Finally!
Elton Gallegly is retiring from Congress. The useless backbencher representing, badly, most of inland Ventura County won't seek reelection in 2012. He had represented the 24th district, but it's now the 26th district. Gallegly is best known for three things: (a) immigrant-bashing, including serial bills to repeal the Fourteenth Amendment and declare that children of immigrants born in America are not Americans; (b) to his credit, opposing animal cruelty; and (c) utter indifference to his constituents - here's my story of trying to meet with him in early December: Locked out of my Congresscritter's office. Staff cowers. Cops called. A Xmas story.
Twitter rumors have sleazy Republican state senator Tony Strickland, known around here as "Phony Tony," announcing shortly. On the Democratic side, five challengers have announced, including county supervisor Steve Bennett and Moorpark councilmember David Pollock. Redistricting has drawn the seat far bluer than it had been in the past, so that it's now a very, very competitive seat and a chance for a Democratic pickup.