12

Click here to load reader

2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

It could be one of the biggest political intelligence coups of the 2012 battle to control Congress. Media Trackers, a conservative investigative watchdog group, discovered nearly three-dozen Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee opposition research notebooks – extensive secretive manuals outlining anything that could be used against a political opponent. Several news outlets have reported that some of the files have been quietly published on the DCCC’s website to facilitate their use by independent expenditure groups. On Thursday, however, Media Trackers published a dozen opposition research books that Democrats have so far managed to keep secret.

Citation preview

Page 1: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

Gary DeLong Budget Issues ............................................................................................... 2  

Business and Consumer Issues .................................................................... 3  

Campaign Finance Issues ............................................................................. 3  

Choice Issues ............................................................................................... 4  

Crime & Public Safety Issues ...................................................................... 4  

Economic and Financial Issues .................................................................... 5  

Education Issues .......................................................................................... 5  

Energy Issues ............................................................................................... 5  

Environmental Issues ................................................................................... 5  

Ethics Issues ................................................................................................. 6  

Foreign Policy Issues – Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea .................... 7  

Gay and Lesbian Issues ................................................................................ 7  

Gun Issues .................................................................................................... 7  

Health Care Issues ....................................................................................... 8  

Housing Issues ............................................................................................. 8  

Immigration and Border Issues .................................................................... 8  

Israel ............................................................................................................. 8  

Labor and Working Family Issues ............................................................... 8  

Other Social Issues ....................................................................................... 8  

Senior Issues .............................................................................................. 10  

Stem Cells .................................................................................................. 11  

Tax Issues .................................................................................................. 11  

Tea Party .................................................................................................... 11  

Transportation Issues ................................................................................. 11   Bio Issues Listed Political Memberships

Page 2: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

2

In 2012, DeLong’s biography listed that he was a member of the Long Beach City Council, Chair of the City’s Budget Oversight Committee and Federal Legislation Committee, as well as Chairman of the Alameda Corridor Transit Authority and the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority. Gary also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Board of Governors for the Long Beach City College Foundation. [Orange County Breeze, 4/4/12] DeLong was President of the RTP Group In February 2012, it was reported that DeLong was president of The RTP Group, a Southern California based telecommunications company. [Orange County Breeze, 2/23/12] DeLong was a Third Generation Southern Californian; Resided in Long Beach In February 2012, it was reported that Gary DeLong was a third generation Southern Californian who has lived in the Long Beach area for over 25 years. DeLong resided in Long Beach with his wife Dawna and daughters Danielle, Elizabeth and Katie. [Orange County Breeze, 2/23/12] Budget Issues Said He Would Reign in Federal Spending In 2012, DeLong said he would reign in federal spending. He said spending in Washington that has doubled the budget in 10 years, covering two administrations and several changes in leadership in Congress. “You can't blame the other party,” said DeLong. [Contra Costa Times, 3/28/12] Measure to Force People Like DeLong to Pay for Special Election Withdrawn from City Council In 2012, a measure to force city officials to pay for the special election to choose their replacement was withdrawn from the City Council. In DeLong were to win in November there would be a special election. [Gazettes, 4/19/12] Opposed Putting Tax Increase on Ballot – Backed Privatizing City Services In 2012, DeLong said he was opposed to any tax increases in when the possibility of the Long Beach City Council agreeing to put a tax measure on the ballot for the November 6 general election arose. Councilmember DeLong supported the possibility of the city privatizing or contracting out some city services, which he said could save the city “tens of millions of dollars.” He added, “I’m opposed to any tax increases until we get our city government more efficient. We’ve made some great strides, but there’s a long way to go.” [Long Beach Business Journal, 4/24/12] Talked About Balancing Budget In 2012, DeLong talked about the need to balance the budget and to cut the cost of government. [lbreport.com, 4/2/12]

