The Butte County Republican Central Committee has taken a most admirable stance. They censure..

. personal and distasteful attacks
. being both maliciously negative and dishonest

This kind of standup integrity needs to extend into the general election and those surrogates who now applaud this move by Butte County need to have the same integrity going forward.

Lee,
Will that happen in the general? Will they censure the nominee for the same reasons?

3:8, You're tempting me now to misbehave and get tossed out of this joint.

BTW... could you give me the correct time?...my watch says it is the time for peace, but the folks here tell me my watch is messed up...

Q. Is the author of the censure, Chairman Steve Thompson, acting with the highest of standards as an unbiased, concerned party leader encouraging clean elections or does he fall into the category of CONFLICT OF INTERERST and being biased in a selective censureship, thereby abusing his authority?

Many other questions must now be raised to be fair about this highly unusual action.

Here is what we know for sure and here are legitimate questions, perhaps you could add more based on what you know, I hope so:

We know only that Steve Thompson, Chairman of the BCRP, is also employed on staff for Assemblyman Rick Keene. It was he who brought Dan Logue into the 3rd Assembly Dist. race and has been his benefactor. This gives rise to the question of bias and prejudice leading to a highly selective action.

We know only that many of the general membership of the BCRP were not consulted about this surprise action. Q. Why not? What was the reason for secrecy?

We know that Sue Horne has been under constant attack from day one in her election, but nobody was censured over it.

We know that Sue Horne raised one issue about the public action as it related to her opposition's duties as a supervisor and this issue appears to be the source of the censure, but we're not sure since no details have been forthcoming.

We know that in the censure against Sue Horne the name of Doug Ose was brought up, but Doug Ose has nothing to do with Butte Counties Congressional Representation and we are at a loss to explain why his name was mentioned by the BCRP.

Q. Why bring up the Ose name in a BCRP censure against Horne? Was it to link Sue Horne's name to the Ose's camp and thereby discredit her?

We know that in general terms Central Committees should never be used to advantage one republican side over another and that Chairmen must give wide latitude to diverse views about candidates that may be represented within their groups, lest they divide their own committee into warring factions and subvert the good order of the membership.

Q. Did Steve Thompson, abuse his authority under cover of a ruse, an alleged indignity against clean elections to discredit Sue Horne?

Q. Who signed the censure? What were their motives? Why was it done secretly and released to only a few select people? Why not send it to all members for a vote first? What was the critical urgency that prompted this risky action that could damage the campaign of Sue Horne?

Q. What are the specific charges contained in the censure? What was said by Horne that is allegedly false? Is that supportable or is it a he said, she said thing? Sue Horne has went on the record and said any issue she has raised is fully supportable and the evidence is available to anyone who wishes it.

A preponderance of evidence must be presented before we as republicans attack fellow republicans for their alleged misdeeds, especially during the heat of an election where the damage could turn an election. Prudence and fair play demands this, don't you think?

Q. We do not wish to engage in Kangaroo Court Tactics, do we? First we hang em and then we find em guilty? Therefore what we do when it deals with a censure must be iron clad and supportable.

We know what this Sue Horne censure says very little except there is a "guilty" finding. It reads like a verdict absent a complaint and a trial. Is this what is acceptable to us or should we ask for some accountability?

Be advised: I don't know either Sue Horne or Dan Logue very well, but I have seen enough dirty tricks early on in this race that it eventually compelled me to give me support to Sue Horne.

I'm therefore biased and everything I have said above must be taken in that light, however good questions should stand on their own merit and I hope fair people will now give due consideration to what I have questioned and seek honest answers. Our BCRP reputation is at stake.

I have asked Chairman Steve Thompson for further information on this censure, however as of this writing I have not received anything.

I'm very concerned by this action and I do not undertake it lightly. Our republican party is in deep trouble and I do not believe this controversy helps it any. Thank you for allowing me to post these comments.

As of 5:08 pm this date Steve Thompson's email has reached me and he was very cordial. I have advised him of the legitimate questions I have raised on this blog site and I look forward to his reply.

I must appologize for my typo errors above, however this site warned me that I better be quick or it might lock up! So I hurried along and I am also a pretty lousy typist, so there you have my FULL disclosure! lol

PS I support Tom McClintock 100%! Go Tom!!!!

Lee,
Nice! Good to know a few folks out there still know Bible passages. But there is ALSO a time for war...

I hate to be the one to point this out to Jack Lee, but Doug Ose/Tom McClintock do have representation over a portion of Butte County. One would think that a man who thought himself qualified for the state legislature would know this, but then in his own campaign literature and speeches he stated that he wanted to get rid of pensions for state legislators (already done by proposition years ago) and that education was the SECOND largest expenditure in the CA budget.

