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David Castillo, who I still think would have been the better 3rd Congressional District Representative, tells us who the Democrats really are.
This is just a small portion of the talk he gave November 15, 2012 at the Clark County Republican Women’s Club dinner held at Club Green Meadows.
There will be more excerpts in the days ahead.
It’s time we took the gloves off boys and girls
I find it unbelievable that we in the 3rd Congressional District still cannot find a good conservative candidate to run. Democrats and a RINO have held the seat for far too long.
Democrat Brian Baird held the seat comfortably for several years with no challenger coming close to defeating him.
That seemed to change in 2010 when then chair of the Clark County GOP Ryan Hart requested I find out what I could about an Olympia area Republican stepping up to run against him and begin blogging in support of him. I met David Castillo shortly after and saw that we finally had a strong conservative with impeccable experience who was willing to step up and confront Baird.
Whether or not he could have defeated Baird became academic when Baird announced he was not going to run for reelection in 2010.
With full apologies to the honorable profession of dog-catcher for comparing Vancouvers worst ever Mayor to them, I read with great interest our local version of Pravda, the Columbian as they continue to hawk ‘Liar’ Leavitt’s chances of being elected to higher office, namely to the seat of 3rd congressional district representative, now held by the equally inept Jaime Herrera Beutler.
Leavitt eyes pros, cons of taking on Herrera Beutler
Both of these marvels of modern politics have accidently stumbled upon doing some things right, but for the most part, are mere puppets of unseen handlers directing what they do while in office.
Herrera Beutler’s less than stellar political career is diligently laid out at the link, so no need for me to rehash how, in spite of a youthful cuteness, she hasn’t a clue.
No, the focus here will be on Tim ‘Leave-It’s’ less than stellar performance as Mayor of Vancouver, Washington ever since openly lying his way into office, also seen here.
I can’t say I’m surprised to one, see Jaime Herrera Beutler (R Wa 03) support the largest debt increase in the history of the nation, two express frustration over the deal she voted for and three, justify selling out constituents.
But that is just what she has done, Herrera Beutler admits frustration with debt-limit deal
No one else should be surprised either. This is a pattern seen during her brief tenure occupying a seat as 18th legislative district representative. After all, she didn’t bat an eyelid when she crossed the aisle to help Democrats strip the last $229 Million of the states Rainy Day Fund last year.
She justified that boner as to prevent a tax increase too, just as she did in voting for this sell-out debt limit increase.
She didn’t even bother to check out a bill she co-sponsored and twice voted for that would have forced childcare centers into the unions. That one she justified by claiming it would do such thing and having her then campaign manager, Casey Bowman issue a press release stating that I and any others exposing her record were “spreading false information.”
Herrera Campaigns Attempt At Damage Control
It’s no secret that I opposed the election of Jaime Herrera, now to be known by her husband’s name, Jaime Herrera Beutler, as the GOP nominee to replace retiring Democrat Brian Baird as Washington’s 3rd Congressional District Representative. It’s no secret that I resigned my PCO position right after being elected in August and distanced myself from the Clark County GOP due to what I saw as corruption and cronyism in creating an unlevel playing field that heavily favored her.
Herrera Beutler, who brings no substance to the office, won the GOP nomination and ultimately the seat against Democrat Denny Heck, who I also saw as not the best we could offer from our area. I have been accused of “sour grapes” since I no longer support the GOP over the Democrats, both being corrupt and infested with dirty tricks and cronyism in my estimation.
Although my blog is conservative in nature, my support of Republican David Castillo earned me the status of “the enemy” to many Clark County Republican Board Members. A heated exchange with past Clark GOP chair Anna Miller over me and my wife’s reasons for distancing ourselves from the party drew a comment from party chair Ryan Hart that I never saw or experienced anything I know I saw and experienced during the primary campaign.
David Castillo, subjected to dirty tactics, lies and smears from 4 County GOP’s in Southwest Washington may have been defeated in the primary, but he continues to speak out, countering ads recently released by his former adversary, Denny Heck from the Democratic Party.
As mentioned in an earlier post, Heck has released an ad playing to his base that I am sure will resonate well with them. While the establishment candidate sits around waiting for talking points to be provided, Castillo has posted on his new blog why Heck is wrong.
Castillo wrote in part,
“The other night I had the opportunity to see my first general election ad broadcast in the 3rd Congressional District. The ad was put out by Democrat Denny Heck. Notwithstanding the odd timing of the ad (the last week in August), I was struck by the complete lack of any true understanding of the problems confronting the people of the 3rd Congressional District.”
“Heck’s ad (available here) was striking in its tone deafness. I was stunned that his first ad for the general election, the one that will presumably introduce him to voters, focused on Wall Street reform! Wall Street reform! Seriously, is there anyone in the country, outside of the progressive enclaves of Berkley, CA, or downtown Seattle, discussing Wall Street reform around the kitchen table? I highly doubt that. Especially when we are living in a country that has nearly 10% unemployment, and a district where unemployment is 12%. We are living in a country that has $14 trillion in debt. A country that, in 10 years, will spend more on debt service than China does on its defense budget. And, Denny Heck is focused on Wall Street reform.”
Please read the rest at The Color of Things.
Throughout the campaign, David Castillo has maintained the race was never about him, but about correcting what has gone wrong and is hurting Southwest Washington. He never wavered in that and this post countering Heck’s ad is further proof.
After ensuring he was stunningly defeated by several dirty tactics, some from within GOP boards, only Castillo is speaking in opposition to Denny Heck’s campaign. The establishment candidate and doughboy are sitting in silence, ready to throw away an early 14 point lead in the polls.
