Mid-day Election Day Notes 2012

Vote Greg Krikorian for the 43rd Assembly District

Replace the Infant Assemblyman with a respected community advocate.

** The LA Times aka "Old Gray Obama Hag on Spring Street" is reporting that turnout is down compare to 2008. As of Noon, 23% of register voters have partaken in their civic duty, compare to 30% in 2008. Lower turnout bids well for republicans and conservative-themed ballot measures. But it also should be noted that nearly half of today's California voters, will do so by mail. Thus, final California results may take days to tabulate.

** The "LA Obama Times" also has some early testimonials from 30th Congressional District voters on their choice for Congress.

In Studio City, Rick McNally, a 66-year-old Vietnam War veteran, said he chose Brad Sherman in the hotly contested race for the 30th Congressional District.The Studio City resident, who lives in Sherman's old district, said he picked the familiar face and the candidate he says has more Valley ties."He is more hands-on here in the Valley," McNally said, shortly after voting at a polling place along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. "He has more town hall meetings. He is more accessible."

 51st Assembly District Candidate Luis Lopez hands in absentee ballot.

** Orange County Republican Congressman John Campbell stated on the Hugh Hewitt Show about two weeks back, that many internal pols are showing Obama support trending downwards in many congressional districts.

National Update:

** Respected national political observer Michael Barone, just noted on the Sean Hannity Show that turnout is down in many democratic areas across the country. From Northern Virginia, South Florida and Ohio, the Obama luster has lost its shine. Meanwhile, turnout from republicans areas of Ohio are reported to be high. 

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Jewish Journal: "Pro-Sherman mailer labeled 'despicable' may have ties to former Sherman staffer"

Was an Infant Assemblyman Mike Gatto controlled Super PAC responsible for the repugnant and repudiated Pro-Sherman mailer below?.

 Is the Infant Assemblyman capable of repugnant political behavior that has be repudiated by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party?

“The Los Angeles County Democratic Party strongly condemns the negative and divisive mailer by the so-called Californians for Integrity in Government.  This is exactly the reason why we oppose Super PACs and other non-identified independent expenditure committees that feel free to make misleading, nasty, ugly, and libelous statements about candidates without restraints.  

“Senator Barbara Boxer, Rep. Maxine Waters, and Rep. Barney Frank are outstanding public servants who were made to appear in an outrageous and negative light in this mailer.  They are stalwarts and leaders of the Democratic Party.  We are proud of their service and leadership.  Rep. Howard Berman should be proud of the endorsements he has earned, just as Rep. Brad Sherman should be proud of his endorsements.

“From the very beginning, I have said this race was unfortunate for Democrats in Los Angeles because no matter the outcome, we will lose a top-flight Democratic Congress Member. The intensity of the campaign has been no surprise, but this type of unidentified outside interference, playing on the worst types of stereotyping imaginable, is unacceptable to Democrats in Los Angeles, California, and across our country.”

Hmm, lets highlight (by shading) the black, gay, liberal woman politico and link them to Congressman Howard Berman. From the Jewish Journal............

A pro-Brad Sherman mailer sent out in October to Republican voters in the San Fernando Valley’s new 30th Congressional district features a shadowy and ominous-looking image of Rep. Howard Berman, Sherman’s Democratic opponent for Congress, shown alongside Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). The mailer, which the Los Angeles County Democratic Party has called“despicable” and “divisive,” was created by a Super PAC that appears tied to Sherman’s former district director, Democratic Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto, the Journal has learned..  

This would not be the first time that the Infant Assemblyman and his Gatto Truther supporters, have use repugnant tactics to attack their critics

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Video Briefs on the los Angeles Political Machine for Thursday

Congressman Brad Sherman goes "Verbal Gangsta" on Citizen Journalist Peter Musurlian

Congressman Brad Sherman had another temperamental episode and on the receiving end was Citizen Journalist Peter Musurlian. 

San Gabriel Valley Female Lawmakers call upon 51 AD Candidate Jimmy Gomez supporter and alleged Woman Beater Assemblyman Roger Hernandez to Resign. 

