Villines, 36, cast himself as a family man and fiscal conservative with a resume forged from the political and business worlds.

"I will stand for limited government, not the growth of government, which is what's been occurring [in Sacramento]," he said.

Samuelian Loses Support

Steve Samuelian's recent troubles prompted local Republican leaders to throw their political weight behind a different party member for Samuelian's seat.

It is an unprecedented move. Local Republican leaders have never endorsed a candidate before a primary. But, they felt the trust and working relationship in the 29th district has been shattered and say they want a positive candidate they can support.

Republican leaders gathered early Thursday to make a staggering announcement. Instead of endorsing the traditional incumbent, in this case Steve Samuelian, they're separating themselves and pushing a new candidate to take his place, Michael Villines.

Villines explained why he is running, "I'm running because I think the trust has been broken in our district. I think when the trust is broken, the effectiveness is broken."

Jane Parsons chairs Fresno's Republican Party and says this decision has nothing to do with Samuelian's run-in with the law, when he was stopped on suspicion of loitering with the intent of soliciting a prostitute, but never charged.

Instead, Parsons says it's about Samuelian's character, "This is not a vengeful act that we did. This is to have good solid representation in the 29th."

Villines is not a household name, but already has experience in the 29th. He served as chief of staff for former assemblyman Chuck Poochigian. Now, he's an owner and vice president at a Fresno-based marketing firm.

Villines says if Samuelian hadn't had his problems, he might not have entered this race. But now, the timing couldn't be better, "I think I'm in a good position to win."

If it seems early to start a campaign, it is. The republicans want someone in there now, to get known, raise money, and be recognized — and that takes time.

Steve Samuelian is doing a great job in Sacto. Dave Cox issued a statement yesterday in support of Samuelian. This is all about a bunch of ego maniacal (sp?) creeps in the Valley who have a grudge and a chip. Sheeeeesh. It is interesting that at the very time Dean Gardner was having a news conference in Bakersfield yesterday, here in Fresno, our leaders completely ignored the voter fraud issue and instead held their own news conference to announce their "pick" to challenge Samuelian in the primary. I have a funny feeling the GOP leadership in this State is not going to look very kindly on these actions by a few holier-than-thou out-of-control creeps. LOL!!!

FYI. This just in from Dave Cox:

Assembly Republican Leader Dave Cox

For Immediate Release Contact: Peter DeMarco
June 12, 2003 (916)
804-1848

REPUBLICAN LEADER DAVE COX ISSUES STATEMENT
ON CHALLENGERS TO ASSEMBLYMAN SAMUELIAN

"The Assembly Republican Caucus stands firmly behind Assemblyman Steve
Samuelian, and will work hard to help him win re-election so he can continue
to serve the people of the 29th Assembly District and the State of
California. The last thing our party needs is a contested primary election
in a Republican district that will serve only to waste precious Republican
resources which should be used to re-elect President Bush, and elect more
Republicans to the State Legislature."

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