The GOP’s that promoted the establishment candidate and engaged in the dirty tactics to ensure Castillo’s defeat also remain quiet, after releasing their own ad that was little more than handing the Democrats an effective FEC complaint on a silver platter.
Castillo could have easily and justifiably gone back to work and just got on with his life. Who could blame him after the ill treatment he received at the hands of the leaders of the party he sought to represent?
But, he chooses to remain engaged and counter the Democrats, even if it means electing the ditz that would not even acknowledge he was a good guy on a recent Victoria Taft interview when asked.
It will not do any good to write in Castillo’s name, other than to make your self feel better. FEC rules prevent his name being written in from being counted.
We are stuck with who we are stuck with to choose from, Tweedle Dem or Tweedle Dumb.
But, as far as I am concerned, there are at least 4 County GOP chairs that owe David Castillo a very public apology for their ill treatment as well as several Board Members from the Clark County GOP who knowingly engaged in such underhanded tactics against him.
David knows he was screwed over by these counties and the tactics initiated by supporters of two of his opponents.
And still, he remains the only one actually standing up to counter this misleading ad by Denny Heck.
Castillo not only shows he would have been the better choice. He shows he is also the better man.
Hang your heads in shame, Republicans. If this election is lost to the Democrats again, you have only your selves to blame.
As I have said recently, my eyes have been opened to the sleaze and dirty tricks in the Clark County GOP. Nowhere can this be seen any better than in the obvious hypocrisy of these newly minted “conservatives” who have sought to redefine the word to fit them over those who have been conservative for a lifetime.
If readers will recall, Republican candidate David Castillo issued a “Robo-call” back in February that set off a great many Republicans locally. Ann Donnelly, past chair of the Clark GOP, even went so far as to contact the Castillo campaign to inform them that even if they did win the primary election, offers of support from the Clark GOP were “now off the table.”
That Ann is not in a position to speak for the Clark GOP is not mentioned.
Needless to say, Castillo’s Robo-call was used as leverage against him sparking as much outrage as humanly possible. It was just totally unacceptable to so many “Republicans” that he dared use a typical campaign tactic.
Hence, I find myself once again chuckling at the all too obvious hypocrisy displayed by so many Clark County “Republicans” as we can see than in the run-up to our August 17 primary, Tea Party favorite and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has also engaged in her own Robo-call in support of Tea Party favored candidate Clint Didier and taking a swipe against “Republican” Dino Rossi.
What do we hear from all of those oh so good “Christian Conservative” Republicans so incensed at David Castillo’s Robo-call?
NOT A DAMNED THING!!
Damned Hypocrites
In a Thursday, August 19, 2010 Columbian article, WSRP Chair Luke Esser says, “I am supremely confident we will unite to win the 3rd Congressional District this year. We thought we had a strong chance even before Brian Baird announced his retirement.”
How exactly does Luke Esser believe that was possible? The only candidate of merit prior to the time Brian Baird announced retirement was David Castillo, who the party allowed to be slandered, attacked and smeared by supporters of other Republican candidates who came on later.
Just how did the WSRP have such a “strong chance” of winning the 3rd Congressional District seat before Congressman Baird announced he was retiring, Luke?
http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/19/heck-herrera-come-out-swinging/
With the condition the country has fallen, it is no surprise that conservatives are fed up with what the GOP has been offering. Voters showed back in 2006 that they were not going to support just any candidate simply because they had the ‘R’ behind their name when running.
Many stated they were not voting at all or throwing away their vote to “teach the GOP a lesson.” As big of a folly as that was, people did it, showing their displeasure with “the establishment,” regular run of the mill Republican moderates.
Use of the term “establishment” made big news back in the 1960’s as those aging hippies we have controlling the country today used it to paint the generation then running the country as “out of touch,” “unresponsive” and “out dated.”
Today, the term once again is being used and applied to those Republican that show the same aspects contrary to true conservatism. Being labeled “the establishment candidate,” being supported and endorsed by the Republican “establishment” indicates a candidate simply out of touch with the needs of the nation.
Candidates wishing to court the Tea Party movement, a loosely coordinated nationwide phenomenon of voters from all political aspects sick and tired of the status quo that continues to plunge the country deeper and deeper in debt and problems, do what they can to show they are not part of “the establishment.”
Some opportunistic establishment candidates try to minimize their own establishment connections and mislead voters that their opponents are the actual establishment candidate.
As we close in on our August 17 primary election, we see one such example in Washington State 3rd Congressional District candidate, Jaime Herrera doing just that by trying to paint her opponent, David Castillo “the establishment candidate” because he held sub-cabinet level positions in the Bush administration in the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Veterans Affairs.
I guess Jaime forgets her own deep connections to “the establishment,” though.
In the 3rd CD, Herrera is the only candidate running who gained the endorsement of 3 county GOP parties, all made long before we even reached the candidate filing cutoff date and enjoys the strong support and endorsement of several Board Members of other county parties, not to mention the Washington State GOP.
She doesn’t have that much support from her fellow legislators though, David Castillo gained those.
Castillo first entered the run against now retiring Democrat Brian Baird in April 2009, long before it was known Baird would retire. He entered expecting a tough campaign against an entrenched incumbent.
Herrera got wind of the retirement and threw her hat in less than 2 hours after the announcement was made, after months of saying she was not ready and had no intention of running. She quickly gained notice back in Washington D.C. seemingly within minutes as we were quickly told, “Republicans now have top candidates running in all four districts where Democrats announced their retirements in recent weeks” by a Washington D.C. publication.
Our own local newspaper of record, the Columbian, told us in April Herrera ‘on the radar’ of national GOP “Camas Republican in line to get help in run for Congress.”