Three female San Gabriel Valley Lawmakers called upon alleged woman beater Assemblyman Roger Hernandez to resign from office. We call upon 51st AD Candidate Jimmy "PAC Laundryman" Gomez to condemn violence against women and return Assemblyman Hernandez campaign contribution. 

Mayor Antonio Villar believes he can fly (hopefully far away soon).

KFI's Steve Gregory happen to chance upon the grand debut of the "Barrio Pajaro" as performed by Mayor Antonio Villar.

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

30th Congressional District Candidate Congressman Brad Sherman's "Meltdown" inspires this Parody via Burbank/Glendale Citizen Journalist Peter Musurlian.

Wonder if the young actress can impersonate a certain "Infant Assemblyman"? 

** OTHER NEWS:

** The Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie, finds one local politician who maintains a healthy level of skepticism, regarding the NFL returning to a newly-built Farmers Field in Downtown LA.

Speaking at a Downtown lunch event today hosted by the Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas expressed skepticism that the league stands ready to make a deal with Anschutz Entertainment Group that would result in having pro football in L.A. for the first time since 1994.
“I don’t know that you can trust the NFL in terms of negotiating,” said Ridley-Thomas during the event at the Sheraton Hotel. “You think it’s Farmers Field, but they’re out right now negotiating, optioning the project somewhere else. That’s what they do. Why? Because they always want to stir it up. And they’ll never tell you.”

These comments may not go over well with Thomas brother and sisters union friends.

** The Downtown News also has the exclusive of the new incarnation of the former politically-connected real estate firm of Meruelo-Maddox, which is now called Evoq Properties.

After a two-year court process, Meruelo and Maddux were ousted as part of a reorganization plan that allowed an outside investment group armed with $23.6 million in private equity to take a majority share of the company. New management was implemented, with Martin Caverly, who previously ran a real estate consulting firm, taking over as CEO.

Gone are the days when you can buy some contaminated property and have LAUSD make you a big profit through Eminent Domain. 

Its CLARTS Fund Anniversary Week in CD 14

October 18 will be the second anniversary of CD 14 City Councilman's Jose Huizar's last public full disclosure on the status of the community amenities CLARTS Fund, created by former CD 14 City Councilman Nick Pacheco. Throughout this week on the blog, we will go back in time and bring you examples of past expenditures and moment of political disinformation on the status of the fund. In today's flashback, we post a video of former Councilman Pacheco briefing the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council on his expectations for the amenities fund.

Former City Councilman Nick Pacheco discussing now Councilman Huizar's "salary slush fund", to the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council. 

Will Councilman Huizar honor the October 18 Anniversary by providing up to date accounting on the CLARTS Fund expenditures? We may have a special bloggin proclamation later this week.

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Meet Congressional Bully Brad Sherman as he nearly goes Gangsta on Congressman Howard Berman

** Blogger's Note: The award-winning creative skills of Burbank citizen journalist Peter Musurlian are on full display in the above video, as he chronicles the bizarre episode last evening between 30th Congressional District Candidates Congress Howard Berman and Infant Congressman Brad "the Bully" Sherman. Its apparent  from the video that Sherman was ready to channel his" inner Gatto thuggish persona" and go gangsta on Congressman Berman. Can't wait to see the spin on this encounter from Congressman Sherman's consultant Parke Skelton---Scott Johnson.      

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Monday

We are on bloggin "Rick Caruso for Mayor Watch".

Is 2013 the year "Hamlet Caruso" becomes "Mayoral Candidate Rick Caruso"?

The time may be right ..........

Judging from the formerly "LA Antonio Times" story budget allocated to the latest Rick Caruso for Mayor missive, its looking like the "Hamlet" of Los Angeles mayoral candidacy, is in serious consultations regarding joining the list of 2013 candidates to replace fail two-term Mayor Antonio Villar.

Its been an open secret since Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky's announcement that he was not a candidate to replace Mayor Villar, that business interests and other city activists have been imploring The Grove Shopping Center Developer to become a candidate.

If Caruso does become "Candidate Rick", it would not be a surprise to see former LAPD Chief Bill Bratton supporting the former Police Commission Chairperson, who was instrumental in replacing former Chief Bernard Parks with Bratton.
The Mayor Sam Blog has attempted to contact Caruso's longtime political adviser Matt Middlebrook, but as of this time, we have not received any response.

