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Romney campaigns for Strickland at fundraiser in county
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Dana Rene Bowler / Star staff Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, left, stumps for state Senate candidate Tony Strickland on Tuesday.
Dana Rene Bowler / Star staff Joel Angeles, center, the chief of staff for Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, gets into a tussle Tuesday night with Charles Harrington, right, of Simi Valley during a protest outside the Hyatt Westlake Hotel.
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Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was in Ventura County on Tuesday, stumping for state Senate candidate Tony Strickland and deflecting questions about the vice presidency.
"That's something you don't campaign for," said Romney, whose name has been bandied about as a potential running mate for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. "My job is to help get him elected. He's got dozens of people to choose from. It's a decision he'll make down the road. It's not something I could speculate about."
Romney, who dropped out of the presidential race in February, met with several hundred people at a fundraiser for Strickland in Westlake Village.
Strickland, who is the Republican candidate for the state's 19th Senate District, chaired Romney's campaign in California.
"I believe Tony Strickland can cut back on wasteful spending and can remove the interest of special interests and bring new ideas to Sacramento," Romney said in an interview before the event.
Strickland said he was honored to have the former governor at the event and described him as a "turnaround guy."
Greeted by supporters, protesters
Romney was greeted at the Hyatt Westlake by residents waving homemade banners in support of him and by others protesting a recent contribution to the county Republican party by the nation's largest tobacco company. They also were protesting the fact that Strickland has received contributions from tobacco companies in the past.
Local and state Republican leaders have countered that Democrats also have received tobacco money both directly and indirectly. They pointed to state Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, who not only received money from tobacco companies but also contributed money to Strickland's opponent, Hannah-Beth Jackson.
Romney said there is a need to remove the influence of special interests and that Massachusetts has a rule prohibiting "corporate contributions."
"Each state has different rules," he said. "I haven't dealt with the other circumstances in other states. I'll let the state officials in those states decide the best way to run their campaigns."
The former governor also pointed to his policy that those serving on his gubernatorial staff or as his Cabinet secretaries could not serve if they had a spouse who was a lobbyist.
He said the recent firings of lobbyists from McCain's and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaigns were necessary. Romney had several lobbyists advising his bid for the presidency, according to previous media reports.
With discussions recently focusing on solutions to the nation's energy crisis, Romney said he favored offshore drilling if it was done with the approval of citizens in affected states. It should be conducted as part of a comprehensive energy policy that the country is lacking, he said.
"In my view, we need all the renewable sources of energy," he said, adding that new technology "is an area where basic research, I think, can help be funded through the private sector, and it's a critical priority to help bring down the cost of energy."
Romney said policy changes would likely happen at the state level, with California providing the adjustments and incentives necessary to develop new technology.
Strickland, who is listed in the state voter booklet as an environmental consultant, is working with a company formed by developer Gary Gorian and county school board member Dean Kunicki, called Greenwave Energy Solutions, which would use ocean waves as an energy source.
"You can be pro-economy and pro-environment," Strickland said. "The answer is to just not raise taxes, because that will drive people out of the state."
Strickland said the California economy can grow as new energy sources are developed.
Scuffle draws deputies
Rodney Nash of Moorpark said he supported Strickland because of his ideas on fixing the state's economy. On Tuesday, Nash stood on Westlake Boulevard holding a large American flag as part of a group of supporters.
The demonstrations outside the hotel drew Ventura County sheriff's deputies after a scuffle involving the chief of staff for Strickland's wife, Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, R-Moorpark. Joel Angeles was involved in a dispute with an opponent waving placards chiding Tony Strickland for accepting campaign contributions from tobacco companies. A heated verbal argument broke out between Angeles and Strickland opponents, which escalated to a physical tussle between Angeles and some of the protesters.
Louis Pandolfi of Simi Valley, who organized the opposition demonstration, said he expected run-ins with supporters, but not as soon as they arrived.
Posted by For1776 on June 18, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was among the 50-plus protesters who were there to let people know about the $50,000 in tobacco money the Republicans took for Strickland and his own acceptance of nearly $85,000 from tobacco.
Joel Angeles, Audra Strickland's campaign manager, told us we couldn't come on the public sidewalk on Westlake Blvd. as soon as we got there. He and another guy started running in front of us and his elbows were flying everywhere. Angeles pushed one of our group down twice. He was an older man and his shoulder was injured. Another young woman was also injured.
Why is Audra's Strickland's campaign manager running amok in a crowd like this?
We called the police. We were scared.
These are scary, scary people.
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 1:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It was Audra Strickland's chief of staff, actually, who did the shoving and told us we couldn't be there. It was quite a scene. They were really, really confrontational. One of them even called Ferial Masry, who was with us, "a terrorist."
