
Mark Takano, Democratic
U.S. Congressman. Federally fund pre-school, climate change
legislation, clean water act, green technology, Obamacare, federal control over
lending institutions, voucher system for housing for lower incomes, amnesty,
DREAM Act, Pro-Gay, gun control, support for
veterans, preserve Social Security, Protecting Medicare and Medicaid,
infrastructure, expand Ontario airport; Opposes No-Child-Left-Behind’s “One Size Fits All” approach, Citizens
United ruling, Voter ID Laws.
www.takano.house.gov
Opinion: Of the members of the GOP out there, Steve Adams has exhibited more understanding of the original intent of the United Constitution than most politicians out there. He's a local guy with great conservative ideas.
Raul Ruiz, Democratic
Congressman. Pro-stimulus, cut wasteful spending. Partisan Gridlock means Washington is
Broken. Use federal funding to invest in
college grants, student loans, and pre-school programs. Protect Social Security and Medicare. Supports gay rights, amnesty, and DREAM
Act. www.drraulruiz.com
Brian
Nestande, Republican
Current California State
Assemblyman. Reduce federal spending,
secure borders, enforce immigration laws, repeal Obamacare, approve Keystone
Pipeline, reduce size of federal government returning local control to local
government. www.briannestande.com
Opinion: I have met Brian Nestande three times, and he is impressive. Still learning the original intent of the United States Constitution, but willing to learn. Conservative, and trustworthy. Meanwhile, Raul Ruiz, the liberal left progressive replacement for Progressive Republican Mary Bono Mack in the last election, has proven to be as leftward as possible, supporting all of Obama's agenda, and he could easily be a poster child for the Marxist pro-amnesty Hispanic organization, "La Raza."
Continued on booklet two
When I was creating this guide, the template I originally made for it was not large enough for the remaining information, so I created a second booklet for the rest of the voter guide data.
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Christina Gagnier, Democratic
Create workforce
development programs; supports STEM Education (growing industries), federal
legislation for Online protection, Net Neutrality, Patent Reform, removing the
money from politics and campaigns, climate change legislation, carbon emission
standards, green technology, federal legislation regarding fuel efficiency and
clean transportation, electrical grid security, improving Affordable Care Act,
reproductive rights; Opposes fracking. www.christinagagnier.com
Norma J.
Torres, Democratic
Former California Assemblywoman, State
Senator. Issues not clearly defined on
her website. According to BallotPedia,
with "100" as a perfect liberal score and "0" as a perfect
conservative score, on the 2009 Capitol Weekly legislative scorecard, Torres
ranked as an 85. www.ballotpedia.org/Norma_Torres www.normatorres.com
Opinion: There is no "lesser of two evils" here. Both are pretty bad. No recommendation.
Pete
Aguilar, Democratic
Mayor of
Redlands. Invest in infrastructure,
renewable energy, and education.
Supports sustainable development, climate change legislation, green
technology, reducing carbon emissions, protecting medicare and Social Security,
amnesty, honoring our commitment to our veterans; opposes giving tax breaks to
the wealthy and big corporations. www.peteaguilar.com
Paul
Chabot, Republican
Iraq war veteran, supports cutting taxes, securing the borders, balanced
budget, ensuring veterans have the resources and medical
services they earned and deserve. Views securing the borders as an essential
component to our national security. www.paulchabot.com
Opinon: I have spoke with Chabot twice, once on my radio program, and rarely do we see a conservative that also exhibits sacred honor in a manner that the Founding Fathers had. Strong recommendation: Paul Chabot.
2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide Page 3
United States Representative; District 8 (Yucaipa, Yucca Valley, 29
Palms, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, High Desert Communities, Bishop, Mammoth)
Paul Cook,
Republican
U.S. Congressman since
2013. Strong defense and national
security, STEM Act (education in future industries), support school choice
through charter schools, stopping job killing EPA requirements on power plants,
supports Keystone Pipeline, direct attacks against ISIS, opposes Obamacare,
supports cutting spending, reducing taxes, and keeping the IRS out of
healthcare, and the business of targeting groups. www.cook.house.gov
Bob Conaway, Democratic
Opposed to Voter ID Laws, supports Net
Neutrality. Website unclear on complete
list of issues. http://bobconawayforcongress.blogspot.com
Opinion: I met Paul Cook at the Murrieta-Temecula Republican Assembly meeting a couple months ago, heard him speak, and had a few words with him. He was excited about what I do regarding the Constitution, and after a few questions I threw at him, I am satisfied he knows the Constitution better than a vast majority of the other congressional critters on Capitol Hill. Paul Cook receives a strong recommendation from me.
