header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
February 15
1939 - Los Angeles premiere of John Ford's "Stagecoach"; approx. 7 seconds shot in SCV [Watch Clip]
Stagecoach movie


Guest Commentary by Tammy Messina
| Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tammy Messina

It’s time for a Republican wake-up call. The Democrats have a serious and credible candidate in Dr. Lee C. Rogers, who is challenging Buck McKeon for our local congressional seat in the upcoming June primary.

Those “in the know” know you have to have enough money to launch and run a successful campaign to unseat an incumbent. With Rep. McKeon’s nearly $1 million campaign treasury, that’s a huge war chest to compete with, and a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

Many in the local Republican leadership will tell you Rep. McKeon cannot be beaten. It’s a statistical impossibility. And with his very favorable popularity and landslide wins through the years, it really isn’t something to worry about.

But this campaign season is different for several reasons.

First, we’ve been redistricted to encompass new geographic areas. This changes some of the statistics. It also means many of the voters may not even know of Rep. McKeon, so name recognition will not help carry him.

Second, for the first time since 2002, Rep. McKeon also has a Republican challenger. Two of them. Some may try to discount these folks as less-than-serious candidates or unqualified. However, both have name recognition – although for different reasons.

Third, for the first time, we have an open primary. Rep. McKeon isn’t just squaring off to see which Republican moves on to the general election in November. All of the candidates, regardless of party, will be on the same ballot.

Fourth, Rep. McKeon, as chair of the House Armed Services Committee, holds a very important and visible position in House leadership. With the talks of military cutbacks, there are articles in the press daily about his position on various related issues. His actions are under intense scrutiny by the opposition.

Fifth, according to various news outlets, Rep. McKeon has been referred to the House Ethics Committee for review to determine whether the congressman received preferential treatment on his mortgage from Countrywide. True or not, this kind of press is never a good thing, and even worse in an election year.

Sixth and lastly, Rep. McKeon’s wife, Patricia, is running for our local state Assembly seat. Many feel Mrs. McKeon is unqualified for this position, not to mention the local behind-the-scenes, veiled threats that have been a hallmark of her campaign. This race has caused what might have been previously termed as “some division” in our local Republican Party, to creating a full blown chasm. This helps no one in the party.

For all the reasons above, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted our local 25th Congressional district as a “can win” district. What does that mean? Money. And lots of it. Dr. Rogers can expect upwards of a $1 million in campaign contributions between the DCCC and their allies.

Committees do not pour money into campaigns they have no hope of winning.

The above clearly illustrates that, as Republicans, we have a serious challenge ahead of us this campaign season. Local Republican leadership needs to take a hard look at what’s happening in our area to ensure that we do as stated in the Republican Party of L.A. County by-laws: “Aggressively present the party and its candidates to the electorate in such ways as to enhance the probability of a Republican victory at each election.”

As someone who believes in Republican values and wants to see a solid, honest Republican retain this district … this is our wake-up call.

 

Tammy Messina is a Santa Clarita resident, local business owner and a producer of The Real Side radio show on KHTS and SCVTV. Her column reflects her own views and not necessarily those of any other entity.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

No Comments

    Leave a Comment


    Opinion Section Policy
    All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
    Read More From...
    RECENT COMMENTARY
    Friday, Feb 14, 2025
    Since the beginning of time, art has been a unifying force, a medium through which people connect, express and envision the world in new and exciting ways.
    Monday, Feb 10, 2025
    In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to stay informed and learn about new subjects can be a challenge; which is why I have always been a huge fan of the ease and flexibility of podcasts whether I’m using my AirPods to listen while exercising, playing through the car while driving or tuning in when relaxing at home.
    Thursday, Feb 6, 2025
    As a longtime Santa Clarita resident, I believe one of our community’s most important responsibilities is the preservation of our rich history and beautiful open spaces.
    Monday, Feb 3, 2025
    The Big I Do is back for its third annual, Valentine’s Day celebration! The city of Santa Clarita’s City Hall Ceremonies team has crafted the perfect, unique event, where multiple couples say “I Do” at the same time.
    Thursday, Jan 16, 2025
    As a father of two young children, I understand how crucial it is to be an active and informed parent in today’s world. The challenges our kids face are more complex than ever and I believe it’s our responsibility to equip them with the tools they need to make healthy choices.
    Monday, Jan 13, 2025
    Nothing says summer like the smell of sunscreen, the sound of splashing in the pool and cooling off in the water with friends and family.

    Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
    1939 - Los Angeles premiere of John Ford's "Stagecoach"; approx. 7 seconds shot in SCV [Watch Clip]
    Stagecoach movie
    Since the beginning of time, art has been a unifying force, a medium through which people connect, express and envision the world in new and exciting ways.
    Bill Miranda | Art, Innovation and Community
    The Saugus Union School Board of Trustees regular meeting will include a discussion of practices and provide direction to superintendent and cabinet on consequences for students with "Big Behaviors."
    Feb. 18: Saugus School Board to Discuss Student ‘Big Behaviors’
    The California Department of Public Health reports seasonal influenza cases and activity are high in California, but it’s not too late to get the flu shot to prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
    Flu Activity Remains High, But It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated
    Join the Valley Industry Association on Thursday, May 15 for the 2025 Workforce Development Conference to be held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.
    May 15: VIA 2025 Workforce Development Conference The Future of Work 2.0
    Among several important topics, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will hear a report on the county’s implementation of the people experiencing homelessness missions at the Tuesday, Feb. 18 regular board meeting.
    Feb. 18: Supervisors to Hear Homelessness Report
    The Safe, Clean Water Program Watershed Area Steering Committee Santa Clara River will meet on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 1–3 p.m.
    Feb. 20: Safe, Clean Water Program Watershed Area Steering Committee
    The Master's University women's basketball team scored the first basket of the game in the first four seconds and never looked back to defeat the Embry-Riddle Eagles 72-61 Wednesday night, Feb. 12 in Prescott, Ariz.
    Lady Mustangs beat ERAU in Arizona
    The Master's University beach volleyball team opened up the 2025 season with a pair of wins Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
    Sandy ‘Stangs Open Season with Wins
    Eric Clarke and Front Row Theatre have announced the premiere of the original production "Disconnect" at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall.
    Feb. 21-23: Front Row Center Presents ‘Disconnect’ at The MAIN
    College of the Canyons baseball clubbed three home runs in the fifth and took a tie game into the 10th inning before eventually falling to Chaffey College in a 7-6 final score at Mike Gillespie Field on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
    Cougars Fall in Extras vs. Chaffey
    College of the Canyons softball swept its non-conference doubleheader over Santa Barbara City College at Whitten field on Tuesday, Feb. 11, taking both games in five innings while running its win streak to four games.
    Canyons Sweeps Doubleheader from Santa Barbara
    In response to the devastating impact of the Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger is urgently calling on local property owners with available rental units to help house displaced families.
    County Seeks Rental Units for Families Displaced by Eaton Fire
    U.S. Rep. George Whitesides (D-Agua Dulce) introduced his first bill in the 119th Congress on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to provide tax relief for residents in his district impacted by the Chiquita Canyon landfill.
    Whitesides First Bill, Chiquita Canyon Payments Tax Relief
    Princess Cruises, which has been headquartered in Valencia since 2001 has announced plans to vacate it's Santa Clarita offices and relocate to south Florida within the next three years.
    Princess Cruises Officially Announces Plans to Leave Santa Clarita
    1939 - Newhall Elementary School burns down; pupils rejoice [story]
    Newhall school
    Pets Global, Inc., the Valencia-based maker of Zignature and Fussie Cat premium dog and cat food, has donated 4,000 pounds of pet food for the Rescue Train's Saturday, Feb. 15 Mobile Pet Assistance Event.
    Valencia’s Pets Global Donates Food for Rescue Train Anniversary
    The SCV Eco Alliance will hold its second EcoFilm Festival at College of the Canyons, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 8.
    March 8: SCV Eco Alliance Eco-Film Festival at COC
    Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria will host Noche Sabrosa, a social dancing event, 9:30 p.m.- midnight Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia CA 91355.
    Feb. 18: Noche Sabrosa Social Dancing at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant
    Joann Inc. has announced it will close 500 of its 800 stores nationwide, including the Joann Fabrics and Crafts store in Santa Clarita at 26583 Carl Boyer Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
    Joann Fabrics to Close 500 Stores, Including Santa Clarita Location
    The American Automobile Association of Santa Clarita will host a Japan Travel Show, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 at 23770 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita CA 91355.
    Feb. 20: AAA Santa Clarita Japan Travel Show
    The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is seeking a person of interest in the death of Menghan Zhuang, a 23-year-old student at California Institute of the Arts.
    LASD Seeks Person of Interest in Murder of CalArts Student Menghan Zhuang
    1999 - SCV & AV split off from 805 area code to become 661 [story]
    Pacific Telephone
    Zignature, a Valencia based leader in meat-first, limited-ingredient dog food, recently launched its Employee Feed Alternative Giving Program.
    Zignature Launches Employee Giving Program
    SCVNews.com