Jack is also a member of the Butte County chapter of the CRA, a CRA unit which has basically let themselves become stooge votes for David Reade. They have endorsed Jim Nielsen, Sue Horne, and originally endorsed Doug Ose when his opponent was Rico Oller (Nielsen and Horne are Reade clients while Ose gave $3600 to Nielsen). Never mind that the CRA is SUPPOSED to be the conservative conscience of the Republican Party. Never mind that Rico Oller is a solid conservative and that Doug Ose is a liberal. But then, this was the same CRA unit (under the same leadership as now) that endorsed Skip Daum over Oller years ago. Daum was the last liberal crackpot that the Butte Central Committee censured, just for the record.

Jack makes a mention that I happen to work for Rick Keene. What Jack leaves out is that I have been involved in Butte County politics for almost 18 years, and served as Vice Chair of the Committe for the last 3 and a half years. For the record, the only elections I have not participated in during those 18 years occurred when I was deployed overseas in the US Army.
Jack also forgets that 3 of the last 4 chairmen to the party were staff members of Republican legislators (Reade, Cook, Wagner).

While Jack Lee is a member (he recently rejoined) of the Butte Central Committee, he is not a member of our executive committee. On May 15th, a majority of the executive committee members voted to censure both Doug Ose and Sue Horne. By our committee's bylaws, the executive committee may act on behalf of the committee in between regular meetings, without any notice to regular members.

As stated earlier, the vote to censure Sue Horne was made because she sent out a nasty mailer that was both malicious and dishonest. She LIED about her opponent. Now Jack is concerned that we have tried Sue Horne without giving her a fair trial, but isn't that exactly what Sue Horne did to Dan Logue with her eminent domain mailer? Jack Lee's logic is strangely circular.

In closing, I do know Dan Logue and Sue Horne. I have known them both for the last 4 years or so in their capacity as County Supervisors. I have listened to the central committees in their respective counties, and having come to my own decision, I give my personal endorsement to Dan Logue. I was also a supporter of Rico Oller's and have given my full personal endorsement to Tom McClintock as well. So have Rick Keene, Sam Aanestad, and Ted Gaines. I think I'm in pretty good company.

Steve Thompson
Butte County Republican Party

I'm very disappointed that a person I have previuosly held in high esteem, Mr. Steve Thompson (BCRP Chairman) has chosen not to directly answer reasonable questions posed and instead has gone to a great deal of trouble to "shoot the messenger" or in this case the questioner.

Whatever mistakes I may or may not have made during my brief run for office is irrelevant to how this censure against Mrs. Horne came to be. So I don't even want to take the time to defend myself. However, by Mr. Thompson raising these off-base technicalities or obscure criticisms we see a tactic designed to divert you away from the real subject. That is... the who, what and why's for a censure against Mrs. Sue Horne?

If this diversion is what we have come to then most of us would conclude that Mr. Thompson now acts in a manner beneath the dignity of the office he represents. People should not fear to answer such questions, unless they have something to hide and it hurts me to even say that. But, based on Mr. Thompson's evasive conduct to date I don't know what else to think?

As a result of his hotile conduct and the nebulous nature of the censure against Mrs. Horne, I'm very concerned that Mr. Thompson has completely lost his perspective in the heat of this election.

He refuses to see how he, as a staffer for Mr. Keene, and a supporter of Mr. Logue and also being our Chairman makes for a clear conflict of interest when presiding over a censure against Mrs. Horne. Mr. Thompson is heavily involved in the promotion of Dan Logue, Mrs. Horne's opposition... how much more clear does a conflict of interest get?

The Chair of a central committee should be more neutral and above the fray testy situations that may arise in campaigns and this should be done in order to act as a peacemaker between opposing camps within our organization.

When the Chairman is one of the more vocal supporters of his own political camp and a detractor of the opposition, it can only disenfranchise the others members who share views different from his own and that can't be helpful for a productive and cohesive republican organization.

Mr. Thompson’s says I failed to mention his extensive political record, his military status, the past Chairs of the BCRP and more...which is all true, I didn't. And I also failed to mention his height, weight and color of hair, which is about as relevant.

Now let's look at what is really relevant:

Q. What specifically did Mrs. Horne say that Mr. Thompson objects too and has declared as false and malicious about his candidate Mr. Logue?

Q. What proof does he have to support the propriety of this censure?

Q. Why didn't he request an ad hoc committee to investigate since he should have known his actions on behalf of Mr. Logue would raise the question about conflict of interest?