Can you be any more “establishment” than the National GOP?
While Castillo was traveling the district seeking donations and getting known to voters, Herrera left during legislative session to catch a red-eye flight to Washington D.C., not to do anything to benefit the legislative district she is supposed to be representing, but to seek donations from Washington D.C. insiders 3,000 miles away from our state.
Herrera is guided by sitting 5th Congressional District Congress Woman Cathy McMorris Rodgers who her self is an “establishment” party member. Herrera says during her time working with McMorris Rodgers that she expressed a desire to run for office herself one day. Reportedly, McMorris Rodgers told her, “You never know when the opportunity is going to come.”
We saw that play out when she parachuted in, after many years absence, specifically to gain the seat vacated by former representative Richard Curtis and somehow instantly became the “favored candidate” amongst 11 others who had remained in the district.
She also says, indicating her opportunism, that she and her new husband “tentatively decided that this was not the year” to run for higher office, until Baird announced his retirement, that is.
The Olympian tells us, “Herrera is also moving up in the National Republican Congressional Committee’s ‘Young Gun’ rankings.”
“Establishment?”
Herrera has been blatantly dishonest with voters, misleading them on her support of the pro-SEIU bill HB 1329, that would have forced childcare centers into the union, after they had declined the union’s offer.
And now, Herrera has the audacity to claim David Castillo is “the establishment candidate” due to his hold sub-cabinet level position during the Bush Administration?
Also very telling to me is her silence over the revelation of an irregular poll showing her opponent Castillo supposedly at only 5% and she targets Castillo, instead of David W. Hedrick, who this very questionable poll places 2 points ahead of her.
Doesn’t a bogus poll touted by Hedrick affect Jaime Herrera too?
Why would she tell an Olympia radio host that her and Hedrick’s campaign get along greatly, as if old friends? Wouldn’t the target actually be the one you are most afraid will defeat you in the election and not the one supposedly dead last?
Jaime Herrera can try to divert the “establishment” claim onto David Castillo all she wishes, but clearly, everything about her points to she is in fact “the establishment candidate,” not David Castillo.
The Cowlitz County GOP has sent out an invitation to candidates for a BBQ, August 21, 2010 inviting all candidates to come speak before attendees.
That I can recall, I have never met Schimmel, but this “invite” to speak, FOUR DAYS AFTER THE PRIMARY is just unbelievable.
If you recall, the Cowlitz GOP was the first County Party to endorse candidates, months before the candidate filing deadline had even arrived. One of their endorsed candidates ended up having to withdraw over personal reasons and I never heard if they endorsed anyone in his place.
Other than entertainment, what good will it do for candidates to speak before those in attendance 4 days AFTER the primary?
Obviously, non-endorsed candidates did not receive a fair shake from the Cowlitz GOP and voters were denied a fair and balanced assessment of candidates running for office there.
As I have said many times, individual endorsements of candidates is one thing, but the party itself should not issue endorsements prior to the primary, even with out top two primary system. Voters deserve better.
Poetic justice would be for this to be the platform used by cute little Jaime Herrera and scandal ridden Jon Russell to make their concession speeches.
Little wonder the GOP has such a difficult time winning elections in counties with such poor party leadership.
It’s been a very heated competition for the nominations for the top two in our primary election this year. Probably the most heated I can recall, getting very nasty actually.
Oh, the Democrats are off the hook this year as there is little doubt that their candidate, Denny Heck, will easily win one of the coveted slots. It’s the Republicans that have gotten down and dirty with supporters of the candidates at times seeming ready to come to blows and dirty tricks galore.
We have 3 candidates running, David Castillo, Jamie Herrera and YouTube figure, David W. Hedrick, known for his bombastic confrontation against Brian Baird lasting some 3 minutes almost a year ago.
Herrera leads in the funds raised. Castillo outshines all in endorsements received, including every major newspaper that covers the 3rd Congressional District and makes primary endorsements. Hedrick has remained dragging the rear while making some noise, but basically going nowhere, gaining only some fringe support.
All that seemed to change suddenly, very suddenly in fact with Hedrick recently touting some poll no one has ever heard of showing him out in front of Herrera and with Castillo so far down it would be physically impossible for him to make up the difference in time for the August 17 vote.
Needless to say, eyebrows of people who pay attention were raised as this just seemed far too unlikely.
Further raising many more eyebrows is the vitriolic assaults launched against the supposedly last place candidate, Castillo, by many Hedrick supporters on forums, blogs and in the Columbian’s comments sections.
You may see what I mean by scrolling through comments found HERE and HERE, just for 2.
It is highly unlikely that supporters of a real leading candidate would so vehemently attack and belittle a real last place candidate, while ignoring the third candidate that is supposedly in a statistical tie with that “leading Republican” candidate.
Some light was shed on a possible answer this past Wednesday, August 4 on KPAM 860’s Victoria Taft program, when a caller named ‘Jason’ called in expressing the same disbelief many others have and identified himself as an individual familiar with computer forensics and searching out questionable computer sites for the Attorney General’s office in the past.
Questioning the validity of this poll like many of us have and also being a “poll junky,” he looked closely at the poll and saw, amongst several red flags, just how unreliable their methodology was in that it is an internet poll with no safeguards to prevent selectees of the poll from sending the link on to others to participate in.
He laid out the steps he took in discovering an unlikely coincidence in that the polls host site and domain registrar were shared by FreedomsAnswer.com, a company whose sole ownership is listed as belonging to Washington 3rd Congressional District Candidate, David W. Hedrick.
