FLASHREPORT

ROAD TRIP TO THE FRONT LINES: 3 CAMPAIGNS, 2 DAYS, 1 CAR

The Honorable Jeff Miller, Assembly Republican Caucus Elections Chairman

[Publisher's Note: As part of an ongoing effort to bring original, thoughtful commentary to you here at the FlashReport, I am pleased to present this column from longtime FR friend Assemblyman Jeff Miller - Flash]

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Ask any political professional to describe the necessary parts of a successful campaign, and you’ll mostly get the usual answers: Fund-raising, direct mail, phone-banking and, if you can afford it, radio and television advertising.

This is certainly not wrong, but once in a while, it’s positively refreshing to hit the road and do some statewide campaigning yourself.  And that’s exactly what Joel Anderson and I did last week – driving from our home areas in Southern California to lend a hand with three of this year’s most important Republican races for State Assembly in Hanford, Lodi and San Ramon.

Our first stop was the 30th District where David Valadao is running a terrific campaign to succeed Danny Gilmore and keep the seat for the GOP.  David is a true local, grew up in the region and today helps run the family business which consists of two separate dairies and more than 1,000 acres of farmland in Kings and western Tulare County, on which David and his brothers grow alfalfa, corn and wheat as feed stock for their dairy.

David impressed us with his focus and determination – as well as his intimate local knowledge and understanding of the district.  He will be a great addition to the State Assembly and the kind of conservative leader we can believe in.

Next, we made our way west to the 15th Assembly District where Abram Wilson – the Mayor of San Ramon – is out of the gate and running very hard to win.  He has an energetic volunteer base phone banking and walking precincts, and he is making sure he has the resources to win.  At a time when many local elected officials are under fire, Abram is running on his record in public office of fiscal responsibility and making government more accountable to the people.  This is the kind of candidate who will really excite the Republican base and a race we definitely need to win.  Remember the name Abram Wilson – you will be impressed.

Finally, we pulled into Lodi to visit with a good friend who I truly believe should be serving with Joel and me in the State Assembly right now.  In 2008, Jack Sieglock lost his race in the 10th District by one of the narrowest margins in history – and this was during one of the toughest political climates we’ve ever seen.  This year, Jack is absolutely determined to reverse that result, and we think he’s going to do it.  His phone banks are up and running and he showed us the results of his ambitious precinct-walking – 1,500 homes per week.  Outstanding!  Jack knows what it takes to win this year, and it’s a seat that we need to bring into the Republican column.

All in all, it was an amazing trip and it reinforced that this year, the GOP is on the march.  As Assembly Elections Chairman, I’ll be traveling up and down the state this year, meeting and working with candidates, staffs and supporters to make this our best year in quite some time.

In different regions of the state – with different kinds of candidates who exhibit different attributes and strengths – voters are hearing our message.  I think 2010 is going to be a great year!
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Assemblyman Jeff Miller represents California's 71st Assembly District, which includes portions of Orange and Riverside Counties.

You can write to Assemblyman Miller, via the FR, here.