Why Republicans Are Subject To Wandering In the Desert

From my recent blog post at the Bakersfield Californian.

Why you should not support Ken Mettler in his campaign to get elected to the California Assembly, 32nd District.

I began hearing about Ken Mettler a few years ago, and liked some of what I had heard. He was passionate about Proposition 8, even getting physical defending campaign signs from an opponent who was stealing them. I’d also heard him on the radio, and he really seemed to be a strong conservative with a passionate message. Recently, however, several things that Mr. Mettler has done or said have concerned me greatly, so much so that I am reaching out to those who support him.

Mr. Mettler has been at odds with some of the members of the local conservative community, even choosing to conduct opposition research on Zack Scrivner whom Mr. Mettler believed would run against him for the Assembly Seat. Mr. Scrivner ultimately did not run against Mr. Mettler . As you may have read in the paper, Mr. Mettler is now being investigated for improperly using Republican Assembly of Kern County (RAKC) monies to conduct that research. Mr. Mettler is also accused of improperly using RAKC monies to pay for his defense in the civil suit brought by the individual who was assaulted during the Proposition 8 scuffle.

That's right, Mettler, hide behind your kid...

It has been revealed recently, Mr. Mettler encouraged candidate Shannon Holloway to enter into the race for the 32nd Assembly as ‘political strategy’, a charge which Mettler has both denied and then more recently confirmed. Holloway recently dropped out of the race, however, her name will still appear on the ballot. Apparently, Mr. Mettler is incapable of winning on his message alone, so he must use the political strategy of adding another person with the name of Shannon to the race, in the hopes of drawing votes away from his opponent Shannon Grove. Mr. Mettler's response was not to defend his actions, but instead attempt to refocus the conversation from his highly questionable tactics to the actual leaking of the emails which broke the story. If you can't defend your actions, diversion is always a good second option.

I have been friendly with members of the Kern County Young Republicans (KCYRs) for just over a year. Since befriending those individuals, I have in turn met many more great YRs including christians, young professionals as well as upcoming community leaders. They are hard working young people who seek to advance conservative principles in Kern County, the state and across the nation. In December of 2009 an election was held within the California Young Republicans (CYRs) causing a dispute over the proper leadership of the group which has now led to arbitration. When Mr. Mettler addressed the KCYRs during their April meeting, he was made aware of the leadership dispute within the California club and asked not to accept any endorsement by the CYRs, as it was also a violation of the club’s bylaws for the state group to endorse a local candidate. Mr. Mettler, however, refused, announcing the same week, via his Facebook account, that he’d received an endorsement from the CYRs.

"The California Young Republicans have endorsed Ken Mettler, Conservative for Assembly."

When Andy Stanley, the recently elected Chairman of the CYRs questioned and attempted to correct the announcement, his comments were deleted from Ken Mettler’s Facebook page. When another Kern Young Republican asked Ken what was going on, their comments were deleted as well. The Young Republican is reporting that they were subsequently ‘unfriended’ by Ken Mettler who later went on to describe the endorsement as being from the ‘legitimate CYR group’.

The Announcement of the Improper CYR Endorsement

During his address to the Young Republicans, he was also questioned over the statement that he was ‘embarrassed’ of the Kern club (see his March 14th Facebook post).

"The GOP state convention. Lots of good work uniting volunteer groups (though opposed by a few GOP staffers from Kern Co..... embarrassing)"

No, Mettler, it's you who's embarrassing.

The "GOP staffers from Kern County" are members of the KCYRs. Mr. Mettler first denied that the comment existed, then when pressed, denied writing the comment but instead claimed was written by someone else. So concerned with this message on his Facebook wall was Mr. Mettler that he went right back to his office and took no action regarding the post. The comment was still up as of the writing of this post.

Mr. Mettler has engaged in talking out of both sides of his mouth, questionable financial dealings and questionable ethics. What does it say about a man who cannot address dissent and correction, but must instead cover them up and act as if they never happened? If this is the type of behavior that Mr. Mettler is engaging in prior to the election, just what is he going to do when he’s in office?
I do not know, nor have I ever met Shannon Grove, and I am not asking you to vote for her. You must judge her record and her actions for yourself. I am, however, asking you not to vote for Ken Mettler. California cannot abide another politician in the mold of Mr. Mettler.

