By Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 02/02/2012 05:36:15 PM PST
Fundraising data for Rep. David Dreier, D-San Dimas, from the last quarter of last year suggests he’s likely to retire this year, according to local political experts.
The Federal Election Commission database reports Dreier collected only $10,160 in campaign contributions in the period from October to December. The figure is paltry compared with the $207,450 received in the same period in 2003, and the $137,600 in 2009.
By comparison, fourth-quarter contribution figures for other Inland Empire politicians show much larger campaign funds. Rep. Joe Baca, D-San Bernardino, received $138,039; Rep. Gary Miller, R-Brea, $122,933; and $53,159 for Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, who is not running for re-election. State Sen.
Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Montclair, who is running against Baca for the 35th District seat, has already raised $77,984.
If Dreier were to run again, he should have started raising funds much earlier, said Claremont McKenna College professor Jack Pitney. Dreier, who was first elected to the House in 1980, had traditionally been among the top election fund-raisers in Congress.
The data, Pitney said, suggests Dreier will not seek another term.
Due to redistricting, his San Dimas residence is now in a district with only 28 percent of the registered voters as Republicans.
“He has great fund-raising ability and if he were to run again he could probably raise a lot in a very short period of time, but that would be an unusual way to go about it,” said Pitney.
“Most members of Congress don’t go about it that way.”
To read entire story, click here.
Dreier knew that no career politician could beat Imus in the CA Big 8. He probably got the polling data from Lewis confirming that Imus is an unbeatable front runner. Probably Cook and Mitzelfelt are also considering their options. At least Mitzelfelt can keep his current supe seat if he acts quick. With Cook’s bad back, there’s no way he could travel back and forth to DC if he won. If Cook ran for a state Senate seat, at least the travel wouldn’t be so bad.
Am I the only person who is tired of reading professor Jack Pitney? Surely there are others to provide comment in the I.E.
When was the last time Dreier made a public appearance? Has he even been to the district since the last election?