It's all on video.
Peaceful protests in the public right of way area are guaranteed under our first amendment rights. We had every right to be there. Your tax dollars are being paid to this chief of staff to intimidate and shove people on a public sidewalk.
Tobacco companies shouldn't be donating to candidates and trying to buy influence.
Posted by DMeeks on June 18, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I also attended the event. Strickland supporters had gathered outside peacefully with flags and signs and were in their location on Westlake Blvd for over an hour before protesters arrived. The anti-Strickland crowd found their own spot and all was fine until they decided to raid the area Strickland's supporters had been peacefully standing.
The Strickland supporters had been at their location with no problems and it was the protesters and anti-Strickland crowd who caused the "tussle". How sad.
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I suggest you ask the Star's photographer who started it. She was there and was a witness to it. She will back me up.
Better yet, view the video. It will be posted soon.
Posted by DamienCooper on June 18, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah ask the Star...cause they're known for being fair and balanced...in the sports section.
Posted by nick2fot on June 18, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Joel Angeles also assaulted me earlier in the evening (about 5:30), telling me that I was trespassing on a sidewalk for Republicans only. When I asked him to identify himself and provide evidence of his claim, he took a swing at my head. When he threatened to continue his physical attack, I reminded him of a nearby film crew, allowing me an opportunity to escape. Next time I go near the Stricklands, I'll remember to bring a bodyguard.
Posted by uknow1 on June 18, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Romney is a rightgeous Mormon guy who wears the Holy Underwear. Mormons are anti-tobacco yet this LDS leader is throwing-in with a candidate who gets nearly ALL of his campaign money from a tobacco company? What a freakin' hippocrite, but we already knew that. I wish I would have been there. Anybody that starts throwing elbows at me would have a busted face in a heartbeat... these republicans are such putrified excrement...
Posted by uknow1 on June 18, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Are any of you who were assaulted by this Angeles weasel going to file charges against him for assault? You should if you have any testicular fortitude at all...otherwise you're just pushovers and deserve what he dealt for not standing-up for yourselves! And, why did the sheriffs not arrest him or at least cite him for disorderly conduct? Didn't have enough witnesses? More corruption in Ventura County! What an embarassing, backwater, hellhole this place is becoming.
Posted by KatieTeague on June 18, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If indeed Joel Angeles was trying to intimidate citizens and/or physically assaulting them then he should resign ASAP. And the Stricklands need to distance themselves from him and his actions.
Posted by DamienCooper on June 18, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This picture looks like he is getting ganged up on and on the defensive. Where is the photo of him being the aggressor?
Seriously, nobody wants to see people get hurt during these things. Hopefully when the Jackson supporters protest their own fund raiser with Perata it will go smoothly. I wonder if the Star will have pictures?
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The important thing to think about here is why was a chief of staff to an Assembly person sent out to intimidate a group of peaceful protesters? That is indisputable. He had even made his own sign.
This shows a serious lack of judgment. Why was he even out there?
Posted by CaptainAmerica on June 18, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This Joel Angeles appears to be quite a thug. I wonder how much Audra Strickland pays this thug using our tax dollars? The thug looks pretty well fed. If the Strickland's ordered this thug to attack and assualt people then that would seem to be a criminal conspiracy, would it not? Of course I doubt the Strickland's good friend Totten will do anything. Maybe someone should place a call to an authority outside Ventura County and ask for a full criminal investigation of the Strickland's and thier thugs.
Posted by AC03 on June 18, 2008 at 10:53 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
None of the Obama folks were union people. They were mostly young college kids, a little young for unions. I was there and didn't witness anyone but Strickland folks calling names. They yelled, "Hey ugly feet" at one of our group and called Ferial Masry "a terrorist."
Posted by sslocal on June 18, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like there are two sides to this story. I wonder what the truth really is.
Given the violent history of protests by Democrats I am inclined to disbelieve their claims.
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The protest was organized by a Republican from Simi Valley.
Posted by KatieTeague on June 18, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
From last night's Dennert Blog
By Nick on June 17, 2008 7:49 PM
I attended this protest, arriving earlier than other non-Strickland/Romney supporters. As I walked up the east side of Westlake Blvd. between two groups of Republicans, I was approached by a Republican enforcer, who ordered me to the west side of the street. [I was wearing clothing supporting the U.S. Constitution, which he apparently took as evidence that I was not a Republican.] When I asked to see some ID and proof that Republicans had sole right to that side of the street, he knocked my hat off and began yelling to the nearest group of Republican supporters that I had called him a "N...." and was a racist. Appropriate to his behavior, he was wearing a brown shirt.