State Legislature
Bonnie Garcia, Republican
California State Assemblywoman. Protect Proposition 13. Eliminate unnecessary burdens against
businesses. Supports Proposition 1 Water
Bond and funding for schools. Opposes
high speed rail project and gun control legislation. www.bonniegarcia.org
Jeff Stone,
Republican
Former Mayor of Temecula, Riverside County
Board of Supervisors. Opposed to water
shutdown in Central California over Delta Smelt, the early release of inmates,
Obamacare, gun control legislation, harsh regulations against businesses. Supports reduced taxes, protecting
Proposition 13, reduction in spending, school choice, right to keep and bear
arms, the State keeping its promise regarding funding to start up cities like
Wildomar, proposed dike for Salton Sea. www.jeffstone2014.com
Opinion: A battle of two evils, despite the fact that both of them claim to be republicans. It is a matter of if you want Jeff Stone, equipped with a history of corruption, and voting differently than what he says, or Bonnie Garcia, who has liberal tendencies, and changes her message based on the group she is speaking to. Both sometimes say the right thing, but cannot always be trusted regarding what they said... but only Jeff Stone has the history of flashing fake police badges, and using his position for his own benefit. Bonnie Garcia edges out in front for my vote, not because she is a good choice, but because Jeff Stone is a worse choice.
Page
4, www.constitutionassociation.com
Karalee Hargrove, Democratic
Against school voucher system, supports reproductive
rights and women’s rights, supports environmental legislation, and reduced
penalties for drug offenses. Path to
citizenship, but our first priority must be to citizens and legal
residents. Supports “Card Check” (labor
union secret ballot). www.karaleehargrovefor42nd.com
Chad Mayes,
Republican
Supports performance based budgeting, local
control over schools, reducing hostile taxes and regulations against
businesses, stepping up the fight for local control over local issues. www.chadmayes.com
Opinion: I agree with Hargrove on one issue, and with Mayes across the board. Choice is obvious, Chad Mayes would get my vote.
Marie
Waldron, Republican
Current California State
Assembly Member. Reduce taxes, cut
spending. “Strengthen penalties for businesses that hire illegal immigrants, and
fight to prevent our hard earned tax dollars from being spent on services to
illegal immigrants." Return gas tax
dollars to local region. Fight for
public safety. www.ballotpedia.org/Marie_Waldron
Nicholas
Shestople, Democratic
Stop Salton Sea from
drying up, fix infrastructure, supports water bond, modify Proposition 13, make
college tuition affordable. www.democracy.com/Nick4AD75
Opinion: I have met with Marie Waldron twice. She is knowledgeable, savvy, and principled. She has been doing great work in the belly of the beast, and she must be reelected.
Jose
Medina, Democratic
Current Assembly
Member. New market tax credits, supports
economic development. http://asmdc.org/members/a61/
2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide Page 5
Rudy
Aranda, Republican
Reduce regulations that
keep businesses from growing, we need accountability regarding education funds,
ensure safety services are properly funded, reduce taxes, responsible budget
management and accountability, improve public transportation. www.rudyaranda2014.com
Opinion: I know little about each candidate, but based on information I have gathered online regarding these candidates, Rudy Aranda is the better choice.
Conrad Melton, Democratic
People before corporations.
Reduce rates for student debt.
Against Voter ID Laws. Raise
minimum wage. Stop GMOs. Resolve our water problem. Stop America’s Military Industrial
Complex. Redistribute the Wealth. Stop Global Warming. www.democracy.com/ConradMelton
Melissa Melendez,
Republican
Current Assembly Member. Support 3 Strikes Law, no new taxes, stop
runaway government spending, we need a business tax holiday, with immigration
secure our border first and foremost. http://ballotpedia.org/Melissa_Melendez https://ad67.assemblygop.com
Opinion: Melissa Melendez endorsed me for my 2010 run for City Council in Murrieta (she was on Lake Elsinore's City Council at the time) because she believes in my stance on constitutional principles. During the Murrieta Immigration Debate I was critical of her because of her delayed response to the demonstrations. Her press release, however, once it finally made it to the media, was satisfactory. She has been a fighter for conservatism in a State Assembly that has been, and is, filled with liberal left dominance. Her opponent is more of the same liberal left madness we've been enduring in Sacramento. Melissa Melendez receives my recommendation.