Ken Mettler is one of two candidates running for California's 32nd Assembly seat. He is seen, at this point, to be the leader in the race. Since the end of March, however, several damaging stories including some of those above, have come out. Ken Mettler is a politician of the worst kind, using undue influence to sway the outcome of his political race and being caught recklessly using PAC funds. Shame on Ken Mettler, and anyone who votes for him choosing to overlook his failings.

Please take the time to comment! Click the Informed Opinion Link adjacent to the Post Title.

Stanley's Vs. Rodriguez's UPDATED

UPDATE:

The Kern County Young Republicans issued a Press Release concerning the Mettler endorsement. The applicable portion is below.

The KCYRs also contest the recent illegitimate endorsement announced by

former members of CYR, Inc. who are improperly using the CYR name and touted

by Ken Mettler, Candidate for the 32nd Assembly District. Under the bylaws
that govern the organization, local clubs are the proper organization to

issue an endorsement in a local race. Article XV A3 of the CYR, Inc bylaws
states, "...no endorsement for such local office shall be made unless a

specific endorsement is requested by Chapter in such candidate's
district..."

"The CYR, Inc bylaws are clear that they do not allow the state organization
to supersede a local club in endorsing a local candidate," said Bryan
Williams, Chairman of the Kern County Young Republicans. "At our monthly
meeting held Monday, April 19th, Mr. Mettler was directly asked not to
accept the illegitimate endorsement made by those seeking to benefit their
own political careers by attempting to harm the KCYRs directly. We continue
to ask Mr. Mettler to reject their endorsement and wait for the KCYRs to
hold a proper vote at our May 3rd endorsing convention."

It seems pretty obvious that Mettler has no desire to reject the improper endorsement. Sad for a man campaigning to change politics as usual.

---

The California Young Republicans are seeking arbitration against Jenniffer Rodriguez and the the 'former' CYR leadership.

Truth be told, I hate this subject, and I hate writing about it. The whole thing stinks and people are taking advantage of it for political gain. It's revealing things about people I thought I respected, which is, in turn, changing my opinion of them.

Wednesday evening, Ken Mettler candidate for California's 32nd Assembly race, announced an endorsement from the California Young Republicans. Knowing that the chairman position and board positions are in dispute, I found this 'endorsement' odd. I immediately brought up the two Young Republican sites for California. CYR.org is the official legacy Young Republican site. Recently, a new site CAYoungRepublicans.com opened, and claims to be the site for the CYR's.

I know some people within the California Young Republican club and have my opinions on the matter. I am, however, interested to read the findings of the arbitrator. As I've investigated this issue, I've run across a few things that should cause those interested in the dispute to wonder who legitimately has a claim to the chairmanship and board positions.

1. CYR.org has been registered to the California Young Republicans since 1996. CAYoungRepublicans.com has only been registered since January of 2010. If the CYR group, led by Andy Stanley is illigetimate, then how did they get access to the official California Young Republicans website?
   


2. If the CAYoungRepublicans.com led by Jenniffer Rodriguez is legitimate and the bylaws are on their side, why didn't they seek arbitration against Andy Stanley and the CYR.org group? Instead, Stanley's group sought arbitration against the Rodriguez group.
   


3. Why are politicians such as Ken Mettler and Steve Poizner, who are fully aware of the dispute within the organization touting endorsements from the group? As much as I have respect for the Young Republicans, until the dispute is arbitrated an endorsement from either faction is political napalm right now. If the chairmanship of the national GOP were in dispute and it had endorsed Mitt Romney, do you think he'd be touting that endorsement?
   


4. Why are news organizations reporting on the endorsements without acknowledging that the chairmanship of the organization is in dispute? If the chairmanship of the national GOP were in dispute and it had endorsed Mitt Romney, do you think the dispute would be mentioned in every news story covering the endorsement?
   


5. If the Stanley group is illegitimate, then how is it that they have the support of 5 former CYR chairmen, including Congressman Kevin McCarthy?
   


6. What do Mark and Cathy Abernathy have to do with anything? I have been accused of being a 'Abernathy flunky', what is that anyway? I've never met Mark or Cathy Abernathy, and cannot figure out what they have to do with this dispute. Why are they brought up every time someone who supports the Rodriguez group speaks out about this issue? Most all of the elected officials within the CYR groups (as far as I can tell) are employed by political organizations of some form. It makes sense that someone who is committed enough to seek a political office within a political organization would also seek to be employed in politics.
   