Q. Why did he hold a secret meeting with just a few members of our Central Committee and then issue a public censure as if it came from the entire BCRP and not just 4 or 5 unnamed persons.

Q. Since Mrs. Horne has been victimized by mudslinging from day one in this race, why hasn't our Chairman looked in that if he is so concerned about false and malicious issues?

Clearly by now you can see that Mr. Thompson has gone into full attack mode, using all the tricks at his disposal. Call me naive, but I expected better from a Chairman of the BCRP and I am truly disappointed over his conduct in this matter.

This whole fiasco has been a very sad episode in the history of our BCRP and I wish it had never happened. It has detracted from our efforts to help elect good republican candidates and further it has created division and acrimony among us where none existed before.

Whether you like Mrs. Horne or not, surely you can agree that we as republicans, as central committee members, must have an honorable system of justice, where fairness and openess take precident over all other considerations?

This is all I have been asking for... and for my efforts I have Mr. Thompson attacking me now and using diversionary tactics to avoid answering legitimate questions. I hope we can resolve this soon and move on to more productive things... Like getting Tom McClintock elected!

Thank you all for indulging us...I wish it were under better circumstances and I am sure it will be, some day.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack Lee, Butte County Republican Central Committee,
former Chairman BCRP, former Vice Chairman, BCRP, former Treasurer BCRP, retired Police Detective and a military reservist still proudly serving my country and my state for two more years!

More evidence that folks are starting to see that the raced for the 4th CD is over is that we are now spending time on another contested primary in the area!

Seems that no one has shown Mr. Ose any honest polling since he just dropped in another $475,000 of his own money. Of course I am sure that his consultants have told him that the only reason they lost the other primaries to Senator McClintock was that they ran out of money early.

John

PS: I am sure they put together a GREAT pitch for that last bit of money because their commission on those expenditure will run somewhere around $80,000.

Jack,

You're not a messenger,you're an agitator. I pointed out your blundering statements to let readers here who don't know you that you have no credibility. I brought up my 18 years of service to the Republican Party to negate your nasty insinuations that I do not make my own decisions. Quite the contrary, Jack. Unlike you and your David Reade brand Kool-Aid drinking friends, I and the rest of the executives of the central committee came to our own decision to censure Doug Ose and Sue Horne.

Sue Horne viciously attacked her opponent, Dan Logue, with a mailer that was both malicious and deceitful. The Rice family, who Horne quotes, are democrats. Their own county supervisor, who also voted to extend the levees and thus use eminent domain, is a democrat. After a settlement was reached, the Rice family told the local newspaper they were satisfied. Now they show up in a nasty hit piece from Sue Horne singling out Dan Logue for the county's use of eminent domain. This is politics at its lowest and you have signed onto it.

If you and Sue Horne are really concerned, there is probably still time to go and block the work being done on Yuba County's levees. If a major storm should hit and the levees fail due to their agitation, only about 20,000 people will be under water and it will only cost the state tens of billions in damages. But what the heck, you're trying to win an election!

Frankly Jack, it is I and the rest of the central committee that is growing disgusted with your desperate tactics and constant attacks on both myself and Assemblyman Rick Keene. Your shenanigans are dishonoring our party, and your friends are making a mockery of our conservative priciples. Do yourself a favor and quit while most people still have no clue who you even are.

Steve Thompson, Chairman
Butte County Republican Party

It would be easy to yield to anger and use the same sort of personal insults to rebuke my detractor as he has done on me. However, that does not meet my standards of comportment as a member of the Butte County Central Committee.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you have been reading along here you will see a defined pattern of conduct, I've asked hard questions about a censure the suddenly appeared in the news as if it were coming from the general membership of our central committee. This censure as must surely know by now was directed at candidate Sue Horne.

In response to my questions seeking answers why this was done and what evidence there was, our Chairman, Mr. Steve Thompson, has gone to great effort to attack me and he has resorted to diversionary tactics to avoid answering the questions. People of good conscience must ask themselves, why? Why not just answer the questions? Why attack yet another good republican Mr. Chairman?

Now I would like to post the words of Steve Thompson for they betray his character and intentions. These are harsh and sometimes condescending words written malign and damage and keep in mind these are only a sampling, there is much more published elsewhere. Use your own judgement and decide is this something that should be benneath the dignity of the high office he holds as Chair for our Central Committee?

Here are Mr. Thompson’s own words:

"One would think that a man who thought himself qualified for the state legislature would know this..." (Referring to a factual error that appeared in my campaign website and was later corrected when I discovered it.)