**  The Daily News Rick Orlov reports in his Monday "Tipoff Column" that Republicans may play a big role in deciding the 30th Congressional District Jihad between Congressmen Howard Berman and Brad Sherman. We should also note that Republicans have some past documentation of certain questionable financial transactions of a "former Sherman staffer". More on that in the near future.

** As Zev ponders who to bless in the 2013 Mayoral Race, a "Shriver Kennedy via Santa Monica" and a child actress named "Zelda" are themselves contemplating replacing Zev on the Board of Supervisors in 2014.

** A "Princeton Graduate, Dear Charro" honors Antonio "El Charro" Aguilar.

 The "Princeton Graduate, Dear Charro" CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar.

 The dedicated statue to Zacatecas native and famous Ranchera Musician Antonio "El Charro" Aguilar at Olvera Street.

Zacatecas native CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar  honor one of his own  with a statue on Olvera Street yesterday as noted in the LA Times and the cost?

Most of the about $200,000 cost was covered by private donors, including the University of Guadalajara Foundation and Sigue Corp., Huizar's office said. The city contributed about $50,000.

Will Councilman Huizar state why any public money was needed?

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

Will Poverty Pimps shake down the "AEG LA LIVE City-State" for Affordable Housing? 

AEG LA LIVE City-State in Downtown LA.

Shakedown time for the AEG LA LIVE City-State Farmers Field proposal.

It took ten hours for AEG LA LIVE City-State Strongman Tim LIEweke to get the rubber stamp needed from the Planning Commission to move his Farmers Field and city-subsidize convention center to the City Council for a final rubber stamp. But all of the AEG's gran plans may face a court room challenge from a rabble coalition of poverty pimps.

At a separate City Hall hearing on the stadium, Natural Resources Defense Council senior attorney David Pettit urged city officials to help restart talks between AEG and a coalition of anti-poverty activists challenging special state legislation intended to speed up approval.The Play Fair at Farmers Field Coalition filed a lawsuit last month seeking to invalidate a state law written for AEG that limits lawsuits against the stadium to a 175-day period. The group, which includes the renters' rights group Community Action Network, said it wants AEG to provide $60 million for affordable housing, or $2 million a year over 30 years.

Look for the poverty pimps to get some AEG/taxpayers tribute to keep this boondoggle moving onwards.

** The Daily News has given its endorsement to Congressman Howard Berman in the contentious 30th Congressional District jihad .

This week, Berman made some headline-grabbing additions to his list of endorsements when Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina announced their support, praising Berman's willingness to talk policy with Republicans such as them.That confirms what our editorial board already saw as Berman's most important quality: At a time when voters say they want their representatives in Washington to show more cooperation and less partisanship, Berman does this better than Sherman.

Got to wonder how Assemblyman Mike Gatto will take this editorial slight of his former boss?

**CD 13 City Councilman and 2013 Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti has shown his repeated ability to speak in generalities, but in his first major policy address as a mayoral candidate, these specifics regarding current Mayor Villar staffers is sure to garner attention.

Garcetti spoke in broad themes, and offered relatively little in the way of concrete proposals. He did, however, signal that he will distance himself from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, saying that he will force all of the mayor's department heads to reapply for their jobs.
"If they want to stick around, they'll have to prove they have what it takes to meet our city's urgent economic imperatives," Garcetti said.
That would be a break from past practice. Mayors have tended to keep some of their predecessor's top staffers.

Can you see LAPD Chief Charlie Beck updating his resume?

Lastly, we have a "Princeton Graduate, Dear Charro" sighting from East LA

Wondering if the CLARTS Fund paid for the Dear Charro's wardrobe and horse?

Your thoughts ................

Scott Johnson in CD 14 

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

...... and the cost in campaign contributions to buy your local 2013 mayoral candidate ....

..... like "Eric Garshady", seen here shilling for the re-election of fellow Wal-Mart money recipient CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar.

The bloggin love of highlighting political hypocrisy!