- John
K. Brown (ü)
- Kris
Thomasian
- Robin
J. Crist
Opinion: I have met John Brown. He opposes Common Core, and is a conservative. He gets my recommendation. Thomasian supports Measure BB, which will result in higher property taxes for equipment that can be obtained by reforming educational spending in the school district. In a board meeting in August, Crist thanked a parent for expressing their concern over Common Core, a recognition to other board member made, including Thomasian. However, Crist also supports Measure BB, and was endorsed by the teacher's union. Thomasian and Crist share some campaign signs, linking them together on the issues.
- Mark Katan www.facebook.com/mark.katan
- Julie Farnbach (ü) jkfarnbach.wix.com/farnbach4tvusd14
- Sandy Hinkson www.sandyhinkson.com/
- Kevin
S. Hill votersedge.org
- Bob Brown ballotpedia.org
- Richard Shafer votersedge.org
- Cheryl Eckard www.facebook.com/cheryltvusd
Opinion: I have met with Julie Farnbach, who has received the Murrieta-Temecula Republican Assembly's endorsement, as well as the Republican Republican Party.. She is opposed to Common Core, and is a staunch conservative. I highly recommend Farnbach. There is little information on the web regarding the remaining candidates. Website links provided where available.
Page
6, www.constitutionassociation.com
Council Member; City of Canyon Lake (2 Elected)
- Dawn Haggerty facebook.com/pages/Dawn-Haggerty
- Randall
P. "Randy" Bonner RandyBonnerResume
- John
Zaitz
- Vicki Warren facebook.com/WarrenCanyonLake
Opinion: Goals of candidates here in Canyon Lakes Friday Flyer.
Council
Member; City of Corona (3 Elected)
- Karen
Spiegel
- Steve Ruth steveruthforcitycouncil2014.com
- David B. Husted davehustedforcoronacitycouncil.com
- Randy
Fox
- Kevin
Button
- Eugene Montanez votecorona.com
Opinion: Karen Spiegel has shown valued leadership for the City of Corona, and provides a Republican voice in a city with a rapidly changing political demographic. I met Randy Fox at a recent Rotary Club meeting. He is a pastor, and a conservative. Fantastic candidate. Kevin Button has become a valued friend. Of every council candidate in every city I have researched, Button has the greatest working knowledge of the original intent of the United States Constitution I have come across. Steve Ruth and I met briefly at the Corona Rotary Club, and his Democrat leanings were obvious in the conversation.
Council
Member; City of Eastvale (3 Elected)
- William B. Link eastvaleca.gov/index.aspx?page=202
- Steven Aguilar facebook.com/stevenaguilareastvale
- Adam Rush adamrush.org
- Richard A. "Rick" Duran duranforeastvalecitycouncil.com
- Clint Lorimore clintlorimore.com
- Cesar Morales votersedge.org
- Ramon "Raymond" Aguilar facebook.com/RamonAguilarforEastvaleCityCouncil2014
- Brandon Matthew Villalpando brandonv4eastvalecity.com
- Anwer Khan anwerkhan.com
Council
Member; City of Hemet (2 Elected)
- Larry Smith cityofhemet.org/index.aspx?NID=559
- Patricia Axelrod votersedge.org
- Paula Licitra licitra4council.com
- Linda
Krupa
- K.
Paul Raver
- Robert Masson massonforcouncil.weebly.com
- Craig Smarker votersedge.org
Opinion: I met Paul Raver at a number of events. Though he disagrees with me on Judicial Review, we are eye to eye on all other constitutional issues. I met Linda Krupa at the Hemet-San Jacinto Congress of Republicans meeting on October 20, 2014, and she came across as knowledgeable, and conservative. Larry Smith was one of the three council members targeted in a recall effort that never went to vote (Read about it at BallotPedia).
2014 Constitution Association Voter Information Guide Page 7
Council
Member; City of Lake Elsinore (2 Elected)
- Daryl Hickman votersedge.org
- Rick Morsch rickmorsch.org
- Brian Tisdale brian-tisdale.com
Opinion: Daryl Hickman was the target of a recall effort in March of 2012. The effort was abandoned the following August. http://ballotpedia.org/Daryl_Hickman_recall,_Lake_Elsinore,_California_(2012) Rick Morsch is a former planning commissioner for the city. Like Hickman, Tisdale is an incumbent.