"Jack is also a member of the Butte County chapter of the CRA, a CRA unit which has basically let themselves become stooge votes for David Reade..." (At my age and life experience, nobody gets me to be their stooge and I have had zero contact with David Reade on anything…another baseless charge designed to discredit and malign)

"Now Jack is concerned that we have tried Sue Horne without giving her a fair trial, but isn't that exactly what Sue Horne did to Dan Logue..." (This statement says more than Steve Thompson intended – see commentary below)

"You're not a messenger,you're an agitator..." (Name calling is beneath the dignity of his office)

"...your nasty insinuations..." (highly subjective and this is only in his mind)

"...your David Reade brand Kool-Aid drinking friends..." (again name calling is loathsome and David Reade has had no contact with me about anything)

"Jack, it is I and the rest of the central committee that is growing disgusted with your desperate tactics and constant attacks on both myself and Assemblyman Rick Keene.."
(Many members would not agree, perhaps we should take a polling and see?)

"your friends are making a mockery of our conservative priciples.." (I am only asking questions.)

"Do yourself a favor and quit while most people still have no clue who you even are."

Ladies and gentlemen if you were on the receiving end of such comments what would you think? I have simply raised question and asked Steve to explain. However, I want you to examine closely his own words and note that he does give us a clue about what has happened.

Here a the most telling sentence, "Now Jack is concerned that we have tried Sue Horne without giving her a fair trial, but isn't that exactly what Sue Horne did to Dan Logue..." This appears as an admission by Mr. Thompson that Sue Horne did not get a fair hearing before he issued her censure because he thinks Dan Logue was similarly treated. But, this isn't quite right either because Sue Horned did publish the details of why she had a problem with Mr. Logue and she has opened her books so anyone could see her evidence. Steve Thompson made an accusation of impropriety and found her guilty without any supportive data and the issued a censure on behalf the Butte County Central Committee as if it came from the entire central committee and not just 5 people lead to a decision by himself.

Question: How many of that 5 support Dan Logue? We don't know because this was all done in secrecy and off calendar, away from the general membership.

These are the facts ladies and gentleman. Weigh the words of Steve Thompson and my own. This should begin to shed light on what has happened regarding this censure of Mrs. Horne. Eventually the truth will come out and the wrong doers will be held accountable. For now, Mr. Thompson has pointed his finger at me and called me "an aggitator" well, if that is the price I must pay to simply ask for the truth, then it is a small price and one I gladly pay.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, I did not come here to with malice towards anyone nor with a hidden agenda, I am simply and clearly asking for fairness and justice. A fellow republican now stands accused almost exclusively by one person, Steve Thompson, who says he speaks for all republicans in the Butte County Party.

All I humbly ask is, please Mr. Chairman, present this alleged impropriety that resulted in censure in detail. Tell us all exactly where Mrs. Horne has gone wrong and then give us the facts supporting your conclusions. You raised the issue and now you must support it. That is only fair.

I am reminded now of a passage in Ephesians 4:15. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Let Him be our guiding principle and let us all strive to set the highest possible examples of good character and justice in all that we do.

Thank you and I hope this will be the last time it is necessary to respond to Mr. Thompson. The next action should be a finding of fact, not rhetoric and let truth win the day.

Jack Lee
Former Chairman BCRP

Mr. Lee,

I seriously doubt that your party chairman believes he speaks for every member of your local party, frankly that's absurd. If he isn't speaking for the majority of the party you should have no problem removing him.

I voted for Sue Horn. I don't believe Dan Logue understands the constitution. It was an easy decision. If I had it to do over again I wouldn't vote. The Horn campaign is way out of line with the smear campaign it is running.

Jack,

You're defending the indefensible. Most reasonable Republicans who received Sue Horne's nasty hit piece can and have admitted it was a sleazy, deceitful attack. Even people who voted for her.

Everyone one of my statements here has been in response to your own negative attacks against myself or other Republican leaders. Much like Sue Horne, you hit first then cry fowl when anyone hits you back. Just remember it was you who cast the first stone, and now you are upset because I lob boulders.

The Executive Committee of the Butte Central Committee speaks on behalf of the Butte Republican Party. Butte County Republicans, along with Yuba County Republicans, censured Sue Horne for her negative, dishonest mailer against Dan Logue. We as a committee took a stand against negative campaigning, a behavior that is certainly causing our party to lose votes. As a result of our action, Sue Horne is sending her thug to harrass and smear my own good name, mostly because I am the chairman of the committee. Fortunately for me, most people see through your tactics.

