During the special election to fill Randy "Duke" Cunningham's seat after he was thrown in the slammer for bribery and corruption, there were questions about Brian Bilbray's eligibility to run in California's 50th District -- but he signed all the papers anyhow. It looks like Bilbray's lust for power has made him the target of a Grand Jury investigation.
"He comes here occasionally to see his mother like boys will do, but he doesn't live here," said neighbor Frank Knudsen. "If he does live here, he must leave late at night and come back early in the morning," said neighbor Bill Rider. "Another man, who lives right next door, said he wondered when people would catch on that Bilbray does not live here." That's what San Diego News 10 reporters heard when they
visited the neighborhood in which Brian Bilbray claimed residence earlier this year, prompting allegations of perjury and voter fraud.
Now, the San Diego County Democratic Party has it on good authority that Brian Bilbray is under investigation by the San Diego District Attorney's Office.
Months after our inquiry into apparently illegal claims of residency by Rep. Brian Bilbray, the San Diego County Democratic Party has continued to call for answers and accountability from the Congressman who took office in June.
We've recently heard reports that the San Diego District Attorney's Office has impaneled a Grand Jury to investigate our complaint.
Days after the Randy "Duke" Cunningham bribery scandal broke, Brian Bilbray flew from Virginia to establish himself as a candidate in California's 50th District, registering to vote in California on June 21st, 2005.
A few weeks later, on August 5th, 2005, Brian Bilbray signed a new Deed of Trust for his Virginia home at 8913 Linton Lane, Alexandria, Virginia, in which he agreed "to occupy the Property as [his] principal residence for at least one year after the date of occupancy."
Then, in December of 2005, Brian Bilbray filed a lawsuit against the state of California to waive out-of-state college tuition fees for his children -- who testified under oath that they, along with their father, are residents of Virginia.
Finally, in February of 2006, Brian Bilbray claimed 50th District residency -- at his mother's house. In his Declaration of Candidacy Affidavit, Brian Bilbray swore that he lives at 2466 Unicorio Street in Carlsbad. The form clearly states that "This must be your residence and domicile. You may not use your business, mailing or secondary address."
During this time, Brian Bilbray also claimed property tax exemptions for his property at 1307 Ninth Avenue in Imperial Beach, and California law clearly states that "the residence subject to the homeowner's property tax exemption is that person's domicile."
So, either Brian Bilbray is a resident of Virginia or a resident of Imperial Beach. Either way, he's certainly not a resident of California's 50th District -- and therefore is ineligible to represent the district and is guilty of perjury and fraud. Here are the action items from the San Diego County Democratic Party:
With Bilbray up for re-election on November 7, we believe voters should know the truth about his maneuvering to replace the criminally corrupt "Duke" Cunningham in the 50th Congressional District. Therefore, we call on our supporters to take action:
(1) Contact the DA's Office at (619) 531-4051 and demand that more information be made public about this investigation, which is officially described only as "ongoing."
(2) Contact Brian Bilbray's district office at (760) 737-8438 or his campaign at (858) 457-5500 and demand that he legally support his various claims of residency or resign his seat.