Before the 2013 Mayoral Election process runs its course sometime in the early summer of 2013, we will have been treated to countless act of political hypocrisy in the name of garnering favor with the voters. But more important, to reap the windfall of campaign cash to finance the facade that will hopefully curry favor with big donors.

For former City Council President and out-going CD 13 representative Eric Garcetti, his campaign facade of being a loyal brother to the labor left progressive faction took a well mark hit in today's David Zahniser piece in the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" and the cost? Both small and big.

Small would describe the $100 dollar donation from Wal-Mart's local director of community affairs Javier Angulo. But big is this slapback from Los Angeles County Labor Federation Leader (and friend of Tony V.) Maria Elena Durazo.

"It is one thing if a Wal-Mart cashier or warehouse worker makes a contribution to a candidate," Durazo said in a statement. "It's a different kind of political contribution altogether when a senior-level representative of Wal-Mart who is actively organizing for a Wal-Mart store in Chinatown writes the check. Wal-Mart money is Wal-Mart money." 

 But lets not forget what "close friend" of Durazo helped get city approval for Wal-Mart's proposed Chinatown location. Hypocrisy reigns.

....... and this on CD 14 Councilman Huizar and City Council Wannabee Assemblyman Felipe "Mini Padilla" Fuentes.

Angulo, the Wal-Mart representative, has also donated in the past year to Councilman Jose Huizar and Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes (D-Sylmar), who is running for the seat being vacated by Councilman Richard Alarcon. Garcetti called last month for L.A. politicians to give back any Wal-Mart money they have received.

Hypocrisy reigns supreme!!

** Other News: 


** In the democratic jihad that is the 30th Congressional District contest between Congressmens Howard Berman and Brad Sherman, Team Sherman has released a poll that shows their candidate leading by 17%. Being the trailing candidate has prompted Team Berman to go negative. Will Sherman unleash the Gatto Truthers in response?


** Various democratic clubs are stepping back from making endorsements in the 50th Assembly District runoff between Besty Butler and Richard Bloom. Why you may ask?  Its in the numbers according to the "Weekly of Record's" Patrick Range McDonald.

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Bloggin Happy Hour Musings on Election Eve for June, 2012

Great Blogging Happy Hour Musings on this eve before tomorrow's Primary Election. Partake with us as we lay out a political buffet of election-related topics that may find there way onto the breakfast dish next to someone's cup of decaff morning coffee---Scott Johnson

Ban the Political Carpetbag(ger)!

The democratic donkey exhausted after bearing Jimmy "PACman" Gomez monetary carpetbag from Riverside.

This blogger is calling upon voters in the newly drawn 51st Assembly District to just say no to political carpetbag(gers) and vote for either Arturo Chavez or Luis Lopez in tomorrow's primary election. Its time to tell the political elites that we value our endemic community leaders and they should be given first consideration for local political offices. The continue sustainability and improvement of our neighborhoods is predicated on electing indigenous officials who have roots bonded by family, work and career that transcend the insiders political considerations.

** From the Glendale News Press mailbag on its "recent coverage" regarding comments and videos of 43rd Assembly District Candidate Greg Kirkorian at the recent Armenian Genocide Remembrance via Bill Graham of Burbank.

If the newspaper's objective was to further perpetuate the effort of Mike Gatto supporters, you are going to fail. Fomenting bigotry and hatred in our community is something local Republicans will speak out against at all times. It may be a campaign strategy for some Democrats, but it is repulsive to most of us, who live our lives here, whether we are Republicans, Democrats, or Independents.

** What happens when you get like-minded candidates for political office? Expect some nasty mail.

** A USC Poll gives Congressman Brad Sherman a lead over Congressman Howard Berman in the nationally-watched 30th Congressional Contest. The question here in this democratic redrawn district is whether one of the two republicans can gain the second spot in this political brawl

** Longtime Daily News Political Writer Rick Orlov gives us the rundown on the state election proceedings in the San Fernando Valley. Whether its the 38th, 39th, 43rd or 46th Assembly Districts, the states new open primary rules will be a financial bonanza for political consultants and a burden for your local postal carrier.