Page 3: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

3

Advocated for Layoffs or Reduction in Services Due to Long Beach Budget Shortfall In response to news in 2012, that the California Public Employee Retirement System downgraded the annual rate of return for investments, which would cost the City of Long Beach millions of dollars. DeLong advocated for budget cuts. DeLong said with labor costs accounting for about 85 percent of Long Beach’s overall budget the only options to reduce costs may be to enact layoffs, pay cuts, reduce services or start outsourcing work. “When you hear these numbers, it means that we’re going to have to be more aggressive than we’ve ever been at trying to reduce our labor costs,” he said. [Long Beach Business Journal, 4/10/12] Business and Consumer Issues Said There was a Role to Play for Government in Business In 2012, DeLong said there was a role to play for government in business– then said removing regulations was the way to grow businesses and the economy. “[C]ertainly there’s a role for government to play,” DeLong said, offering Redevelopment as an example. “But, as I talk to business owners and people that are working for small businesses throughout the district, what I’m not hearing is, ‘You know, if I had one more government program, that’s how I would grow my business.’” [lbpost.com, 4/2/12] Campaign Finance Issues DeLong Had Fundraising Lead in House Race In 2012, DeLong had a fundraising lead in the 8-way race for the seat in the House. DeLong built the largest war chest – $413,000 – double the size of the next highest fundraiser, Democratic opponent Alan Lowenthal, according to the latest figures. [Belmontshore Patch, 4/13/12] February 27, 2012: Listed DC Event Expense On February 27, 2012, DeLong listed that he made a disbursement to the Retail PAC in Washington DC. He listed the $79.71 expense as “event costs.” [Friends of Gary DeLong, April Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 4/13/12] DeLong’s Company Gave to Chamber PAC In 2012, DeLong’s company T Management Services gave $5,000 to the Chamber PAC. When asked about the contribution DeLong said “I support the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce’s pro-business policies and my company made a single contribution to their all purpose PAC that supports local school board, city council and state candidates. The contribution is not directed toward any individual candidate.”

Page 4: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

4

He went on to say “I believe it is essential that more people are elected to public office who understand how the private sector works and will create policies to support economic growth.” [lbreport.com, 4/2/12] DeLong was Agent for T Management Services, Inc.

In 2012, the California Secretary of State listed T Management Services, Inc. and DeLong as the agent for service of process. The entity number was C3332870, filed 11/8/10. The entity address was 5100 E Anaheim Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815. [California Secretary of State, T Management Services, Inc., accessed 4/11/12]

DeLong Received Donation from Valero Energy Corporation’s PAC In 2012, it was reported that in the fourth quarter of 2011, DeLong’s campaign received a $1,000 donation from Valero Energy Corporation’s political action committee. [Orange County Breeze, 2/2/12] DeLong Reported Second-Largest Total Campaign Donations After Fourth Quarter of 2011 In 2012, it was reported that, after the fourth quarter of 2011, Long Beach Councilman Gary DeLong had the second largest total campaign donations, after Troy Edgar. Close to $408,000 in contributions came from individuals, and almost sixty individuals gave the maximum $2,500. [Orange County Breeze, 2/2/12] Choice Issues Crime & Public Safety Issues DeLong Accused of Failing to Provide Adequate Police – Voted to Cut 150 Sworn Police Officer Positions In 2012, Kuykendall accused DeLong of failing to provide Long Beach with adequate police to keep Long Beach neighborhoods safe. LBReport.com reported in Sept. 2009 and Sept. 2010 budget votes Councilman DeLong voted to balance LB City Hall’s budgets in part by cutting 140 sworn police officer positions (Council vote 9-0); in September 2011, he voted to cut another roughly 10 officers (Council vote 6-3, Schipske, Gabelich, Neal dissenting). Long Beach provided a per capita police level roughly equivalent to Los Angeles cutting over 25% of its police officers. [lbreport.com, 3/12/12] Kuykendall Criticized DeLong for a Lack of Leadership on Growing Crime Rate   In 2012, Kuykendall criticized DeLong for a lack of leadership on addressing Long Beach’s growing crime rate. Kuykendall said that as Chairman of the Oversight Committee, DeLong should have seen the direct connection cutting 150 sworn police officers positions would have on the crime rate. He attacked DeLong for leaving the door open raising taxes “Making matters worse, after the mistake of not dealing early with the growing crime rate, Councilman DeLong proposed a solution to the problem –– raise taxes. Incredibly, Councilman DeLong voted to have city management present ‘revenue raising options.’” [Kuykendall for Congress, 3/19/12]

