My good friend from the two Tim Escobar campaigns, John Stammreich, who is Chairman of the 54th AD Central Committee has written this concerning the upcoming April 2008, Long Beach Unified School District elections.

"I wanted to give a quick snapshot of the one race where Republicans actually filed. Incumbent LBUSD board member Jon Meyer is being challenged by fellow Republican Karen Hilburn, liberal Democrat lawyer and TALB (LB teacher's union) supporter Paul Crost and Linda Sanchez Democrat congressional aide Patrick Rodriguez. The primary concern for this race, which was very openly discussed at last night's event, was that Republicans would split our voter base, likely allowing the TALB loyalist to take the seat. Both Republicans in this race bring strong credentials to their campaigns, but we must do everything we can to not turn over this seat, the only Republican opportunity in April's election. This is where the local Republican Central Committee must step up and do its job...even if a few Republicans do not agree. Our committee will be listening to both candidates and evaluating both their platform & their strength to win the seat. We will discuss and debate who should be recommended for endorsement to the county party executive committee. Republicans are always encouraged to support whichever candidate they feel they want to support, but we also want to ensure we hold this important seat.

As for the other two races, I will evaluate each in a future post and give a recommendation regarding which candidate would do more to promote our principles and values, and possibly be a coalition builder with us on future races, including the assembly race later this year. I believe each race offers such an opportunity. However, I would much rather prefer to have encouraged fellow Republicans that live in and understand these Long Beach districts. But building networks and foundations like that take time; we'll have to continue working within these districts to promote the party principles and how their implementation helps residents of all income levels."

For more information on the Avalon City Council, Long Beach City Council, Long Beach Unified School District, and Long Beach Community College elections for this April go to his blog at: 
http://repubclub54.blogspot.com/