"Weekly of Record" Election Coverage  

** Blogger's note: LA Weekly of Record Editor Jill Stewart and her excellent corps of writers have once again outreported the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street" in this election cycle. We highlight a good sample of their current elections musings---S.J.

** Beth Barrett reports from her former Valley turf on the 39th Assembly District Race between Raul Bocanegro and termed out CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard AlarCON.

** Hillel Aron gives us a triple-scoop of election musings with his coverage of the needless tax behind Prop 29. Then the former Neon Tommy staffer does what could be Congressman Howard Berman's last gasp in the 30th Congression Contest. Lastly, Aron gives us the background behind the Eirc Bauman vs.Gloria Romero inter-party skirmish in the 46th Assembly District Contest.

** By far the most exclusive political contest manana is the 50th Assembly District race among Assemblywoman Besty Butler and activist Torie Osborn. Patrick Range McDonald has an extensive missive on the quest of Butler and Osborn to represent Westside liberals in Sacramento. Plus how many assembly elections have baby bottles sent in mass to voters?

Lastly, Election Recommendations from Betty Pleasant

  These are The Soulvine’s recommendations for Tuesday’s Primary Election:

NO on Proposition 28 and NO on Proposition 29. FOR Sen. Dianne Feinstein. FOR Rep. Janice Hahn in the new 44th Congressional District. FOR Rep. Howard Berman in my new 30th Congressional District. FOR Shannon Knight, Superior Court Judge No. 65; FOR James D. Otto, Superior Court Judge No. 78, and FOR Danette Meyers for district attorney. I don’t care about the other races because they are either uncontested or we have empty suits trying to keep from being replaced by candidates wearing no suits at all. Pitiful. 

....... and pity the fools who do not turn out to vote tomorrow.

Your thoughts ..............
Scott Johnson in CD 14

Morning Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Wednesday

"The Education Mayor Antonio Villar mixing it up with Roosevelt Teachers".

For Mayor Antonio Villar and his education surrogate at LAUSD, School Board President Monica Garcia, the lack of progress at the high school of graduation for the City Terrace native turned "Education Mayor", is prompting community activists to call for a Townhall Meeting on the future of Roosevelt High School. This after meeting with LAUSD School Board President Monica Garcia and other district/ school officials. Longtime Boyle Heights Community Member Teresa Marquez posted these comments at the Eastern Group Publications Website after the meeting with School Board President Garcia.

Tragic story about Roosevelt High School, Yes they took some of the worst schools in the East Side, but not all, and others are doing much better without PLAS. At RHS all parents meetings are only in Spanish, closing the door on only English speakers. The one school RHS was divided into seven schools, with each a principal, dividing the parents involvement. Divide and Conquer. At RHS Director has order some parents to leave the school, this are active and volunteer(s) parent, but quetion some of the activities in school, There is more incidents at RHS with the students that should have been reported, yet they are not reporting, hiding and destroying records according to some parents.Special Ed students are not being identify and care for as the school should. Children with Autism or ADHD are not identify, so teachers just think they are problems kids. Numbers and percentages can be reported in a way that it does not look so bad, or make it look better than what it is. basically 4% of the students at RHS barely passed the Math test, not acceptable, if last year was 3% but now 4%, it might have increase but not to a level of accepting education in USA. 66% drop out = to out of every 100 students 66 drop out, leaving 24 students to graduate, and 1.4 students barely passed the math test. there is approximately 3800 students at Roosevelt High School, divided into seven smaller schools, with their own principal. Do this principal have Principal credentials???????????? 

More news after the Jump.

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Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Friday

"Berman vs. Sherman (with two Republicans) in the 30th CD, Round One".

LA Times

Daily News 

LA Weekly

Jewish Journal's "Berman vs. Sherman Blog" 

Its on!

The much anticipated political battle between Congressman Howard "of the Berman-Waxman Machine" Berman and Congressman Brad "Assemblyman Mike Gatto's Political Papi" Sherman, got underway with the first dialog/debate among the two congressman who would like to retain their government salary and two republicans Shelly Smith and Mark Reed, who seek to channel "David" in the battle with the democrat "Goliaths".

