Pensions Dominate Supe Race

by CalWatchdog Staff | March 27, 2011 11:18 am

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March 27, 2011

John Seiler:

For Republicans, at least, the state and local pension crisis now dominates races. Those in the past who backed pension spiking are going to be blasted for it.

You might remember Chuck DeVore[2] (top pciture) from the U.S. Senate race last year. He lost in the GOP primary to Carly Fiorina. I have some big disagreements with him on foreign policy. But in his six years as a California assemblyman, he was stellar on fighting for budget prudence. DeVore now is running for supervisor in Orange County.

He’s running against former assemblyman and Orange County supervisor Todd Spitzer[3] (bottom picture).

In Orange County, although the positions are nonpartisan, all supervisorial races essentially are between Republicans.

I’m on DeVore’s email list from last year. Below is DeVore’s email letter announcing his candidacy. It’s almost all about Spitzer and pensions.

Expect to see this in GOP races all across the Golden State.

For his part, Spitzer is emphasizing his experience and support for public safety. This is from his Web site[4]:

Orange County is facing some of the most serious and difficult financial and public policy issues in its history.  My experience and background to solve problems while working with all those individuals and groups who are dedicated to resolving issues together is needed in our county now more than ever.  I have been a County Supervisor, State Assemblymember and School Board Member; I have Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority, Orange County Fire Authority and the Transportation Corridor Agency.  My decision to run for County Supervisor is based on my belief that my past leadership and practical experience will allow me to hit the ground running without wasting time on a learning curve when difficult issues need solutions now.  I believe that I can bring valuable experience, insight and commitment to the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

What follows is reprinted verbatim from DeVore’s email letter, including the italics:

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Dear John,

$600 Billion.

That’s how high California’s unfunded government employee pension liabilities could be, even as I write this. For context, California’s current deficit stands at about $25 billion.

Sadly, this isn’t just the Democrats fault. Republicans, including former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, helped make this problem worse.

Many Republicans have talked a good game, but when government union bosses asked for gold-plated pensions, they caved and voted to give them your money… and your children’s money.

This is unsustainable. We can do something about this.

I am preparing to run for the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

You can join my campaign today- click here to send a donation to help me fight for Fiscal Conservatism in Orange County.[5]

My likely opponent, former Supervisor Todd Spitzer, is the father of Orange County’s pension crisis. 10 years ago Todd Spitzer voted to give billions of your tax dollars to government unions – retroactively. He says he now regrets his vote.

The trouble is that when Spitzer served for six years in the State Assembly he voted with the union bosses time and time again, putting you on the hook for billions more while raking in tens of thousands of dollars in donations from those same government union bosses. The battle to end the era of Big-Government Republicans starts right here, right now, in Orange County.

Soon, voters in Orange County will have a choice: returning to office a Republican who works for the union bosses; or voting for a proven fiscal conservative.

But, to get elected, I need your help. Former Supervisor Spitzer has a warchest of just over $1 million – money left over from years and years of generous government union donations.

To beat Spitzer and safeguard Orange County taxpayers, I don’t need to match him dollar-for-dollar, I just need to raise enough to get the word out about his Big Government Republican votes.

I’m urgently counting on you to help me defeat the union bosses and their favorite Republican politician.

You’ve helped me before. I’m a father, a husband, an Army veteran, a proven vote winner, and a rock solid Conservative who won several “Legislator of the Year” awards.

Please don’t hesitate. Click here to send a contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more back to me right now! [6]

Sincerely,

Chuck DeVore

Fiscal Conservative for Orange County Supervisor

P.S. Will you help me defeat the union bosses and the Republican they most love in California? I can win this race. But I need your help today. Please send a contribution of at least $50 back to my campaign before the end of this week. Many thanks![7]

Source URL: https://calwatchdog.com/2011/03/27/pensions-dominate-o-c-supe-race/

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