This whole dispute traces it's beginnings to a spat which involved former Congressman Bill Thomas. While I do not know the specifics of the disagreement, I do recognize that the next incoming group of YR's will potentially be younger than the dispute itself. Further, I would venture to guess that less than 2% of the total membership (of CYRs and YRFCs) were even involved in the group when the dispute originated. Why, then, is a political disagreement from the early 90's still an issue? Why hasn't this been resolved? Why are people who agree on limited government and conservative values fighting?

Please take the time to comment! Click the Informed Opinion Link adjacent to the Post Title.

Republic Not Dictatorship

Tonight I received a copy of the California Young Republican's by-laws. The by-laws are the governing dictates, by which the CYR members conduct their meetings, choose their leadership, open new clubs and determine what clubs are in good standing. I am reading through the by-laws currently and will post the relevant sections concerning elections, circumstances and procedure for removal of an elected official.

However, I have had opportunity to speak directly with Bryan Williams, the Chair of the Kern County Young Republicans. During our conversation, Mr. Williams discussed the current 'controversy' which is nothing of the sort.

While speaking with Mr. Williams he pointed out that all of the chartered, and in good-standing, clubs of the California Young Republicans, Inc. were represented according to proper noticing procedures laid out in the CYR by-laws. He also stated that the two clubs which are not in good standing, Silicon Valley and San Francisco, were also invited to take part, but chose not to attend. Finally, and possibly most damningly, Mr. Williams said that Jenniffer Rodriguez herself was invited to take part in the election, but chose not to attend.

Mr. Williams emphasized that the CYRs are directed by an elected board and not solely by and elected Chair.

After speaking with Mr. Williams, I discussed the goings on within the California Young Republicans with some individuals in a position to have direct knowledge. It was made clear to me that in Jenniffer Rodriguez's actions to unify the Young Republican Federation of California and the California Young Republican's, Inc. were not sanctioned by the board, and were in many cases outside of what the by-laws allowed. Ms. Rodriguez attempted to recognize Young Republican groups as voting members of the California Young Republicans, Inc. which were not chartered members and were not eligible to contribute to CYR activities and procedures. In this manner, Ms. Rodriguez hoped to create a majority of 'CYR's' which would vote in favor of uniting the YRFC's and the CYR's. It is these actions which cost Ms. Rodriguez the support of the board of directors of the California Young Republicans. It is worth pointing out that Ms. Rodriguez is not new to controversy, she and her predecessor Catherine Brinkman had a dispute which involved the CYR, Inc. website. As a result of this dispute, Ms. Brinkman held onto the website and ultimately passed control of it to Ms. Rodriguez's successor, Andy Stanley.

The bottom line is that Ms. Rodriguez was operating outside the CYR by-laws and the CYR's had no recourse but to remove her from her position. As I stated at the opener, I am reading through the CYR by-laws and will report what I find. If the CYR's operated outside of their by-laws, I will report it, right here.

Please take the time to comment!

Hate To Do This...

After stating that I would never, ever post at Bakersfield.com, I have started a blog specifically to cover this local CYR issue.  The comments have been coming in, hot and heavy.  Be sure to visit and comment if you wish.  I'd love to have your support!

The blog that's getting all the attention is Who's Reporting On the Contested Young Republicans Election?

Please take the time to comment!

Awaiting A Statement From the Chair of the California Young Republicans

Be sure to read the back story, here!

Today has been an interesting day. I've learned quite a bit about local politics and the players within. After reading a simple post on a local radio personality's Facebook page, I began to fall head first into what, at least in the world of California Young Republicans, is a big story. The first link I followed was to the Young Republican National Federation statement on the California Young Republican's recent elections for state office. The statement started of well enough, but ended with a statement which seems fishy to me. The section in question is:

"We are very hopeful that this matter will not further devolve into yet another example of YRs beating each other over the head with bylaws and rules..."

