Here is the posting Senator Jim Battin made yesterday on the Flash Report detailing his reasons for endorsing Russ Bogh to succeed him in the State Senate, rather than remaining neutral in this crucial Republican Primary Election.

Flash Report: "I'm Voting For Russ Bogh For Senate...(my seat) by Senator Jim Battin.

I have had the great privilege of representing Riverside County for 14 years - first in the Assembly and now in the Senate.

I just can't express here well enough how honored and grateful I am to have had the opportunity to serve the people of the 37th Senate District.  It's been a once in a lifetime job - and I'm glad I had the opportunity to be involved.

I take my job and my political beliefs very seriously and I thought long and hard before I endorsed in my Senate seat.  

After all, I am a voter in SD 37 and I want a conservative Republican I can always count on to represent me in the Senate.  Someone I can trust to do the right thing.

Russ Bogh is that man.

Yesterday, I stood with Russ and endorsed him for my seat.  I'm very comfortable with my decision and know he'll do a great job.  Russ is a steady, solid conservative vote.

Here's my statement we gave to the press:

"I love Riverside County, and have been extraordinarily privileged to serve the constituents of the 37^th Senate District for a long, long time. 

 

The voters of have confirmed with me time and time again that what they want is a state government that is fiscally responsible - that doesn't spend more than what it can afford. They don't want to pay higher taxes due to the bad judgment of legislative spending excesses. They want their children to be safe and they want them to get a good education. They want criminals to be punished -   they do not want a revolving door in our prisons, and they do NOT want felons to be released early.

 

I have spent my career fighting for those priorities. I believe the people I represent have recognized that and that is why they have continued to let me serve them. I am profoundly grateful for that support, and want to leave them with the very best that they deserve - which is why I am endorsing Russ Bogh for the 37^th Senate District.

 

Russ Bogh is a rock-solid conservative Republican with a proven record and I am proud to support him. He has consistently voted against budgets that do not reflect the priorities of our district. Sadly, there are Republicans in the legislature that have forgotten their constituents and made 'deals' that do not reflect our priorities. They have become 'Gray Davis Republicans'.

 

During his time in the Assembly, Russ wrote important laws, and authored significant legislation dealing with public safety, securing our border, lowering taxes and keeping our government accountable. Russ has also been a part of the Republican leadership in Sacramento. He was elected as Republican Caucus Chairman because he was recognized by his peers as a leader and someone they could trust to keep his word. His constituents recognized that same ethical quality in him and elected him again and again.

 

If the voters in the 37^th District want strong, conservative representation they can count on, then their best choice is Russ Bogh.

 

I am confident Russ Bogh will make a great Senator - and I'm proud to vote for him."

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And, for the record - I hate Republican Primaries.  Primaries always leave scars behind.  Friends support different candidates and get mad at each other.  Names are called.  Attacks are made.  Relationships are forever ruined.  Regretfully, this one looks to be no different.

The Primary in SD 37 has every sign of being a real barn burner - we'll remember it for a long time.

But I just can't sit on the sidelines with a wait-and-see "neutral" position as to who will succeed me and represent me in the Senate.  It's not who I am - I want a say.

Primaries are just one of those many difficult things we all have to go through to ensure our system of government is healthy and just.  (but I still hate them)

So, please join me in supporting Russ Bogh for State Senate!