As hundreds looked on in Woodland Hills, Congressman Sherman wasted no time in morphing into the Parke Skelton crafted progressive counter to the pragmatic Berman. Meanwhile among the republicans, Reed was not afraid to draw the audience ire with his stance on illegal immigrants using public hospitals and extending unemployment benefits. Reed who ran against Sherman in the previous election cycle, could make the runoff if he is able to coalesce the support of the register republicans in the democratic-leaning district. but as illustrated in the print coverage above, the spotlight is on Jewish democrats.

Other news:

** City Attorney Carmen Trutanich staff are having some Sixth Amendment issues in its efforts to prosecute the member of the Flea Party/Red Rabble former occupiers of the now brownfields of City Hall.

** On the topics of the City Hall Brownfields, Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri and his staff will attend the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council meeting on Tuesday, January 10 to discuss options for revitalizing the "Red Rabble Watseland".

** The proposed $3 Billion NBCUniversal "Metro Studios@Lankershim Project, has gone up in the pipe smoke of those at MTA who sought to shill this massive project as a "net traffic reduser".

** The grass-roots CD 15 campaign juggernaut of San Pedro Native Son and LAPD Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino, continues to roll on and pick up support with the Daily Breeze Newspaper the latest to endorse the first time political aspirant.

** Lastly, as Buscaino's quest to represent CD 15 moves forward, his fellow "rank and file officers" are facing a more dangerous street, thanks to the California Prison Realignment that his challenger Assembly Warren Furutani supported. Thousands of "low level, non violent, non-revokeable parolees" are being release onto the streets and despite the spin from the LAPD brass, crime and attacks on peace officers will surely rise.

Your thoughts ................

Scott Johnson in CD 14     

Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Machine for Tuesday

OH MY GOD! WHY WAS I NOT TOTALLY INFORMED?

In the words of LA Weekly's Editor Jill Stewart, we have another City Controller Wendy "Valley Greuel" " Pul-eeze Moment" as the aspiring candidate for mayor, feigns another moment of civic shock regarding the latest bribery expose to hit the City of Los Angeles.

Responding to a Sunday LA Times story on a LA Housing Department employee who was soliciting bribes for approvals on residential projects, the "Valley Greuel" and others among the City Council expressed concern about the lack of disclosure on the latest bribery scandal. But its the "Valley Greuel's" comments that wins the first prize for "over the top pandering"."In order for my staff to guard taxpayer dollars, departments must be required to report any and all instances of fraud, waste and abuse so that I can closely monitor the city's resources to stop these egregious acts," wrote Greuel, who is running for mayor.

In the spirit of guarding tax dollars, we present these recent questionable city financial deals for review by the "Valley Greuel".

** Councilman Herb Wesson's $2.6 Million "bail-out" of Harold & Belle's.

** Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy "Discount Purchase" of 25% of the $9 Million dollars Elephant Hill Property for $500,000.

** CRA/LA "Outreach Contract" with CASA 0101.

Surely, we will see the "Valley Greuel" reporting on these transactions in the near future.

OTHER NEWS AFTER THE JUMP.

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Morning Briefs on the "dueling" Los Angeles Political Machines for Friday

In the words of the Jewish Journal blog on this looming race "Two Jews, One District".

This is going to get brutal ........... and expensive.

Lets "cut and paste" some of the comments from the Los Angeles Times story on this looming "political jihad".

From ....... Michael Berman, the strategist behind the Berman-Waxman axis who is running his brother's reelection effort, calls his brother "a leader" and Sherman a "backbencher." Not nice.

From Gerry South on Howard Berman  "Ber.man hasn't had a campaign in years, and a lot of these longtime incumbents are really, really rusty." ..... especially when the machine dilutes competition.

Lastly from "Parke". Parke Skelton, scoffed at suggestions by some that his client defer to the senior congressman by getting out of the race. "These districts aren't Spanish land grants," Skelton said. "Nobody owns them."

Let the campaigning commence!

Meanwhile in Venice .................

The fight over new restrictions on the Venice Boardwalk is causing Zuma Dogg's coverage to go viral as his blog traffic graphs highlight. Funny to note in his tweets that CD 11 City Councilman Bill Rosendahl asks CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar, how it feels to have ZD sniffing around your Neighborhood Council.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14