Today former Congressman Richard Pombo confirmed to the Fresno Bee that he will be running for Congress in the 19th District seat that will be open next year due to the announcement by Rep. George Radanovich. The Bee is also reporting that former California Secretary of State Bill Jones is making calls to supporters and weighing a potential run.
I have known Richard Pombo for over two decades, and he’s a rock-solid conservative and a good man. He joins a field of candidates that already includes State Senator Jeff Denham and former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson (so I am told).
Look for Pombo to try and leverage Denham’s and Jones’ pre-primary support for the Presidential campaign of John McCain last year against them with grassroots types. McCain is one of the least popular politicians (save perhaps for the man that bested him for President) with conservatives.
It will be interesting to see how Pombo’s entrance into the race impacts endorsements from the state’s Republican Congressional delegation. Then again, there is so much anger towards Congress these days that touting House endorsements may not be a good idea. Then again, it’s risky business to run for Congress as a former House Member.
We’ll reach out to Pombo for more on his candidacy…
January 4th, 2010 at 12:00 am
What about the corruption charges that somewhat caused his defeat? How is he going to get around that? If the Republicans want to change their image, they need to elect people without tarnish.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:00 am
As much as I like the idea of going after prospective candidates for their embrace of the ultimate RINO himself(McCain), I would prefer to hone in on a candidate that has impeccable conservative credentials and won’t further tarnish our brand.
It appears to me that the way this race is shaping up will be more a battle of personalities than ideology. I hope I’m proven wrong on this.
January 5th, 2010 at 12:00 am
Pombo had his chance and blew it in 2006 with a seat that had a GOP plurality!
No need for recycled Members of Congress.
Jeff Denham is the candidate who can be a voice for the Central Valley!