Maybe I am wrong here, and feel free to correct me below, but aren't bylaws the structure in place by which the YR's govern themselves? I mean if we are to throw out the bylaws in search of an 'amicable' solution, then I declare myself Supreme Leader of the National Young Republicans, and as such will be leader for the rest of my natural born life. I further decree that I and only I have the power to appoint state party chairs. This obviously is hyperbole, but you catch my drift. Of course, I do not know what the motives of the YRNF are, nor do I claim to understand why they worded their statement in such a way, I am merely pointing out the interesting choice of words.

After reading the statement from the YRNF, I did a Google search for anything and everything I could find on the contested CYR election. Inevitably I found some very inflammatory blog posts purporting to ascribe motives for the actions of the parties involved. Even more interesting is that when I contacted several members of the CYR's and the KCYR's, I found that no one contacted them before writing about this story.

The question is then begged, who is writing about this? I'm glad you asked! Follow along.

Gretchen Wenner is a staff writer for the Bakersfield Californian and is what would be called in this day and age, a real reporter. She penned this blog post, over at the Californian, covering the happenings. Wenner quotes from the YRNF, and uses statements from Jennifer Rodriguez, the current/former CYR Chair, but has made no attempt to get a statement from any of the KCYR's she mentions by name. I thought reporters were supposed to present both sides of a story? She is also sure to include the ominous 'Abernathy link.' Abernathy, more specifically, is a gentleman by the name of Mark Abernathy who is a political consultant and has worked with several high profile local politicians. He's also linked with a former Congressman from this area, Bill Thomas, who was involved in an interparty spat nearly 15 years ago which, according to this Flash Report, caused the split of the California Young Republicans forming the secondary group the Young Republican Federation of California.

Jon Fleischman is the editor of the 'Flash Report,' a conservative website covering California Political News and the "elected Vice Chairman, South of the California Republican Party." He is also head of the Fleischman Consulting Group. Jon was affiliated with the Don Rogers group which waged a bitter war with the Bill Thomas camp for the control and direction of the YR's and CA state GOP back in the mid 1990's, see the appropriate comment by Vic Pollard at this post. Apparently, Mr. Fleischman still holds a grudge against Kern County, and the members of the KCYR's. I wont make any statements as to Mr. Fleischman's character, but you can learn more about him from his websites, which are linked, as well as the Orange Juice blog, linked here.

Bill Lind is the head coordinator of the Bakersfield/Kern County Tea Party Patriots. You can read more about Bill in this article from the Bakersfield Californian. From reading through Bill's blog postings strewn across the internet, Bill has a problem with those he deems to be 'Moderate Republicans.' He claims to be concerned with the 'self serving Kern County Young Republican Leadership' getting in the way of reuniting the two Young Republican groups within California in the interest of forming one strong conservative group of young activists. Bill points to a statement from the recently elected chair of the Young Republican Federation of California, Adam Abrahms, which states that the CYR's and the YRFC's have been in discussions to reunite the two groups. However, seemingly unable to let the past differences go, Mr. Abrahms again points out that his problem is with some 'self serving moderates' in Kern County.'  Sounds like he really is striving for reunification, no?

The Bloodhound is a blogger at Red County and has a similar disdain for those they see as moderates. The Bloodhound has gone as far as to accuse Congressman Kevin McCarthy of having been behind the recent elections, which they proclaim to be 'immature and disloyal actions.' I am not sure what the identity of The Bloodhound is, but they seem to have very similar interests and biases to those of Mr. Lind.

Okay, so now that we know who the players are on the 'media side,' let me ask some pointed questions...

• What makes the actions of these CYR's wrong? 
•  Do any of these 'media' personnel have a copy of the CYR bylaws?  If not, how do they know the actions of these clubs and members were outside of what the bylaws allowed?
• Why has no one involved in reporting on this story, other than myself, attempted to contact any members of these organizations?
• Why is there a rumor floating around within the CYR ranks that Jenniffer Rodriguez has lost the support of a vast majority of the CYR Board?  Why hasn't anyone else reported this?
• Kern, Kings, Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, Tulare and Los Angeles County clubs were all represented at the recent meeting in Sacramento; what legitimate CYR groups were not represented there?  Why?
• How many clubs and/or members must be present to have an election qualify as legitimate?
• It's been asserted that Jenniffer Rodriguez has been operating outside of the CYR bylaws.  If this is the case, what is the procedure for removal of her title and position within the CYR's?

Continue to tune in! As soon as I have statements from those involved, I will update the story.  If you have something to add, or if I am in need of correction, please feel free to notify me either through the comments below, or via email.