Realizing that although an unlikely coincidence, it was still possible, he looked a bit deeper and was shocked to discover that the IP address of the poll was on the same block as the sites owned by Hedrick.
You can read the full report ‘Jason’ wrote HERE
Admittedly, I am no computer sleuth or techie sort. All of that goes right over my head, much as it does most others today. But to those who dabble in such computer research, it makes complete sense. Therefore, I had the full 7-page report reviewed by a person I am acquainted with online who does understand such computer lingo.
In confirming the data ‘Jason’ revealed, he said,
“The most DAMNING of all of the data comes in point nine (and ten further.)”
“Most website owners or professional web coders or computer programmers reuse code or professional libraries of code to save production time. Every hour that someone creates a website site or computer program is VERY expensive. Especially in the United States. A library of code is like a bible.”
“And also coding structure usually is similar to the coder who creates it. No one wants to recreate the coding wheel when he has a library of code to use that he has used on previous projects. That shortens website development time. And most of that coding has a fingerprint or coding style within it (as he explains in further detail there) so why does Hedrick’s code look so similar in each of his websites or a piece of masthead, a beginning of a site is so similar?”
In closing, my acquaintance added,
“All I would finally say [is] I would not want to be the damn fool who was associated with this site, whoever coded it or is hosting it. It was a tragic error to do, looks too much like an attempt to smarm or live in some fantasy that one would think David Hedrick is in any way have an ability to be in the leagues with David Castillo or Denny Heck. It looks like a juvenile attempt to make someone look better than they really are.”
Any that choose to read the report ‘Jason’ submitted, I would only hope you have your own computer techie’s review it for themselves and your peace of mind instead of just fuming.
Something just doesn’t add up with this campaign and it stinks to high heaven.
As I’ve said before, it isn’t unusual for a newspaper to make an endorsement and get it wrong, not endorsing who the people over all vote for. It is highly unusual that four major newspapers of different ideological, political, regional and historical backgrounds from within the same congressional district to agree on one candidate and that candidate be polled dead last in any legitimate poll.
Add to that the vitriol thrown at David Castillo by supporters of David Hedrick, who proclaims in ads that he is “the leading Republican” in the race, while completely ignoring Jaime Herrera, although she is in a statistical tie for the nomination Hedrick claims is his, just doesn’t make sense.
Something very strange is definitely going on in the race to replace retiring Brian Baird in the 3rd Congressional District.
And, it stinks!
UPDATE: The Columbian’s Kathie Durbin also covered this subject at New poll’s validity panned by experts
The Centralia Chronicle also editorialized on it, Our Views: Hedrick Shouldn’t Push Questionable Poll where they said,
Why should we care whether the poll is accurate and/or credible?
Many people don’t want to “waste” their vote. Dyed-in-the-wool Republicans don’t want to see their candidate beaten in the general election. They’ll often go with who could win come November. If Hedrick shows such promise now, it certainly helps sway more votes his way.
Hedrick said, “It’s not my job to vet polls. I don’t have time to study them.” Is that how he would conduct himself in Washington, D.C.?
Sorry, paid site, no link available.
As we are coming down to the wire for our August 17 primary, I am struck at the desperation ad released by the Clint Didier campaign that misleads in a vicious attack on Dino Rossi.
The Seattle Times does a fair job of dismantling these claims, but that isn’t what really strikes me. The blatant hypocrisy I see in those who claim to be the “true grassroots” that support Didier is what smacks me.
Let me say here I am no staunch admirer of Rossi and remain undecided in who I will vote for to run against Murray. Whoever wins the primary will receive my support in that race.
As to the double standard and rank hypocrisy, think back to a few months ago and still at he comments when 3rd Congressional District candidate, David Castillo’s campaign released a brief 30 second Robo-call pointing out some brutal truths against his opponent, Jaime Herrera and the cries of those supporters against it. Many of those condemning the Castillo call, even though completely truthful, continually bring it up today as pointing him out to be “unfit for office.”
Think of all the outrage at shortcomings in their record have been mentioned and labeled as “vicious uncalled for attacks.”
And now, on the Didier hit piece, what do we hear but stone silence?
Many of those “grassroots” that so heavily condemned Castillo have thrown their support behind Clint Didier. There is also a mix of supporters for Castillo’s two opponents, Jaime Herrera and David W. Hedrick, both with questionable character themselves that condemned Castillo and are now silent over this ad by Didier.
For all of their condemnation of the “system” and of being the “true grassroots” moving away from “same old, same old,” it is astonishing to see them using the very tactics they so readily condemned recently when it benefits their chosen candidate.
I await word of these “true grassroots” groups release of their condemnation of Clint Didier’s deceptive ad, but please pardon me if I don’t hold my breath.
David W. Hedrick, candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by Brian Baird is riding high on his ego after spreading his video of the confrontation he had with Baird last, ignoring the second confrontation where he was left with egg on his face.
Somehow, he magically has zoomed into the lead in the race, according to a highly questionable poll by Washington State Political Polls, besting even the establishment candidate, Jaime Herrera. I’m sure this alleged Marines chest is puffed out over this poll.
But, is it a true representation of district? I highly doubt it. And, if you read through comments both here and on the Columbian’s comments section, apparently even his supporters don’t believe it.
The poll results released August 1 show the alleged Marine holding 24%, Jaime Herrera 22% and Castillo only 5%, even though Castillo has made a clean sweep by being endorsed by all 4 major newspapers covering the district that make endorsements.
Hedrick did not gain a single endorsement!
Looking over the Survey Information page we can readily see the unreliability of this poll. They state in part,
“Survey participants are selected from our database of Washington State residents.”
