The major candidates for the 50th Congressional and their teams are lining up. In this first report, I thought I’d concentrate on the “teams” which will consist of general consultants, pollsters, finance consultants, and campaign managers. I’ll update this regularly as I find out more information… if I make an error or there are changes in the line-up campaigns can simply email me and I’ll correct next time around. Consider this a “quick and dirty” version. And the required disclosure: Coronado Communications works for Bilbray. I’ll promise to be as neutral and fair as the OC guys are in the 35th!

In no particular order:

Richard Earnest. Former Mayor of Del Mar. Moderate. Team: unknown/changing

Howard Kaloogian. Former Assemblyman. Conservative. Team: consulting Russo Marsh + Rogers

Brian Bilbray. Former Congressman. Conservative. Team: consulting Tab Communications, Coronado Communications., BDPR, finance (local) Dorsee Productions & (DC) Todd Meredith

Bill Morrow. State Senator. Conservative. Team: consulting Joe Justin Company, finance (local) Lacee Beaulio, manager Vartan… Read More

[Funny when bloggers "post on top" of each other — please read Matt Cunnnigham’s post and analsysis below on this race – then you can factor in my 10 cents, along with my interview with Tran. Always full and complete coverage from the FlashReport! – Jon]

I just got off the phone with Assemblyman Van Tran, who shared with me that he has, in fact, launched an exploratory effort to gauge support for a run for State Senate in Central Orange County’s 34th District. This is the seat occupied currently by Democrat Senator Joe Dunn, who is facing term limits.

"I think that I have strong message to bring to the residents of Central Orange County – one of limited government, individual liberty and working to create economic prosperity," said Tran.

"I am very pleased that Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, as well as two very esteemed former State Chairmen of the California… Read More

[Note: I totally OWE FR Los Angeles Blogger Mike Spence now — get this, he had this breaking news much earlier than me, and had posted it up as a "draft" in our system. When I heard about this, I called him, and asked if I could put up his post. He said to go for it. One wrong button pushed, and instead of putting up his draft, I deleted it! Oops. So this is my apology to Mike, and my pennance – I had to write a post on this – but Spence gets the breaking-news nod, and he may post his analysis (again?) on the ramifications – Flash]

In 2004, the only thing that stood between ultra-liberal Adam Schiff’s re-election and retirement was Republican candidate Harry Scolinos. Scolinos would be in Congress today were in not for the horrific ‘incumbent protection plan’ that redrew this Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena House seat from one that would elect Jim Rogan into one that… Read More

With all due respect to Duane Dichiara, one of the FlashReport’s San Diego Correspondents,, whom I respect immensely, I am very pleased that one of the candidates for Congress has hired you. Former Congressman Brian Bilbray had the foresight to hire you, and since he is a regular reader of the FlashReport, he knows of your role with us. I would be disappointed, disclaimers included, if you did not help out your client, on occasion, with a positive post (perhaps you can talk about his lawsuit arguing how wrong it is that illegal aliens pay less tuition in California colleges than his children).

That said, I will be making great efforts to personally cover this special election as I have endorsed no candidate in the race, nor has any candidate hired me (though two have purchased ads on this site…so far). So if you have any thoughts or input on this race, by all means send them to Jantz and Dichiara (and to our DC Correspodent, Jason Roe) if you want, but please send them… Read More

Why do I see her as one of the dumbest people on the planet, and yet Bay Area leftists love her? MDM

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had this to say yesterday about the Republican budget resolution:

“Mr. Speaker, as we leave for this Christmas recess, let us say, ‘God bless you’ to the American people by voting against this Republican budget and statement of injustice and immorality, and let us not let the special interest goose get fat at the expense of America’s children.

“The gentleman from Washington [state], Mr. McDermott, quoted the prophet Isaiah. And as the bible [sic] teaches us, to minister to the needs of God’s creation is an act of worship, to ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us. Let us vote no on this budget as an act of worship and for America’s children.”

When a conservative politician cites the Bible in support of his views on, say, abortion or homosexuality, people like Pelosi get their backs up about the mingling of church and state. We guess Pelosi’s defense here is that she’s insincere, as evidenced by the referece in her press… Read More

Pomona sits on the eastern border of Los Angeles County and is aDemocratic Town. Except the last mayor Eddie Cortez was a Republican as was his predecessor Donna Smith. Pomona has had a GOP mayor for sometime. That may change Jan. 10. Eddie passed away and a special election was called. Imagine campaigning through Christmas and New Years Day. Any beats on turnout? Eleven candidates have thrown their hats in the ring. 5 are current or former council members. And three are Republicans. Republicans might have a shot at keep this Blue state city in Red state hands, but it won’t be easy. Democrat Norma Torres is council member who planned to run for the Democrat leaning 61st Assembly District against Senator, former Assembly member and former Pomona council member Nell Soto. This opened up as she transferred some of the cash she had. … Read More

I received a phone call after I posted about the 38th Assembly District race.The callerdidn’t buy my analysis. See it here.

Seethe personis in the slate mailing business and had a couple calls from consultantsasking to keepthat space open for a well funded, yet undeclared candidate in the 38th GOP primary.

I know a year ago the actor Joseph C Phillips (Cosby, theDistrict,Vegas and more)had looked at the race and decided against it.

Who is the mystery candidate?

Come out, come out where ever you are.

In the mean time, Smyth may have to start walking the district and raise more campaign cash.… Read More

The published story this morning is that Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler is out, and Rancho Santa Fe businessman (read: has money) Ken King is in the race to succeed Duke Cunningham.

The unpublished story, found only here on my blogbarry, is that recently retired NFL cornerback and aide to Congressman Duncan Hunter is just days away from jumping into the mix.

The nine-year veteran of the Redskins, Chargers and Broncos has apparently been thinking about his next career for some time. The following was posted last year on ESPN.com:

August 13, 2004 – Broncos cornerback has his eye on politics in his next career: Scott Turner might someday trade in his helmet and pads for a suit and tie, and start passing laws instead of knocking down passes. Turner, 32, an eight-year veteran, worked as an intern in the San Diego office of U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif.… Read More