Page 5: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

5

Editorial: DeLong Needed to Explain Why He Couldn’t Deliver on Police Protection for City In 2012, the Long Beach Report editorial board wrote that DeLong needed to explain why he could not deliver on police protection for the city. The paper questioned why the second largest city in LA County was “unable to provide its taxpayers with police… L.A. County’s largest city, Los Angeles, and one of its smallest, Signal Hill, both manage to deliver significantly higher per capita police levels and still provide basic core services. So do most OC cities.” The paper said Long Beach City Hall left residents and businesses with a lower per capital police level “for citywide deployment roughly equivalent to cutting Los Angeles’ police level by over 25% of its officers.” The paper went on to write “why is Long Beach City Hall unable to deliver police levels that other cities do without collapsing their core services?” [Editorial, Long Beach Report, 3/14/12] DeLong Voted to Enact Ban on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries – with the Exception of a Six Month Exemption for 18 In February 2012, Councilmember DeLong voted to enact a ban on medicinal-marijuana dispensaries, effective immediately — with the exception of a six-month exemption for 18 (the number was in dispute) dispensaries that have been seen by the City as complying with the terms of the City's Pack-decimated ordinance. [Long Beach Post, 2/15/12] Economic and Financial Issues Didn’t Take a Position on the Bailout of General Motors In 2012 on the bailout of general motors DeLong didn’t take a position. DeLong said “On one hand, the government shouldn't be helping bad businesses,” he said. “On the other, it was a good investment in the country and the economy.” [Orange County Registrar, 3/23/12] Focused on Economy In 2012, DeLong appeared at a forum sponsored by the Cypress College and the Cypress Chamber of Commerce and talked about the economy. He said his primary focus was to create economic opportunities by helping small businesses, and that this strategy would have a watershed effect on the rest of society, including the students and their burgeoning debts. [Orange County Breeze, 4/19/12] Education Issues Energy Issues Environmental Issues

Page 6: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

6

Introduced Legislation Allowing Pets onto Restaurant Patios In 2012, DeLong introduced legislation to give restaurants the ability to allow pet dogs to accompany their owners dining on restaurant outdoor patios. [Long Beach Post, 4/18/12] Ethics Issues DeLong Endorsed by Knabe Who Skirted Conflict of Interest Rules with Lobbyist Son In 2012, it was reported that DeLong was endorsed by Congressman Ed Royce and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. [Orange County Breeze, 4/19/12]

Los Angeles Times Editorial Said Knabe Skirted Conflict of Interest Rules with Lobbyist Son

An editorial in the Los Angeles Times accused Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe of not thinking it was a big deal to take action on matters that could benefit the clients of his lobbyist son Matt Knabe.

The editorial read, “Neither the supervisor nor his lobbyist son makes any apologies for those issues; each says he is merely doing his job.”

Knabe abused the conflict of interest definition by voting on his son’s projects because his son was grown and out of the house. “That's precisely the sort of legalism that infuriates those who butt heads with City Hall (or the county).” [Editorial, Los Angeles Times, 1/14/11]

Times: Knabes' Arrangement Trampled the County Lobbying Rules The Los Angeles Times reported that the counties lobbying rules prohibit lobbyists from actions “with the purpose of placing any county official under personal obligation to the county lobbyist.” The paper said the Knabes' arrangement seemed to trample that provision saying “Could there be a more personal obligation than that of a father to a son?” [Los Angeles Times, 1/4/11]

Don Knabe’s Lobbyist Son Lobbied His Father’s Colleagues and Subordinates

As Los Angeles County supervisor, Don Knabe oversaw county business and policies and his son, Matt Knabe lobbied the Board of Supervisors. The Los Angeles Times reported “Matt Knabe could represent only clients with business outside the county, but he instead chooses to lobby his father's colleagues and subordinates.” [Los Angeles Times, 1/4/11]

Matt Knabe Represented a Rave Operator; Don Knabe Took a Vote on Allowing Raves to Continue

Matt Knabe represented a rave operator. Don Knabe served on the Coliseum Commission, which considered whether to stop the operator from holding raves, Don voted to allow raves to continue. [Los Angeles Times, 1/4/11]

Page 7: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

7

Matt Knabe Represented IBM; Don Knabe Made Sure the Full Contract Would Be Put Out to Bid – IBM was to Bid

In 2011, Matt also represented IBM. When the supervisors recently reviewed a data-mining contract, Don pulled it off the consent agenda to make sure that once a pilot project was completed, the full contract would be put out to bid. Among the potential bidders: IBM. [Los Angeles Times, 1/4/11]

Matt Knabe Represented Lifeguards Paid By the County; Don Knabe Approved Contracts for Lifeguards