Please take the time to comment!

Controversy Within the Young California Republicans

Back at the beginning of December, the California Young Republicans gathered at their annual convention in Sacramento, California in order to elect their State Officers. The following YR's were elected to the following positions:

Chairman Andy Stanley (Kern County)
Executive Vice Chairman Amanda Richardson (Monterey County)
Administrative Vice Chairman Tal Eslick (Fresno County)
Treasurer Ryan Dixon (Kern County)
Secretary Scott Raab (Sacramento County)
National Committeeman Zack Scrivner (Kern County)
National Committeewoman Dana Culhane (Kern County)
Communications Director Karen Elizes (Los Angeles County)
Finance Director Joan Silva (Kings County)

There's only one problem... the Chairman from 2008-2009, Jenniffer Rodriguez, has not conceded and goes a step further stating that no election has occurred. She goes on to say that no elections are scheduled until next year. Therefore, the CYR's have two individuals, both representing themselves as the duly elected Chairman of the California Young Republicans. The Young Republican National Federation posted the following message on their website on December 8, 2009:

This morning, members of the National Committee may have received a release from Andy Stanley who has represented that on Saturday, December 5, 2009, he was duly elected Chairman of the California Young Republicans, Inc. (CYRs) at that organization's annual convention. Jenniffer Rodriguez, who prior to Saturday, was unquestionably the Chairman of the CYRs, represents that no convention, and thus no election, of the CYRs has occurred. She further represents that the duly called convention for the election of CYR officers is not scheduled until next year. Both Mr. Stanley and Ms. Rodriguez represent that different persons now hold various offices within the CYRs. In support of their own legitimacy, and the illegitimacy of the other camp, both sets of individuals maintain they have each followed the rules of the CYRs and, predictably, that the other set has not.

The fact that there are now two sets of individuals who purport to be the leaders of the CYR organization is troubling and an unnecessary distraction leading into the critically important 2010 election cycle, particularly since California will elect a Untied States Senator, a Governor, and numerous members of Congress in closely contested districts. It is an unacceptable situation which will also distract from the work of the YRNF and undoubtedly trigger countless blind carbon copy e-mails to the entire membership list of the YRNF and likely well beyond memorializing every minute detail of the dispute. It will further provide opponents of the Republican Party ample fodder to suggest that members of our party are incapable of coming together to achieve victory. The leadership of the YRNF strongly urges the CYRs to resolve this matter quickly and in accordance with its rules, the rules of the YRNF and with Californa law.

Because the legitimacy of what occurred on December 5, 2009 is in dispute, until there has been a resolution, the leadership of the CYRs as it existed prior to December 5, 2009 will continue to be recognized by the YRNF until or unless there is further action by the National Committee or until such time as the matter is resolved by the CYRs. The YRNF will continue to recognize the Chairman, National Committeeman and National Committeewoman of the CYRs as it did prior to December 5, 2009 and no changes by either alleged leadership team will be accepted. Should any of these individuals resign, their replacement on the National Committee will not be seated until the matter is resolved. Further, if this matter is not resolved by the spring, it may be impossible for the National Committee to determine whether the CYRs have submitted a full and complete state survey and ultimately compromise their charter as the recognized organization of Young Republicans in California.

We are very hopeful that this matter will not further devolve into yet another example of YRs beating each other over the head with bylaws and rules - and also that the spirit of the holiday season will encourage all sides to come together and reach an amicable resolution.

For it's part, the California Republican Party website recognizes the CYR organization and has Jenniffer Rodriguez listed as Chair. The CA GOP website also links to the CYR website which outlines the recent election of the new officers. The state party, however, has made no statement regarding the election, and contested leadership within the Young Republicans.

In my searching for information on the topic, I have found only one 'article' relating to the subject, which accuses the members of the Kern County Young Republicans of attempting to hijack the organization and consolidate control within their local chapter. One prominent politician, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, and a politically connected businessman, Mark Abernathy, are also said to be involved in the 'attempted coup.' I have personally requested a statement from three members of the KCYR's; Chairman Bryan Williams, NME Chair Andy Stanley, Vice Chair Dana Culhane, and am currently awaiting a response. I will update the blog as soon as I have more information.

Please take the time to comment!