“About 10,000 participants are selected in each district to complete the survey however we experience about a 10 – 15 percent return on those that are selected.”
“While we try to survey only registered voters, some people are able to take the survey that are not registered voters…”
“Our surveys are sent via email, and each survey can be responded to only via our website.”
So, an email survey of pre-selected recipients with a low return that may or may not include non-registered voters. No random results like more reliable legitimate polls such as Rasmussen.
While I’m sure Washington State Political Polls makes every effort to be unbiased, who ensures their database is equitable and unbiased? It can’t be done. It’s too easy for supporters to stack the database, much like we saw being done in 2008 with Ron Paul placing so well in polls, yet not placing anywhere in actual votes by voters.
I find no track record on the past successes of their polls on accurately reflecting voter’s intent in past polls.
But, if there was ever any question on how Hedrick supporters actually view this, all you have to do is look at comments throughout this blog and on the Columbian’s web site on articles and posts covering David Castillo.
If Castillo were really only polling at 5%, would Hedrick supporters be on a full court press smearing him and his family every which way they can? Would they be accusing him of being an “Anchor Baby” and born to illegal immigrant parents as commenter’s have been doing?
Would they be smearing him for being the only 3rd Congressional District candidate invited to speak before the National Doctors Tea Party opposing Obamacare?
No, they would not.
If he truly was only holding a 5% in the polling, they would turn their backs and move on, ignoring such a poor performing candidate.
That they have begun such a full court press against only one candidate, it is only too obvious that they know this is not a true reflection of voter intent in Washington States 3rd Congressional District. They know that Castillo is ready to slaughter the alleged Marine who hides behind claims of “classified” service instead of speaking of even the basics concerning his service, come August 17.
They know that his cries of “keeping my oath” are questionable, what with his bailing out of the Corps sometime after the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 instead of deploying off to the War on Terror and defending the country.
Oh, he wants you to think he served in such a capacity, but he told the Columbia he enlisted in 1997. He told the Longview Daily News he served 5 years. He was in college in 2002, so he had to have decided to get out sometime after 9/11 and not standing up for the country he says he defended.
He makes noise about authoring a bill to repeal Obamacare. A great sound bite, other than such bills have already been introduced.
The smears coming from his camp proves beyond any shadow of doubt that they remain afraid of Castillo and know they cannot match him on ideas, stature or record.
No one focuses so heavily on the candidate that doesn’t stand a chance, no one!
They only focus so heavily on the one they know is beating them.
Ignore the hot air and smears from Camas and support the real conservative who will actually make a difference, David Castillo, the one a boastful alleged Marine is afraid of.
UPDATE: Apparently, I am not the only one who questions this method of polling. From Washington’s 7th Congressional District, SNOOKERED
For all of the smoke and hype associated with political campaigns, newspaper editorial endorsements seem to reflect some of the better polling on candidates. No, they are not always right and they don’t always choose the best candidate, at least according to our own thoughts.
But, they have the chance to actually view the candidates the most and spend the most time sitting down and discussing more issues one on one with them in order for their editorial boards to select who to endorse. They see the candidates back stage and view how they interact with campaign staff and others, something most voters never see.
I believe such is the case now that the larger newspapers are issuing their editorial board endorsements for Washington State 3rd Congressional District candidates.
At least 2 camps I’m sure will disagree and complain, but what else is new from them?
So far, the Seattle Times, the Columbian, the Longview Daily News and the Centralia Chronicle have chimed in for our primary election coming August 17. Since it is a primary election on who to choose to move forward to the general election, each chose two they desire to see win the nomination in our top two primary.
Every single one has chosen Republican David Castillo for one of the top two slots. Three chose Democrat Denny Heck for the second slot and one chose Republican Jaime Herrera for the second slot.
None chose David Hedrick who says he served in the Marine Corps and acts as if he and he alone know best about the constitution.
Also not selected was Democrat Cheryl Crist, a gutsy lady running on an anti-war anti-military platform. I say gutsy because she is willing to stand before audiences where the majority disagree with her and often jeer her. She does not back down from them and cower.
Norma Jean Stevens, the lone Independent was also not endorsed. Norma Jean Stevens is a political novice who entered the race late but has shown much improvement in her delivery and confidence in expressing herself. Should she not win in this primary and choose to continue pursuing public office, I believe she will fair well in the future.
The Seattle Times was the first to issue an endorsement in this race, selecting Castillo and Heck. Of the 2 men they stated,
“On numerous issues ranging from financial reform to federal spending, Heck elevates the discussion with his vast knowledge and solution-oriented approach. Castillo wraps no-nonsense earnestness into conservative principles, which have room for compassion for people living in poverty.”
Next Came the Columbian who chose to endorse two Republicans, David Castillo and Jaime Herrera. Of the two Republicans they said,
“The new voices of Castillo and Herrera resonate more compellingly with both traditional and visionary values,” adding “Castillo entered the race early, months before Baird retired, and wasted no time attacking both the incumbent and the Obama administration. His cut-spending, promote-the-private-sector platform is imbued with bedrock GOP principles, but he also proffers innovative ideas.”
Next came the Longview Daily News, who also chose David Castillo and Denny Heck. Of the candidates they said,
“Heck and Castillo impressed us as the most capable candidates in this crowded field, and they would offer voters in a district that trends both red and blue an excellent choice come November. Both hold fast to the principles of their respective parties, but they have the maturity and experience required to understand the practical value of moderation and cooperation.”
