Last night the California Republican Assembly organized the first candidate debate for the 71 Assembly District election. All the announced candidates participated in the debate, which was moderated by Mike Spence. Kudos to George Andrews, the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Orange County and his assistant for setting up the room.
Since this is a CRA debate held for Republicans in a GOP primary, naturally all the candidates espouses nothing but conservative philosophy and do not differ very much from each others on the issues of tax, gun control, illegal immigration, etc.
However, Jeff Miller, a Corona Councilman, was more charismatic than the rest. He highlighted some of his pass accomplishments including the passage of Jessica's Law and strong support for the California Border Police Initiative.
John Paul Ladesma, a member of the Mission Viejo City Council, is a "weird firecracker" in this debate as he focused most on illegal immigration and attacking the far left liberals. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I just think he could have done a better job at delivering those message if he's going to run as a one-issue candidate.
On the other hand, Irvine Councilman Steven Choi, aside from his heavy accent, did surprisingly well. Dr. Choi had a strong command on the issue of education. My only criticism of Choi - Don't say your proudest accomplishment was banning smoking in the City of Irvine. You're running in a conservative district that is heavily supportive of personal liberty, not a district in the Bay Area where voters are acceptable to the idea of more government infringement on their rights.
Neil Blais, who is a top-tier candidate, didn't do better than expectation. Blais didn't say anything wrong, but he just didn't stand out among the other candidates.
"Kudos to George Andrews, the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Orange County and his assistant for setting up the room."
Kudos for setting up a room?
That sure is faint praise.
How about at least giving them the Martha Stewart award for best floral arrangements?
Posted by: One Who Knows | October 05, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Tomahawk is being kind to Neil. He was horrible. OC GOP would be better off supporting JP than Neil.
Miller ran away with it....as I suspect he will with the election.
Posted by: Mark Brainard | October 05, 2007 at 03:41 PM
One Who Knows, did you see any flower in the picture? OK, so maybe Tomahawk was kind of cheap his his praises of George Andrews but the set up is not exactly Martha Stewart Living.
Posted by: Milk Man | October 05, 2007 at 03:57 PM
As one of the organizers of last night’s debate I know George Andrews did a lot more than just open the doors up and set up the room. I am thankful to he and the OCGOP for allowing us to use the facility, George’s efforts to advertise the debate, talking up the debate to other members of the Central Committee and the community in general and, yes, for setting up the room and taking it down.
I for one really appreciate George’s help in making this first debate for the 71st Assembly Republican candidates a success. I also thank all of my fellow CRA members who helped out, Mike Spence for being our moderator and everyone who took time to attend last night.
Posted by: Craig Alexander | October 05, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Can we please ban the word 'kudos' on this blog?
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold | October 05, 2007 at 07:29 PM
Thanks, Rag. Great suggestion.
Posted by: redperegrine | October 05, 2007 at 08:53 PM
Ragnar, and Red, do you two have any suggestions?
Posted by: Tomahawk | October 05, 2007 at 09:09 PM
Tough crowd --
John Paul didn't do that well, Neil didn't do that badly, and Jeff Miller skirted alot of the questions and "oops" didn't have enough time to finish his answers.
Posted by: oh come on ... | October 05, 2007 at 10:28 PM
I love George
Posted by: B. Coe | October 05, 2007 at 10:54 PM
Neil has my vote to win in AD71. He is great person and we will support Neil all the way to Sacramento.
Posted by: cra republican | October 05, 2007 at 11:32 PM
Oh come on, come on!
Miller ran out of time on ONE question, and used part of a later question to finish the point.
JP did very well in this debate. He had passion, conviction and at least could show why he was a conservative. Blais just kept reading the CRA talking points over and over, pretty boring. Miller spoke often of his work to get others elected and statewide initiatives he had worked on.
Clearly this forum went to Miller and Ledesma. Anyone giving this to Blais was a Blais roadie before the debate even took place.
Posted by: anonymous | October 06, 2007 at 09:44 AM
I am not discounting Jeff Miller but Neil is our favorite in this race. Neil has good heart to serve the multitude.
Posted by: good republican | October 06, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Neil did a fine job. Miller's presentation is improving. I'm I crazy or does he look like Chris Farley with a perm?
Posted by: kudos kate | October 06, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Ragnar-
You are my pirate, and I am your consiglieri.
Posted by: d'Anconia | October 06, 2007 at 02:21 PM
George for sure knows how to throw together a great floral arrangement. Afterall, he worked for Victory in the Bay Area and we welcome his flower power.
Posted by: AGB | October 08, 2007 at 09:49 AM
AGB, are you saying that George Andrews is happy?
Posted by: Milk Man | October 08, 2007 at 12:09 PM
"George for sure knows how to throw together a great floral arrangement. Afterall, he worked for Victory in the Bay Area..."
AGB, where were you a year ago when I needed this warning?
Posted by: Elizabeth Moyer | October 08, 2007 at 10:43 PM