Matt represents lifeguards who are paid by the county; Don's district includes miles of beaches patrolled by those same lifeguards, and he approves their contracts. [Los Angeles Times, 1/4/11] Knabe’s Son Lobbied On Behalf Of The Agua Dulce Airpark And County Lifeguards Who Both Had Issues Before County Matt Knabe lobbied for Agua Dulce Airpark, which sought to keep a county land-use permit and the county lifeguards. Both groups had issues before the county for approval. [Los Angeles Times, 2/13/06]

Don Knabe Found No Conflict with His Son’s Lobbying Activities

The Los Angeles Times reported “Don Knabe says there is nothing wrong with any of that.” He said “It really doesn't create a conflict,” and went on to say “He doesn't lobby me.” [Los Angeles Times, 1/4/11]

Don Knabe’s Son Said He Didn’t Lobby His Father Much

Don Knabe’s lobbyist son said he didn’t lobby his father much. “Primarily, for the most part, I don't lobby him or his office,” Matt Knabe said.

Matt Knabe went on to say if anything his father was much harder on him. [Los Angeles Times, 1/4/11]

Don Knabe’s Son, Matt Knabe Is a Registered Lobbyist with the Board of Supervisors

Board of Supervisors member Don Knabe’s son, Matt Knabe is listed as a registered lobbyist with the Board of Supervisors. He is registered with a lobbying firm called Englander Knabe Allen and Associates located at 1321 7th Street, Suite 205 in Santa Monica, CA. [Board of Supervisors, Los Angeles County, Individual Lobbyist Registered With Los Angeles County, accessed 2/8/11]

Foreign Policy Issues – Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea Gay and Lesbian Issues Gun Issues

Page 8: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

8

Health Care Issues Believed Repeal Of The Democrats' Affordable Health Care Act Would Cost Too Much In 2012, DeLong believed that the repeal of the Democrats' Affordable Health Care Act would cost too much. He said he would like to see reforms to the free-market system – without any mandatory requirements. DeLong argued that the marketplace could be made more competitive, costs could be reduced low enough to entice young people into buying insurance – yet still generate enough money to help subsidize care for the elderly – and government could increase its payments to more adequately compensate providers. [Orange County Registrar, 3/23/12] Housing Issues Immigration and Border Issues Would Like to See Illegal Immigrants Get Drivers Licenses In 2012, DeLong said he would like to see everyone be able to get drivers licenses. He also supported path to work permits for those in the country illegally – and possibly to citizenship as well. [Orange County Registrar, 3/23/12] Israel Labor and Working Family Issues Other Social Issues Political Issues Touted that He Recently Returned from Washington In March 2012, DeLong touted that he had just returned from Washington. He wrote “I just returned from spending three days in our nation’s capitol, meeting with both Republicans and Democrats, and I want both parties to work together to create real solutions for all Americans.” [Delong for Congress, press release, 3/22/12] Touted Endorsements from Los Alamitos Mayor Troy Edgar Among Others  

Page 9: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

9

In 2012, DeLong touted endorsements from Los Alamitos Mayor Troy Edgar, Mayor Pro-Tem Marilynn Poe, Councilmembers Gerri Graham-Mejia and Ken Stephens, and local business owner Dr. Marcy Zwelling. These endorsements join previous endorsements by former Governor George Deukmejian, Congressman Dan Lungren, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Congressman Ed Royce, State Board of Equalization Vice-Chair Michelle Steel, California State Senator Tom Harman, Los Angeles Country Supervisors Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe, Orange County Supervisors Pat Bates, Shawn Nelson and Janet Nguyen, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, many other local elected officials and community leaders, and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. [Orange County Breeze, 4/4/12] DeLong Touted Endorsement from California Republican Party In 2012, DeLong touted his endorsement from the California Republican Party over Steve Kuykendall, a former South Bay congressman who also represented Long Beach in the state Assembly. The race included Democrat Alan Lowenthal. Republican small business owner Sanford Kahn was also running, and frequent candidate Peter Mathews of Long Beach, a Democrat and college professor, and Democrats Usha Shah, a community volunteer, and Jay Shah. The Shahs of Long Beach are husband and wife, according to Jay Shah’s campaign website. [Press Telegram, 3/13/12] Delong Backed by Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce PACs In 2012, it was reported that the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce endorsed Gary DeLong for the 47th district. DeLong was previously endorsed by former Governor George Deukmejian, Representative Dan Lungren, Representative Ed Royce, State Board of Equalization Vice-Chair Michelle Steel and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. Chamber Chairman Joanne Davis stated, “Councilmember DeLong is the right person in the right place at the right time. Our country needs leaders like Gary who can work with people with differing views to build consensus on difficult issues. I’m confident he can bring his business skills and public service experience to improve the fiscal health of Washington.” [Long Beach Post, 1/19/12] DeLong Endorsed by Congressman Ed Royce and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher Among Others In February 2012, it was reported that DeLong was endorsed by Congressman Ed Royce and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher among others. “I am honored and humbled by the number of Orange County elected officials who support my campaign and my vision of bringing fiscal responsibility to Washington,” said Gary DeLong. [Orange County Breeze, 2/23/12] Long Beach Chamber of Commerce PAC Endorsed DeLong