Lastly we come to the Centralia Chronicle who also chose Republican David Castillo and Democrat Denny Heck. They consider the nomination of Heck a given, considering he is the lone Democrat running at the top. Of Castillo, however, they state,
“Castillo’s combination of military service, work with the Department of Homeland Security, his tenure as the deputy assistant secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs, his presidential appointee for the Intergovernmental Affairs Office with the U.S. Department of Labor, his time as Chief of Staff for the state House Minority Leader, his master’s degree from Gonzaga University, and his successful business as a financial advisor, give us the most assurance he would be able to handle himself and stick to his conservative principles when he leaves the Evergreen State to represent us back East.”
After apologetically saying Hedrick did not have what it takes, they said of Herrera, who had some support on their editorial board,
“we question her overall experience to navigate during these most trying of times in our nation, from fighting two wars, a deep recession and a push by the Democrats for Big Government at every turn.”
The Chronicle ends their endorsement with,
“Castillo is in line with our views on the economy. We can trust he will remain true to his fiscally conservative outlook. Castillo is the right choice for this primary election.”
With the condition of the nation’s economy and the ever deepening recession, we need to send a well qualified and sincere person to Washington D.C. We need not only strong leadership and representation for the 3rd Congressional District, but we need a strong voice of conservative sanity, one that doesn’t feed an ego off of a YouTube video or that is just too naïve to understand what she is doing.
We need David Castillo, the only candidate endorsed by all 4 major newspapers in the 3rd Congressional District to date.
For any who, like me, missed viewing David Castillo, candidate for Washington States 3rd Congressional District as he took questions from an audience and from online viewers this morning, the video is online at UStream.TV
You can see for yourself why Castillo has now been endorsed by the 4 major newspapers covering the 3rd Congressional District.
Republican, David Castillo, candidate for Washington State 3rd Congressional District, the first to begin campaigning against now retiring Democrat, Brian Baird, has picked up yet another important national endorsement from the National Defense PAC.
The PAC’s stated mission is;
“supporting the election of balanced-budget-committed Military Veterans to the U. S. Congress. We seek Military Veterans running for elected office who believe in limited government, will rein in the out of control spending of Congress, are committed to preserving and defending the US Constitution, and will support the independence and freedom of the individual as outlined in the Bill of Rights. Our purpose is to support Military Veterans for election to Congress who are dedicated to promoting the Free Enterprise System that created the greatest economic engine in the history of Planet Earth, who will CUT SPENDING and commit to the premise that raising taxes is not the answer to our spiraling national plunge towards bankruptcy. We sponsor candidates who will provide for a strong national defense and strong effective homeland security, work tirelessly to ensure illegal aliens are prevented from crossing our national borders and are deported when they do, and who will endorse the teaching of accurate US history and the Founding Fathers’ core values in educational institutions.”
In announcing the endorsement, Rear Admiral [Ret.] James J. Carey, USN – National Chairman & Treasurer said,
“David Castillo has NATIONAL DEFENSE PAC’s full support for election to the U.S. Congress. He served our country in the U.S. Navy, putting himself on the line to defend our nation when called, and is committed to keeping the promises made to our veterans when they agreed to risk their lives to face America’s enemies. David is who we want in Congress making decisions that impact our military veterans and today’s young Americans serving in our Armed Forces. He, as a Navy veteran, understands what it takes to train, fight and win. He also understands the importance of ensuring the decision to commit our military is right before we send our Nation’s most precious asset, our sons and daughters, into harm’s way.”
Of note, National Defense PAC Executive Director US Army Colonel (Ret.) Craig Carlson added,
“NATIONAL DEFENSE PAC has earned a reputation for endorsing winning candidates because we back men and women that have proven integrity forged in patriotic selfless military service. The American people trust our military and vote for our candidates. Our goal in 2010 is to endorse as many candidates that can meet our standard, and elect them all.”
David Castillo, a man from humble beginnings who came to sit across the desk from President George W. Bush, serving in sub-cabinet level positions in his Department of veterans Affairs and Department of Homeland Security, has amassed one of the most impressive list of major endorsements for office I have seen.
He continues to express specific ideas and values to turn our country around and grow out of the economic morass we find ourselves in that at times even has the Democratic Candidate, Denny Heck often in agreement with him.
Although running as a Republican, Castillo does not enjoy the party establishment backing and has been the subject of questionable tactics in favor of the party establishment candidate, who waited to enter the race less than 2 hours after Congressman Baird announced his retirement in December 2009.
Castillo continues to build support in the old fashioned grassroots style of spending much of his time on the road meeting voters one on one and laying out his vision for the office.
His service to the Bush Administration gives him a unique insight no other candidate currently seeking this office can share when it comes to caring for our Veterans, National Defense and working with other federal officials.
His beginnings in poverty give him the necessary background to see what is happening in our country from the perspective of the common taxpaying citizen struggling to care for their family.
As I said at the Rob McKenna Breakfast held for Castillo the morning of July 27, David Castillo remains the best chance I have seen in many years for the Republicans to gain this seat on Congress long held by the Democrats.
Visit www.CastilloFor Congress and see for yourself and let’s get behind the man best suited to represent us in “Keeping America, AMERICA.”
Campaign for Liberty and We The People hosted an event they labeled a “debate” last evening in the auditorium at Battle Ground High School for candidates of the 3rd Congressional District hoping to replace retiring Democrat, Brian Baird.
In attendance where Democrat, Cheryl Crist, Independent Normal Jean Stevens, Republican and alleged Marine David W. Hedrick and proxy for Republican David Castillo who couldn’t attend due to a prior commitment Candice Jackson, a local attorney. Democrat Denny Heck also had a prior commitment and Republican Jaime Herrera could not attend, no reason given and their campaigns sent no proxy.
Maybe 60 people, many Hedrick devotees, attended to hear the candidates.