Jack since you didn't like me pointing out your lack of political knowledge, let's try a new contest: simple math.

You claim there are five people on the executive committee. Actually there are nine. Let me name them for you here. Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and chairs of our 5 districts. 7 of the 9 were able to make it to the executive meeting. After viewing Sue Horne's nasty hit piece, a motion was made to censure her campaign. I did not make the motion as I am the chairman. The motion was seconded and I conducted a vote. The vote was unanimous with those present to censure. I have also received the opinions of the two who were not present. One voted against and one voted for. The one who voted for the censure had the hit piece in front of him and said it disgusted him.

By my math Jack, that comes out to 8 votes in favor of censure, and 1 against. Clearly not the action of just a few members.

Jack, I have asked you to stop your harrassment of me and the rest of our committee. Since you choose not to listen, I am calling on Sue Horne to call off her attack dogs. Any further attacks from Jack Lee will be considered the actions of the Horne campaign, and will be considered a desperate attempt to silence those who would dare to question her arrogant mudslinging.

Steve Thompson
Butte County Republican Party

Thank you for your thoughts Ben. I have no way of knowing what our Chairman thinks, but I know what he has said in print and what he said was began with this title, "Butte County Republican Party Official Action. This is an action done purporting to speak for all republicans when it was only a few.

Ben, in my heart of hearts this deal is something that doesn't pass the smell test and we need to look into it. Too much prepared mud was released in ads and printed material that would lend one to think this has all been a setup planned weeks ago or longer.

Yes, I've asked a number questions and still Mr. Thompson refuses to answer them. I am also re-investigating the Horne allegation too and I hope to have answers soon.

The extraordinary pressure now being brought on me by Mr. Thompson to be silent is unprecedented and undeserved. We should all be free to ask questions and express our honest opinions without fear of being rediculed, name called or threatened.

I do not like what Mr. Thompson has said, but I would defend to my death his right to say it! (God bless America) And there is one more thing that goes with this and it is even more important for us to remember: Ephesians 4:32 said, "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

My best wishes to you all and especially to Mr. Thompson, he is in my prayers and I look forward to resolving all that stands between us.

Jack Lee

Mr. Thompson

I must say that as both a long time friend of Jack's and a strong conservative republican, I am deeply troubled by your comments toward and about Jack Lee.

I understand that this is a heated debate, and that there has been allot of innuendo in statements made between republicans, but I believe your remarks to be abusive and unwarranted.

It is absolutely astounding that you would speak with such utter condescension and arrogance.

"Do yourself a favor and quit while most people still have no clue who you even are."

Comments like this warrant an apology on your part sir.

"Jack, I have asked you to stop your harassment of me and the rest of our committee. Since you choose not to listen, I am calling on Sue Horne to call off her attack dogs. Any further attacks from Jack Lee will be considered the actions of the Horne campaign, and will be considered a desperate attempt to silence those who would dare to question her arrogant mudslinging."

As far as this comment is concerned. I have seen a great deal of "arrogant mudslinging" in your posts sir, should I conclude that any further statements by you are to be considered actions of the Logue campaign?

I would simply like to see the questions Jack brought up answered. Perhaps you will now regulate my concerns to the category of "arrogant mudslinging" or political naive, we shall see.

Either way, comments such as the ones I have seen you make here reek of desperation.

You could have put and end to all of this by simply answering the questions asked, in a professional manner. I realize that you probably didn't appreciate, what might have been construed as a shot at your integrity concerning your relationship with Rick Keene; but the question is a valid one, and deserved to be answered.

Sincerely,

Nick Freitas

Jack - resorting to scripture when you are clearly wrong is absurd.

The first step to resolution is standing down.

"The first step to resolution is standing down."

Actually, that is the first step to losing...

Aaron, I know you didn't mean it to sound that way, but take a look. And I don't see where Jack is "clearly wrong" as it pertains to the main points of his concern.

Nick,

I realize you are a friend of Jack's and it's natural for you to come to his defense. However, Jack's "questions" have in reality been a line of attacks with a political agenda behind them.

I have answered every one of Jack's questions, on this blog and on his. The fact that he has not liked the answers does not change that.

I will say it again, just to be sure, the executive committee of the Butte County Republican Central Committee voted to censure the campaigns of Sue Horne and Doug Ose for their malicious and negative campaigns. We did so legally and in accordance with our bylaws. I don't know what you think of mudslinging Nick, but a lot of republican voters are tired of it. They are ready to leave our party over it. But Jack seems to be defending it when it comes from a candidate he supports.