Page 10: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

10

In February 2012, DeLong was endorsed by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce political action committee. A press release from DeLong’s campaign read, “The Chamber is pleased to hear that DeLong announced a plan to visit 100 Businesses in 100 Days in order to hear firsthand what he can do for small business in our nation’s capital. Furthermore, DeLong’s concern for job creation is paramount as the economic futures of tomorrow’s workforce seem bleak as current leaders continue to add to the federal deficit and “kick the can down the road,” placing the burden of balancing a budget on our children and grandchildren. [Orange County Breeze, 2/15/12] DeLong Endorsed by Several Local Elected Officials In 2012, it was reported that Gary DeLong had received endorsements from Orange County Supervisor Patricia Bates. Other endorsements included former Governor George Deukmejian, Congressman Dan Lungren, Congressman Ed Royce, California State Board of Equalization Vice-Chair Michelle Steel, Los Angeles County Supervisors Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe, Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, and Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud, among others. “Orange County needs Gary DeLong in Washington, where he will be an advocate for small businesses,” stated Orange County Supervisor Patricia Bates. ”Gary understands that when businesses are able to prosper, our community is better for it. He is a proven leader who knows how to balance budgets and create jobs.” [Everythinglongbeach.com, 2/7/12] DeLong Upgraded to “Contender” Status by NRCC In 2012, it was reported that the National Republican Congressional Committee upgraded DeLong to “contender” status in its Young Guns Program in his bid for the 47th Congressional District. “Gary DeLong’s dedication and experience enables him to advocate effectively for pro-growth policies and fight the failed status quo in Washington,” NRCC chairman, U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, said in a statement. [Press Telegram, 2/6/12] DeLong Promised to Visit 100 District-Area Businesses in 100 Days In 2012, it was reported that Gary DeLong announced his plan to visit 100 businesses in the 47th Congressional District within 100 days. Gary said he would personally meet with owners and workers, listen to their concerns and ideas, and discuss his long-term vision for economic prosperity and job creation for working families in the district. “My goal is to visit 100 businesses within 100 days because I want to hear firsthand what I can do in Washington to support America’s small businesses. No one understands what drives our economy more than small business owners, who are responsible for creating 7 million jobs over the last decade,” said Gary DeLong. [Everythinglongbeach.com, 2/7/12] Senior Issues

Page 11: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

11

Advocated for Changes to Medicare to Make More Sustainable In 2012 DeLong said he supported developing a sustainable system for Medicare over the long term for future generations. “We must work together to save Medicare, avoid disruptions in benefits for current seniors, and strengthen the program for future generations. Medicare needs a prescription to stay healthy – an Rx for a healthier Medicare.” [Delong for Congress, press release, 3/22/12] DeLong Called for Cuts to Social Security and Medicare In 2012, it was reported that “DeLong also called for business tax cuts and cuts to Social Security and Medicare.” “I think everything needs to be on the table,” he said. “What we really need to do is get government’s feet off the neck of the private sector.” [Belmont Shore Patch, 2/24/12] Stem Cells Tax Issues Attacked Lowenthal for Supporting Governor’s Tax Initiative in November In 2012, DeLong attacked Lowenthal for supporting governor’s tax initiative in November. He said he opposed raising taxes. He claimed that during Lowenthal’s tenure state government had increased and the state spent more in incarcerating than educating. [Delong for Congress, press release, 4/23/12] Talked About Tax Increases Being Wrong Way In 2012, DeLong talked about ax increases being the wrong way turn the economy around. [lbreport.com, 4/2/12] Tea Party Transportation Issues

Page 12: 2012 Democratic Party Opposition Research File for Gary DeLong (CA-47)

12