FlashReport Interview With Sen. John Lewis on Measure D

FlashReport.org publisher Jon Fleischman has an exclusive interview with former Sen. John Lewis, the No on Measure lead consultant, in today's edition:

Fleischman:  Senator Lewis, you served as senior consultant for the No on D campaign.    Congratulations on the win, were you surprised?

John Lewis: Thanks, Jon.  Those of us in the No campaign could feel the tide turning about a month ago.  We were worried that we may have peaked a little early, maybe a week or so early, but as soon as the absentees came in we knew our worries were for not.

Both conventional wisdom and political insiders predicted your campaign would have a near impossible task of overcoming the incredible popularity of firefighters in general.  How did you overcome that obstacle?

First, we had a terrific team assembled in this campaign.  Chris Jones, Matt Holder and I have collaborated together on many successful campaigns but it was my first time working with Pete Mitchell and he is a professional’s professional.  The four of us made an awesome team.

Second, the County’s political leadership came together as a united front to oppose this tax grab.  I am indebted to Sheriff Carona for convincing me to take on this effort and for his behind the scenes lobbying which resulted in putting our team in place.  Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Bill Campbell was an integral part of this team.  He and the other four Supervisors stepped up to the plate big time in this campaign displaying a united front that impressed voters.  Supervisor Norby also deserves to be singled out for his enthusiasm and hard work.

Finally, I was bowled over by the tenacity, enthusiasm and determination by the two big dogs in this campaign, the Association of Deputy Sheriffs and the Orange County Employees Association.  In years past, AOCDS President Wayne Quint and I have crossed swords on a few campaigns.  It is a lot more fun working with him than going toe-to-toe.  The job that Wayne and Nick Berardino did for their respective memberships was nothing short of spectacular.

You can read the rest of the interview at FlashReport.org.

Comments

[Blog Watcher]

Is this going to be the last of the gushing over defeating Measure D? The voters also stated they didn't want to lock in dedicated monies to the OCSD and DA. They didn't want a Homeland Security fund. And they didn't want to give any 172 funding to the Probation Dept. And as someone pointed out, they didn't need any prompting from Lewis or anyone else to tell them to reject those issues.

[anon ii]

Every gushing word is kinda like a knife in the guts, isn't it BW? Make it stop, MAKE IT STOP!

[Bruce Matthias]

Jon-

The phrase is "for naught."

[Blog Watcher]

Yesterday's news.

Sic Gloria Transit Mundi

[On the sidelines]

OK, you earned the right to crow like a rooster, I guess; but than again, what did you really accomplish? AOCDS doesn't get a thing out of this, or do they?

Is there a big contract waiting for Mr. Q. to pick up over at the CEO's office? Will Mr. Q and Mr. Norby put their differences aside and fight to keep the deputy's 100% pensions and high salaries? (that is 100% of $111,111 per year)

Is Mr. Campbell going to fund the Probation Department with Prop172 funds or create the Homeland Security committee? Both of which are good ideas but the voters said no to them also. So, what did you win and why are you crowing loud over status quo?

[Intensified!]

Wouldn't a real conservative start working to repeal the Prop 172 Sales Tax increase, especially since it's not going where it was promised anyway?

[Logical]

Most Conservatives are also strong supporters of law & order, so no, repeal of 172 would not be a proper move.

On the other hand, stopping the extension of the Measure M tax is a fight well worth waging.

[Blog Watcher]

Wouldn't a real conservative start working to repeal the Prop 172 Sales Tax increase, especially since it's not going where it was promised anyway?

Where do I sign up?

Jon Coupal, are you listening?

[anon ii]

The pain, BW! YOU LOST! Make it stop, BW! MAKE IT STOP!