I will also answer, one last time. Rick Keene does not engage in quid pro quo, and Jack should apologize for insinuating that he does. Rick endorsed Dan Logue over Jack because Dan Logue was better qualified and more conservative than both Sue Horne and Jack. He also had the funds necessary to win both the primary and face the democrat in the general election. Jack has decried the need for money in campaigns, but to me money in campaigns is no more ethical/unethical than bullets in a war. Showing up to battle without your bullets is a recipe for defeat, and Jack showed up without bullets.

Nick, I'm not sure where you come from, but in my world a man is judged by the company he keeps. A couple months ago, I was alerted that an individual named Bill Cross was trying to sneak into the Butte Republican Central Committee through a write-in campaign. When I went to meet with this fellow, Jack was with him, I suppose to introduce his friend. Mr. Cross is a Ron Paul supporter, and he went on to tell me how our President can be compared to Hitler and how people with yellow ribbons are just stupid. As a veteran I was very offended by both of these comments. I have had a healthy distrust of Jack Lee's motives since then.

Jack has allied himself with a team of people who have a habit of supporting liberals over conservatives in primary elections. I consider it my duty as a conservative to root out this kind of behavior in our party. I actually did once think that if Jack got away from this crowd he might have made a good candidate for city council. The revelation of how deeply he is committed to the liberals of our party has changed my mind.

That said, any further badgering from Jack is not going to change the decision of the central committee, but will instead really only reflect on the campaign he is representing. This whole line of attack has the strong appearance of being harrassment by Sue Horne. If Sue Horne has any political hopes after this election she will call him off before he drags her down with her.

Again, I don't know you Nick. I've seen some of your posts on the blogs, and I'm sure you're a good Republican, but I've never personally seen you on the front lines of our party come election time. Your help would certainly be welcome in the trenches this fall. I actually tried to make this same offer to a John Freitas on Jack's blog, but Jack has barred me from posting there. Not exactly the action of someone who believes in free speech.

Steve Thompson
Butte County Republican Party

Mr. Thompson

I too believe that you can judge a man, in part, by the company they keep, but it is hardly the whole story.

But lets go with that...

Jack has not only been a friend of mine, he has been a mentor. And outside of my father and grandfather one of the most influential men in my life.

As a police officer, soldier, investor, farmer, political operative, etc. Jack is one of the people I hold up as being an example of manhood and honor.

For as long as I have known Jack Lee, he has been the type of person who would drop everything to help a friend. Jack is the sort of man who is genuinely principled.

If I were to hear in person the sort of things you have written to and about Jack on this site and others, I would feel compelled to ask you to step outside. I don't say this to sound tough, just to emphasize the level of injustice I feel about the matter. You being a former soldier yourself, I'm sure you understand.

This is not to say that Jack and I have agreed on everything politically, but we sure have on the vast majority of things. Jack believes as I do that Republicans should be making a more concerted effort to reach out to Libertarians. But we don't propose doing this at the peril of our own conservative values; rather it is an attempt to emphasize those common beliefs we share with libertarians, etc.

If a friend of Jacks said those things about Bush or the War, I can assure you that Jack didn't agree with them. I know because Jack has been a source of support, both through his correspondence and through organizing protests in favor of the war and the troops, as well as personally sending care packages to troops (this troop included). He did these things without anyone telling him to.

Now regardless of how this election turns out, I am saddened by the destruction that is going on in the local republican party. I have seen first hand how Logue supporters have treated those who don't feel Dan up to the job. I watched as Logue supporters on a different site, completely unprovoked, went after anyone who questioned Dan Logue, or even just supported another candidate.

In the end, Im sorry this conversation took place out in the open.

But I am completely fed up, with people treating life long, active, conservative republicans like garbage over this election.

And having followed this election for awhile, albeit from afar, I don't not think Jack is the culprit.

MAD DOG JACK

I remember back when Mr. Lee began his ill fated “campaign” for Assembly. On September 7, 2007 in a story entitled 'Independent Republican' joins race for Keene's seat - His first action in this Grass Valley Union story was to launch an attack on Congressman John Doolittle and his wife. In the same interview, he went on to attack the Butte County Republican Party stating “…he quit the committee because it felt "like a good ol' boys club." In the interview he described himself as an “independent Republican. He has likewise tried to cultivate the reputation of a maverick.

The story went on to relate that, “The candidate prefers a more boisterous approach - as someone who is bucking the system.”

Although I am not a regular Rush Limbaugh listener, on May 14, 2008 - I happened to hear a segment of his program that struck me as significant as I have considered the real motivations behind such actors in our party.