Although listed as an unbiased forum, it was clear from the start that the forum was expected to make alleged Marine David W. Hedrick a star. The questions asked were written and asked by Campaign for Liberty; a Ron Paul inspired group and We The People, both of whom are supporting Alleged Marine, David W. Hedrick.
I give credit to Katja Delavar and her husband Michael for trying to make it appear balanced and for excellent time keeping plus holding candidates to their time limits.
The format seemed a bit odd to me as a question was asked and whichever candidate wished to answer first raised their hand, with others offered a short amount of time to reply as well. Each was given ample opportunity to rebut.
I thought it also a bit odd to witness Hedrick during the Pledge of Allegiance, not holding his hand over his heart or doing a Military Salute, as Veterans and active duty Military are now allowed to do when wearing civilian clothes, but holding his right hand up as if reciting an oath. Maybe he has done that before and I just never paid attention, but that struck me as bit odd since proper pledge etiquette is the right hand over the heart or a salute.
The questions were often lengthy during the first half of the forum and each candidate was given scant time to reply, 60 seconds in some cases, 45 second later on.
I witnessed Hedrick often waiting until one or more of the others replied, then he would jump in to make his regular replies. Unfortunately for him, Castillo proxy, Candice Jackson, is a well educated and well versed attorney who knows Castillo very well and often schooled Hedrick.
Hedrick seemed to be getting nervous as he began taking subtle pot shots at Castillo, then a little later taking direct pot shots at him by name, saying “Enterprise Zones” were unconstitutional. He agreed with Ms. Jackson reply on free market would bring about green energy sources if actually needed, but had to add a slam that he doubts Mr. Castillo believes that.
Alleged Marine David Hedrick seemed quite comfortable slamming a candidate that was not present in such cowardly personal attacks.
After not being admonished for his personal slurs against Mr. Castillo, he took a shot at absent Democrat Denny Heck, claiming he once left Mr. Heck red-faced in a debate and the audience laughing at him.
At one point he took a shot at Cheryl Crist, saying how much he likes her personally, but doesn’t want her to “be elected to anything.” At this point, Michael Delavar, moderator from Campaign for Liberty, advised all of the candidates not to make such personal comments.
Hedrick supporters in the audience were their usual boisterous self, loudly clapping and cheering after each comment. When a request was made from the moderators to refrain from applauding and cheering after each comment, many yelled back “hell No, we’re here to support our candidate.”
Katja turned around requesting the same and telling them they will get to more questions if they refrain and was largely ignored by the Hedrick supporters, prompting other candidates supporters to act likewise.
Cheryl Crist was treated to groans a couple times for her views as a progressive and silence met much of Norma Jean Stevens comments, who had a much better stage presence this evening that before.
Ms. Stevens gave well thought out answers to most questions while looking out to the audience each time. I applaud both Ms Crist and Ms Stevens for their replies and for having the courage to face such an audience that at times must have seemed a slight bit hostile.
In all the star of the evening was Candice Jackson, prompting some supporters of alleged Marine Hedrick sitting near me to comment she was smarter than Castillo, not realizing her replies were Castillo’s, who she strongly supports.
A questionable comment from the alleged Marine was when asked about how they would vote in Congress, by the wishes of their constituents or by their principles, Hedrick replied that he would vote his principles, ignoring polls.
A couple minutes later, he boasted of a questionable poll he claims shows him neck and neck with Jaime Herrera, not commenting that Denny Heck placed higher on that same poll than both. He also took the opportunity to slap Mr. Castillo again saying his polling numbers were very low.
I guess his like of polls depends on where his ego places him.
Undoubtedly he will again brag about how he put everyone to shame, but it was obvious that Ms. Jackson, sitting in for Mr. Castillo amply schooled him on many subjects.
For all of you Hedrick supporters who will take exception to my labeling him as “alleged Marine,” as a Viet Nam Veteran myself with over 8 years active duty in the United States Army and since he makes his service central to his campaign, while not disclosing such basic information pertaining to his service, such as BPED, ETS, MOS, training, units served in, where deployed and 3 times now has replied as to the nature and place of the injury that grants him a disability being a “classified mission,” this Veteran will view him as only an “alleged Marine” until such time as such information is supplied by him and supported to voters.
While I am sure he did serve, he owes voters at least basic information.
I thank Campaign for Liberty and We The People for their efforts and hope the next time they will be less obvious.
UPDATE: Since several Hedrick supporters have expressed displeasure with my labeling Hedrick as “alleged Marine,” we are clamoring for a more “Open and Transparent” government. We desire more “Open and Transparent” elected officials.
How do we trust one who will not even be “Open and Transparent” about the very thing he bases his campaign on?
If seeking that very “open transparency” we say we want makes me a “hatchet man,” so be it.
Several people turned out this morning to enjoy a breakfast for the benefit of David Castillo, the very first candidate to enter the race for 3rd Congressional District against now retiring Brian Baird. In all, I label the event a success as the room filled to near capacity by voters turning out to meet David and hear Rob McKenna speak.
Candice Jackson, a local attorney, got the event rolling by asking me to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, a privilege in my estimation. Although I had not expected to do so, I was asked to also say a few words in favor of David.
Public speaking is not my strong suit, but expressing why I support David Castillo is easy as he is an impressive man and as I said to the audience, I am a very difficult person to impress.
Candice followed me with her own words in support of David. She is a very impressive young lady, articulate and apparently, like me and many others, very impressed with the qualities, experience and character David brings with him to this campaign.