AC03 - did you have a brown shirt on or was this someone else?
Posted by DamienCooper on June 18, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anybody who was there knows...
GOP supporters on one sidewalk after showing up early. Dems showing up late and wanted that spot. Went over pushed some girls around to try to take the spot. Check the video, the pictures, the police report, audio tape, artist drawing, the two year olds dirt scribble, and the blind man who saw it first hand. Stop having your friends post with ridiculous claims who weren't there. Look both sides were being called terrorists so I doubt it was aimed at her directly. Besides its not the first time the dems have embellished their point to make it seem more dramatic.
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The altercation was started by Angeles. I am a witness. I will be willing to go to court to say so.
Posted by leahb78_1999 on June 18, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MakingWaves, I am sure you would testify in court, just as the Strickland supporters would to. What is important is to get non-biased testimonials of what happened. Were you a non-biased observer of what happened? Anyone who went there to protest or support Strickland had an agenda by going there, and any testimonial is an extension of that agenda.
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think then you should ask the Star's photographer. She told me she clearly thought that it was started by the Strickland guy. At the time I didn't know who it was. I was later told it was Joel Angeles and then I saw the photo in the paper which confirmed his identity.
A chief of staff for an Assembly person should not be out telling people they can't be on a public sidewalk. He should also not be pushing ministers to the ground.
Posted by live_for_purpose on June 18, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like Democrats--showing up late and getting angry when they try to push their weight around. Seems like they're always trying to push their weight around. It doesn't surprise me that AC03 got called the N word. This primary campaign exposed the Democrats for who they are--racists, sexists, classists, ageists, and disfranchisers--MI and FL couldn't even vote! They owe you an apology and I would love to see the video!
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you weren't an eye witness, as I was, you have no right to throw around baseless accusations.
Clearly people on this blog are fabricating things for political purposes. I am telling the truth. I was there. I had my perception of the events confirmed by a neutral third party.
Posted by MakingWaves on June 18, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And I will repeat this for those of you who didn't see this earlier: The protest was organized by a Republican from Simi Valley.
Posted by DamienCooper on June 18, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
your crazy if you don't think the Star has a similar agenda. Everyone knows that the Star has and will never be known as a "neutral third party".
Posted by nick2fot on June 18, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AC03, who appears to be Joel Angeles, has falsely accused me and others of calling him a "N*****". He appeared hispanic to me, and apparently to the Strickland supporters whom he was trying to encourage to join his attack on us.
Posted by KatieTeague on June 18, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this the same Nick that wrote on the Dennert blog and that I quoted in the post above?
If so, you mentioned a brown shirt in your Dennert post prior to this morning's paper (7:49 pm). Is Joel Angeles wearing the brown shirt referenced in your post?
Posted by KatieTeague on June 18, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this the same Nick that wrote on the Dennert blog and that I quoted in the post above?
If so, you mentioned a brown shirt in your Dennert post prior to this morning's paper (7:49 pm). Is Joel Angeles wearing the brown shirt referenced in your post?
Posted by For1776 on June 18, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Dennert blog has a photo of Angeles, too, in a brown/tan shirt. He's draped over a police car.
Posted by SoCalArmyBrat on June 18, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! It sounds like Joel Angeles was victimized by the same "classy" group who invaded Gallegly's office and urinated everywhere. Yep. That takes real class.
It's typical bait-and-switch: Bait individuals into an argument, then switch into victim mode and have the media proceed from there, completely ignoring the instigating actions. Sounds like they're taking cues from Obama, who now wants the US to be victimized by Bin Laden again. Bravo!
Posted by fullosseousflap on June 18, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
More photos of the protests are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fullosse...
Flap
Posted by MrHaines on June 18, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Keep one thing in mind, all the people on the sidewalk had a right to be there, All! on another item, . .. . . ......... ......
Sounds like SoCalArmyBrat may know more about The Congressmans office vandalizm than most. Also it appears they are pretty good at the "Bait individuals into an argument, then switch into victim mode and have the media proceed from there,tactics."
Posted by SoCalArmyBrat on June 18, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MrHaines,
I know about the vandalism at Gallegly's office because the conduct was so reprehensible I never forgot the article. It was an example of "what to do to get your name and agenda in the paper."
Ironically enough, I couldn't begin to tell you the individual's name who carried out that act. Guess his 15 minutes are long over.
Posted by MrHaines on June 19, 2008 at 5:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SoCalArmyBrat,
Thanks for the reply, I have voted for Congressman Gallegly every election. Really dislike seeing anything happen to him or his property.
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