Limbaugh stated, “…Another word I'm tired of hearing is "maverick," "independent," when describing a Republican. So from now on when you hear the word maverick Republican or independent Republican, I want you to think of one word: selfish. Because that is who and that is what these people are. They are pandering to the elements in our society who wish the Republican Party and the conservative movement ill. They are pandering to people in the media and the Democrat Party who have not given up their task of politically decimating the Republican Party. They are joining them, whether by accident or by design.

I believe Mr. Limbaugh is exactly right and the above description defines perfectly modus operandi of would be “mavericks” like Jack Lee and his ilk.

He has demonstrated who he is by his “boisterous approach” and propensity for attacking time and again. We can hardly be surprised that he is again attacking his local Republican Party and the Chairman Mr. Thompson. This is the same tired Jack Lee we have seen time and again, critiquing, criticizing, castigating, threatening but never doing anything to advance the conservative cause. That’s not why he is here. Then when there is some push back he hides behind his friend Mr. Freitas.

Well Mr. Lee, your attacks on the Doolittles did not advance your profile, your attacks on the Republican Party to include Rick Keene did not win you the Assembly seat and your attacks on Mr. Thompson will not win you admiration. You are known for who you are and as Mr. Thompson stated the company you keep, more importantly the things you do or don’t do. I think it is safe to say that you have done is exactly lived up to the description given to us by Mr. Limbaugh. Good luck in your continued efforts on behalf of the Democrat/Libertarian Parties. You are known to us.

Steve said the CRA voted to endorse Horne. Steve Thompson lied. Thompson is a member of the CRA and knew the CRA voted not to endorse either candidate in this race. this is a matter of public record. Jack Lee asked questions about the censure how dare him! Steve said he answered the questions. i looked and he didn't. Steve lied. Steve Thompson said Jack Lee left out important details here. i didn't see that, but Steve sure left out plenty of important details. For instance Thompson failed to mention he called for the meeting and asked for a censure vote on Ose and Horne.

David Little, editor of the Enterprise Record of Chico reported on 5/21/08, and speaking about the 3rd Assembly race: "What's to blame for the nasty tone? Strangely, we believe it's mostly because of an election that's two years down the road, and another one eight years ago.

Two Assembly members from Butte County are losing their jobs this year because of term limits. Keene, R-Chico, and Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, both have their eyes on the state Senate seat held by Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, when Aanestad is termed out in two years.

People are picking sides now. Keene endorses Logue. LaMalfa endorses Horne. Whoever wins the race gets to repay the favor in two years. Keene and LaMalfa are choosing up sides in other races, too. They can't seem to agree on anything, though both are conservative Republicans. Keene likes Tom McClintock in the congressional race for John Doolittle's seat while LaMalfa endorses Doug Ose.

Keene and LaMalfa even have their influence on county supervisor races. Supporters in county Republican central committees are also choosing sides. Whenever a Republican declares for any office, they are asked, "Whose camp are you in: Keene's or LaMalfa's?"

All of those who are endorsed repay the camps with endorsements of their own.

Though it's all done with an eye on the Senate race in 2010, the roots stretch back to a state Senate race in 2000. Chico's Bernie Richter was running against another Assembly member, Rico Oller.

Keene endorsed the more conservative Oller and has been on the outs with the Richter camp ever since. The Richter camp included Jim Nielsen, who's running to replace LaMalfa and is endorsed by him; Richter's son-in-law David Reade; and Richter staff member Sue Horne.

Reade lost an Assembly race to Aanestad in 1998 and they've been in opposite camps ever since. That election ended Reade's political career but he has become a noted, sometimes nasty political operative. He helped LaMalfa win an Assembly seat in 2002 and became his chief of staff.

Logue brought up Reade's name at Monday's candidates forum. He said a Horne mailer was full of lies and called it "a David Reade smack in the face."

So there you have it. It's all messy insider politics — fascinating to those who know the players and distasteful to those who don't."

Steve, I wonder if you think this newspaper editor was attacking Rick Keene?

Next and here are the words of Steve Thompson,... "Butte County chapter of the CRA, a CRA unit which has basically let themselves become stooge votes for David Reade. They have endorsed Jim Nielsen, Sue Horne and..."

Steve, yes our Butte County CRA unit [did endorse Sue Horne], but we never heard from David Reade, he never spoke to us, he never advised us about anything and most of our members have not even met David Reade, so am at a loss why you call us Stooges for him? That is a pretty rash accusation, even for you Steve.

The CRA as a whole did not endorse Sue nor Dan, they had a split vote. I think that part might be confusing for some people so I just wanted to clarify it.