- Scott
A. Mann (Incumbent) Menifee 24/7
- Paul Henry Wiggins Menifee 24/7
District 2, Council Member; City of Menifee
Matt Liesemeyer Facebook/MattLiesemeyer
John Baker Facebook/JohnBaker
Tom Fuhrman (Incumbent) VotersEdge.org
Sue Kristjansson votersedge.org
District 4, Council Member; City of Menifee
John Denver (incumbent) johndenver4menifee.com
Opinion: I am not a huge fan of Scott Mann, based on my knowledge of Menifee politics. He has been, however, endorsed by republican clubs, and there is no information available that I could find regarding Wiggins' positions. Mann has accused Wiggins of putting out false allegations against him. http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/80789/ In District 2, I originally supported Tom Fuhrman, but as he has brought on himself legal troubles, my opinion now is undecided. In District 4, Gloria Jean Sanchez, who I've met twice (I've met John Denver a number of times, too, but he is quite progressive for a person that claims to be a Republican) is the clear conservative choice.
Council
Member; City of Murrieta (3 Elected)
- C. Kent Leeper votersedge.org
- James Richardson votersedge.org
- Brian
Barton (ü)
- Jonathan
Ingram (ü)
- Ruthanne Taylor Berger electruthanne.com
- Rick Gibbs rickgibbs.net
- Matthew Alvernaz matthewalvernaz.com
- Alan Long facebook.com/longforcouncil
- Diana Serafin (ü) dianaserafin.com
Opinion: Mr. Leeper is a Constitutionalist who regularly attends my Constitution Classes in Temecula. A fine candidate, but he lacks the experience many of his competitors exhibit. Knowledgeable, and will be a good choice in future elections, but not in this talent rich race. James Richardson has failed to attend forums, and has provided no information online. Brian Barton, a Retired Marine Corps officer carries leadership skills, as well as Christian Conservative values, sorely needed in Murrieta's political leadership. Jon Ingram, President of the Murrieta-Temecula Republican Assembly, V.P. of the California Republican Assembly (Statewide organization), and President of the Greer Ranch Homeowner's Association has been the target of a number of political attacks, including a stalker, while quietly amassing significant endorsements, and ranking among the top three in fund raising. Ruthanne Taylor-Berger is a WRCOG plant, closely associated with Mayor Long and Councilman Gibbs, both of whom have jeopardized their candidacies with potential legal troubles. Ruthanne is my only solid "No" vote on the list, aside from the two incumbents (Gibbs and Long). Rick Gibbs was out of control in the 2010 Election, and still is. He was recently accused of extortion by owner of The Triangle, Andy Domenigoni, and has also been accused of ethics violations. Matthew Alvernaz is a newcomer, who claims to be conservative. I have met him, and he comes across as likable, but I have questioned some of his campaign tactics. He is a San Diego Police Officer, and Army Veteran. Mayor Alan Long has been labeled a "turncoat" by Los Alamos residents who expected him to honor his 2010 campaign promises of fighting the Riverside Conservation Authority regarding the land grabs that has rendered many of the properties in that part of Murrieta value-less. Long has also been recently arrested for a DUI injury accident, and recently resigned as a member of the city council, while refusing to drop out of the election. Diana Serafin is a longtime Murrieta resident and activist that has consistently fought to improve Murrieta, including her support for the 2010 initiatives C,D, and E that called for term limits and limits on compensation, and 2012's Measure N that banned red light cameras from Murrieta.
Council
Member; City of Temecula (3 Elected)
- Cecilie D. Nelson democracy.com/nelson4citycouncil
- Jeff
Comerchero www.jeffcomerchero.com
- Maryann Edwards maryannedwards.org
- Angel Garcia facebook.com/AngelGarciaforTemecula
- Matt Rahn electmattrahn.com
Council
Member; City of Wildomar (3 Elected)
- Timothy Walker cityofwildomar.org/council/timothy-walker.asp
- Israel Leija patch.com - Meet Israel Leija
- Ben Benoit benoitwildomar.com
- Marsha Swanson cityofwildomar.org/council/marsha-swanson.asp
- Gary Alan Andre votersedge.org
Local Measures
Measure AA -- Mount San Jacinto Community College District
Bond to To Upgrade Facilities And Expand Support For Student
(ü)No
Measure BB -- Murrieta Valley Unified School District
Upgrade educational technology: http://www.yesonbbformvschools.com/
Opposition: BB creates debt for Murrieta that will result in increased
property taxes.
Opinion: BB creates debt that will result in increased property taxes. The last thing Murrieta needs is to dig into debt.
(ü)No
(ü)No
Catch 22: If Ted Gaines were to be elected as insurance commissioner, then prop 45 would be good if it passed because then he could repeal obamacare, no? That's a tough one.
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