Has SAG Card

The Santa Barbara Republican Central Committee has endorsed Christopher Mitchum over Abel Maldonado – C. Mitchum, son of late actor Robert Mitchum, has acted in 58 movies, written script , been associate director for a movie, made eight appearances as himself, and never held public office . He moved here in 1984.

Abel Maldonado, son of a field hand, has been Santa Maria City Council member, Santa Maria mayor, state assemblyman, state senator, and had executive experience as lieutenant governor, all under the Republican banner. He has never made a movie.

He was born here and always resided here so he knows the territory.

Why the choice? C. Mitchum, writes a good script, can remember his lines, quotes Reagan chapter and verse, and has a SAG card. What has he done to warrant being a congressman? Mr. Smith Goes to Washington only works in the movies.

Abel is recognized by the National Republican Congressional Committee, by many national, state and local Republicans, and independents. He is experienced at the executive level and even as the freshman congressman will be able to hit the ground working.

When I observe all the local informed Republican heavies endorsing and raising funds for Abel, I believe SBRCC is out of sync. I do note that the San Luis Obispo and Ventura Republican Committees, the state Republican Party, and the Santa Barbara Tea Party and Cullpepper Society opt not to endorse either candidate; and SBRCC should have done the same.