Look Steve, the time has arrived (overdue) that for reasons of mutual concern for our party that we should stand down. I will make you an offer. Let's stop this right here once and for all, shall we?

Jack and "Angry Voter" -

You are both embarrasing the CRA with your actions / words.

1. The CRA was not able to endorse because the Butte CRA is on a blood feud against Rick Keene - since Logue is supported buy Keene, he inherited that good will.

2. The Yuba CRA is a paper club run by Sue Horne's Campaign Manager - they have not held meetings since chartered and do not cash the dues checks of would-be members. I have proof of both such charges as I am a state officer in the CRA.

3. The Yuba and Butte clubs teamed up to nullify the Placer and Nevada Club 2-2 (or 6 delegates to 6) at the 3rd AD endorsing convention.

I was at that endorsing convention when two other paper CRA units chartered by David Reade sent a bunch of capitol staff (who were paid members into those clubs) to endorse Jim Nielsen - a liberal whose campaign reports read like a who's who of labor unions.

Nielsen will embarrass the CRA - I will gladly eat these words if he lives up to his talk. His record suggests that he is a sellout along the Johannesen-Dickerson lines.

I have been in the CRA longer than anyone in this discussion except for Pete Weber. One of the first things that the Webers told me is that they have a healthy disdain for Rick Keene. That is common knowledge.

Jack and "Angry" - I was in the room when Butte's delegation stood for Doug Ose. That was Pete and Lee Weber. They later told me it is because Rico Oller - then the conservative 4th CD Candidate is a bad bad person. (Their words)

The Butte CRA stood up for Sue Horne and Doug Ose because Rick Keene and Rico Oller are "Bad People".

The other anon commenter "Punisher" is correct when they wrote that Jack Lee kicked off his assembly campaign taking a nice shot at Doolittle.

That is all history - where we are at now is this:

The Butte CRA is at odds with the Butte Central Committee.

The Butte CRA stood with Sue Horne - I was there, I saw it.

The Butte CRA is 100% anti Rick Keene or anything he is close to.

The Butte CRA stood with Millionaire Liberal Congressman Doug Ose before switching to McClintock. Again because of Rico's personality not principle.

As the state CRA Sgt. at Arms, I can say that in my almost 6 years of service, I have refereed too damn many in-fights.

When personalities trump principles - it creates division. Only a return to real Conservative principles will solve the problem.

This gets us to the Butte Central Committee - Sue Horne LIED OUTRIGHT in her mailer. Lying is not a Conservative value.

Liberals like Ose lie to try and deceive voters into thinking that they are something they are not. Horne is down by double-digits and needed to throw a haymaker punch.

David Reade is still calling the shots for Horne - leave no doubt and Mr. Reade is no stranger to character assassination.

The Butte Central Committee should have censured Strycnine Johnson and Kool-Aid Clark and initiated the first annual David Reade political communication award for excellence in slime.

The Butte Central Committee showed extraordinary courage.

The Butte CRA should take some pause before doing anything rash. The CRA itself is on the sidelines of this race in the 3rd AD and should stay out.

The 125-Member Placer CRA has sat out thus far. The McClintock V Ose race makes the 3rd AD seem like romper room.

BTW - If Dan Logue Lied about Squishy Suzy, then Censure his ass too!

I can't wait for the next mailer from the mind of David Reade - Dan Logue strangled rabbits as a teenager, or Sue Horne - Courage in action...

Kinda like Ose - Tax Fighter and defender of our borders... WTH!!!

Be careful Butte CRA - please be careful...

Jack,

I have no quarrel with the local press. While the media often gets it wrong when reporting on Republican issues, David Little has always treated us fairly. Besides I have to like a guy who trespasses onto public land that was sealed off by liberal whackos so that he can play frisbee golf. He also pointed out a great fact in that editorial: Rick Keene endorsed Tom McClintock and Doug LaMalfa endorsed Doug Ose. That fact alone makes me proud to be on team Keene.

BTW Jack, I don't recall David Little's name in the byline for that editorial. Did I miss that or do you have some inside source I don't know about?

I want to thank Aaron and Jack for exposing Angry Voter for the liar he/she is. It seems the liberals on this site always cower in the shadows and comment anonymously. I am proud to have taken a stand here for my principles and my party. It's possibly angered the majority of my committee, but if my next meeting is my last I'll leave knowing my actions have exposed the RINO's in our backyard.

Gentlemen, as this is memorial day weekend I propose that we give these postings a rest. Let's honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country this weekend, and take some time to enjoy the benefits of this great nation so many have fought for.

Steve Thompson
Butte County Republican Party