Bump for good news!
We have another good conservative in this race - Senator Bill Morrow. He significantly outraised Howard in fundraising this year. It is too bad these two men are facing eachother. I am backing Morrow this time around.
Morrow officially says he'll run in 50th District
By Adam Klawonn
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
January 18, 2006
ENCINITAS – State Sen. Bill Morrow formally announced yesterday that he will run for the 50th Congressional District, touting his military background, conservative agenda and recent fundraising efforts.
The Carlsbad Republican said his campaign has already raised "a significant amount" over $200,000 and established a grass-roots steering committee of "real people committed to the conservative cause."
Some candidates and campaign observers have said that Democrats stand a chance in the race and that the district has more moderate Republicans than most people think.
But Morrow's campaign is banking on the right for victory.
"Our conservative message of fighting illegal immigration, of fighting corruption in government and eliminating wasteful spending in government is a message that fits well in this conservative, Republican district," he said.
Morrow, 51, earned a law degree from Pepperdine University and served eight years in the Marine Corps; he prosecuted crimes at Camp Pendleton.
He has served in the state Legislature since 1992 and represents the 38th Senate District, which stretches from Del Mar north along the coast to San Juan Capistrano and inland to Escondido.
He is one of 10 people running to replace Cunningham, who resigned in November after admitting to bribery and tax evasion in connection with defense contractor dealings.
By then, Morrow had already jumped into the race. He told reporters of his intentions in August during a forum he organized at Carlsbad High School on illegal immigration.
He said he supports having more security forces at the U.S.-Mexico border, a larger fence there, and a guest worker program that does not allow amnesty. He also supports the war in Iraq, and drilling for oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Morrow said he is for spending more money on street improvements to cut down on traffic in the 50th District, which runs from La Jolla and Clairemont Mesa north to Carlsbad and inland to Escondido.
Morrow will run against at least seven other Republicans: former Rep. Brian Bilbray of Carlsbad; former Del Mar Mayor Richard Earnest; former state Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian of San Marcos; businessmen Ken King of Rancho Santa Fe and Alan Uke of Del Mar; California Highway Patrol Sgt. Jeff Newsome of Big Bear; and former Chargers defensive back Scott Turner of Encinitas.
The race includes two Democrats so far: Cardiff school board member Francine Busby and Chris Young, a law student and former bank officer from Oceanside.
The special primary election to complete Cunningham's term will be held April 11. If no one wins 50 percent of the vote, a runoff will be held June 6, pitting the top vote-getter from each party.
The regular election for the seat is scheduled for Nov. 7.