Several candidates and office holders were also in attendance, Commissioner Tom Mielke, Paul Harris, Brian Peck, Craig Riley, Ann Rivers, David Horowitz to mention a few and of course, Washington House Minority Leader, Richard DeBoldt also a scheduled speaker and endorser of David’s. My apologies for any I failed to recall.
Minority Leader DeBoldt rose next outlining the several years he has been acquainted with David and his family. To me, that DeBoldt endorsed Castillo over his main Republican opponent, Jaime Herrera, speaks tons as he has worked with both candidates for some time and chose who he feels would best represent our district.
David took his turn to speak at the podium. Casting aside the speech he has made several times to voters, he now spoke from his heart of his childhood and how his Mother instilled in him from a young age that although public assistance is necessary from time to time, it is not a way of life. Like many of us, he learned that in order for him and his sisters to receive the temporary assistance his Mom relied upon for a time, someone else had to work to provide it. “My mother told me, ‘this isn’t yours, it is a gift from someone who worked for it’,” David quoted his Mom as saying.
He spoke of his time in the U.S. Navy and being able to travel and see the world and how even our poorest people still live a better lifestyle than many in other countries, such as Kenya.
I was most impressed when he began speaking of his lovely wife, Callie and how she is the strength when he needs it. She was there during the time his dot.com business failed in the dot com melt-down and worked with him to rebuild their lives while studying to become the accomplished lawyer she is today.
When he speaks of his son you can see the love and awe he holds for the young life he and Callie created and the responsibility they share to care for him. As a Dad and Grandpa myself, seeing a man place his children so high in his life in very endearing to me.
Earlier I spoke of the character of David Castillo and that was shown to the audience as he related a recent experience from a small group of supporters of one of his opponents. They accosted David and his family, trying to instigate an outburst while video-taping their misconduct, presumably to edit the tape and place it on You Tube in another effort to denigrate and misrepresent the man.
Their efforts failed.
Rob McKenna was unavoidably delayed in arriving and David continued with more off the cuff speaking until he arrived. Once McKenna made it there, He was introduced and gave a short keynote speech in honor of David, who McKenna endorsed early in the campaign.
There has been allegations raised that we Castillo supporters have been seen outside of events held for David’s opponent, Jaime Herrera and holding signs in support of David. I have no idea whether or not it is true as I have not seen it and no one has posted photos yet.
What I did see was a Jaime Herrera campaign staff member present text messaging to someone throughout much of the event this morning. I can only guess who to.
Chris Boyd, former opponent of David’s and now supporter closed the event by thanking all for being present and encouraging them to support David in any way they can.
In all, a very productive breakfast attended well by some very good people.
I cannot say enough about the Heathman Lodge staff who were efficient, courteous and attentive to all present. Their efforts helped make the event as great as it was.
If you still haven’t decided who you support or haven’t taken a close look at David Castillo just yet, I invite you to visit www.CastilloForCongress.com and help send the best conservative candidate we have seen run for the 3rd Congressional District seat in many years to Washington D.C. on our behalf.
David Castillo is the “real deal.”
David Castillo, candidate for Washington’s Third Congressional District, has been campaigning for this seat for some time now, over a year. His efforts are beginning to pay off as people are taking notice of the man and his ideas.
David is not an establishment candidate with party resources backing him. He is the very essence of “Grassroots” as we have always been taught it is.
Recently, David Castillo, along with another impressive candidate, Democrat Denny Heck both received the primary endorsement of one of Washington States larger newspapers, the Seattle Times.
Even the Columbian, Clark County’s paper of record, chose David Castillo along with the Republican establishment candidate, Jaime Herrera to endorse for the August 17 primary.
As people are beginning to take notice, David Castillo is seen as a serious candidate with humble beginnings who has vision for the future. Even his Democratic opponent, Denny Heck, agrees with David on the creation of Enterprise Zones to spur job growth in this economically depressed end of the 3rd Congressional District.
Other candidates remain vague, speaking mostly of getting government out of the way without definitive ideas on how.
Since the advent of the Tea Party movement, some candidates have claimed to be their favorite choice, while not acknowledging that the Tea Party is a loosely knit unorganized group across the country of voters and taxpayers who want real change, not more smokescreen.
Of deep concern to the Tea Party is the recent take over of our healthcare system by the federal government, especially from Doctors who see how health care in America will be adversely affected.
As the old saying goes, “the proof is in the pudding,” an idiom meaning “that the true value or quality of something can only be judged when it’s put to use or tried and tested” is seen in that David Castillo, along with local attorney, Candice Jackson, has been invited to speak at an upcoming National Doctors Tea Party to be held in San Diego, California early in August.
Sharing the stage with Castillo and Ms. Jackson will be such luminaries as conservative radio host, Roger Hedgecock, WorldNetDaily.com author Joseph Farah, Nevada Senatorial candidate and Tea Party sensation Sharron Angle and musical guest Ricky Lee Jackson, M.D.
Of the six candidates hoping to gain the congressional seat now held by retiring Democrat Brian Baird, only David Castillo is invited to speak before such an important Tea Party event.
David Castillo, a man who grew up in poverty, opened a business only to see it fail in the dot com meltdown, who then mowed lawns to provide for his family and ended up sitting across the desk from the President of the United States continues to impress.
He consistently expresses solid ideas to benefit the country and struggling taxpayers within the 3rd Congressional District.
He is ready to go to Washington D.C. and represent us, all of us and join with others who wish to return America to her greatness.
He needs our help and support in whatever way it can be offered.
I invite you to visit www.CastilloForCongress.com and see for yourself just why 2 of the larger newspapers in Washington State have chosen to endorse David Castillo in the primary election.
I ask that you support David Castillo in “Keeping America, AMERICA.”
