Russ Warner ran in the primary last year, and seemed to be the overwhelming favorite in the primary. But a funny thing happened on the way to the general. He got punked by identity politics. He raised $55K for the primary, and chipped in $150K of his own money for the primary, but ended up losing to Cynthia Rodriguez Matthews. Matthews then preceded to spend less than $20K on the race, and served as little more than token opposition.
Well, Russ is back for another shot at the apple. In 2006, he was endorsed by General Wes Clark, and he has already picked up the endorsement of Calitics favorite, Hilda Solis (D-El Monte). Warner has a new campaign manager, who I’m sure will work towards raising his name ID in the district and throughout the state.
Warner will also be considered for the Calitics ActBlue list in the future. The process is still being determined, but we expect to get that up and running for Q3. And so, speaking of the ActBlue list, don’t forget about the Calitics Quarterlies in SF Area and the LA Area. Press release over the flip.
Russ Warner Announces Candidacy for Congress
“America needs new leadership and an end to the war in Iraq,” says Warner
Rancho Cucamonga, CA Democrat Russ Warner announced his candidacy for Congress in California¹s 26th Congressional District Tuesday, calling for an end of the war in Iraq and David Dreier¹s nearly three-decade tenure in office.
“I am taking on this fight because the war in Iraq must be stopped and because America needs new leadership not career politicians like David Dreier who have become a part of the problem in Washington, D.C.,” said Warner, a Rancho Cucamonga businessman. “Unfortunately we are represented in Congress by a man who has been there for 28 years, has failed to lead and instead become a mouthpiece and rubber stamp for the Bush Administration’s war policy and failed agenda.”
The devastating cost of this war was brought home to Warner and his family in a personal way. Warner¹s son Greg served in the U.S. Army and was sent to Iraq for 17 months.
“My son served this country honorably and witnessed first hand the failed policy in Iraq. His service and his sacrifice inspired me to stand up and speak out, and that’s why I made the decision to run for Congress. We need to support our troops by bringing them home, and when they come home, we must ensure they have access to the medical care that they need and deserve,” Warner said.
Warner¹s campaign is supported by a broad range of community activists, labor and political leaders, including Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-El Monte).
“As a member of Congress, I know that we need more people like Russ Warner who have integrity and courage and will come to Washington to fight for change and to get things done,” Solis said.
Warner is a dedicated husband and father and a successful small businessman who will work hard for America’s families. He and his wife Kris have lived with their three sons in the 26th Congressional District for over 27 years, which includes parts of two counties and over 30 cities, covering more than 50 miles from La Crescenta to Rancho Cucamonga.
“I know what it¹s like to struggle with the problems we all face like the rising costs of health care and skyrocketing gas prices that are a result of this administration¹s failed energy policy. I will take those experiences and skills to Washington and fight every day to make sure our government is accountable and focused on serving the people of the 26th District,” Warner said.
Yup, for the holidays, we’re going to have a grand ol time up here in SF. We’re teaming with the Courage Campaign and Credo (formerly Working Assets) to have a little get together for the holiday season, or really, just to get together. As always, you can feel free to give to our ActBlue page, but you can feel free to do that any day (and twice on Sundays). We won’t be turning anyone away; however you must RSVP, Shroeder’s has space limitations. 
Steve Filson drops by…it was toasty at the bar on a warm SF indian summer night.
