CA Republican Party Endorsement in LB-OC Cong Race Goes To DeLong (Over Kuykendall)

(Mar. 12, 2012, updated 3:25 p.m.) -- Long Beach Councilman / Congressional candidate Gary DeLong has gained the endorsement of the CA Republican Party. The other major Republican candidate in the race for the newly drawn LB-OC district is former Congressman Steve Kuykendall.

"I'm pleased to receive the endorsement of the California Republican Party, and that they recognize and support my message of balancing the federal budget, growing our economy and creating American jobs," candidate DeLong said in an email responding to our request for comment. "It is clear that my positions are not only supported by traditional Republicans, but are also supported by Independent voters and moderate Democrats who also want to improve the condition of our country for our children and grandchildren."

The action was taken by the CA GOP Party leadership who met on Sunday (Mar. 11); their action came to our attention today (Mar. 12). A release on the CA Republican Party website states:.

[CAGOP.org text] On Sunday, Republican Leaders met in Burbank to consider races from all over the state as part of a two-stage process. The first stage was at the local County Republican Party level which considered the races prior to the State Party. The State Party then considered the local Party endorsements and voted. The State Party passed by-laws for that process nearly a year ago which would help the organization adjust to the changes brought on by Prop .14.

"As the Party prepares to be a vigorous contender in California's first top two primary, we seek to promote the most competitive candidates in the field this Primary season," said State Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro. "As Chairman, I am very pleased with the level of thoughtful participation from around the state. It was an encouraging prelude to an invigorated Party getting ready for this important election year."

Candidates were given a right to a hearing at the CRP Board Endorsement meeting (and some at the county level as well, if endorsements were conducted by a local Party). The hearing opportunities were allowed in person or over the phone. The hearing was open to the public and was live-streamed on the web.

The CA Republican Party's Board of Directors is listed here.

For what it's worth, the Party leadership's endorsement process was panned (in advance) as a "Star Chamber" style proceeding by OC-based conservative webpublisher Jon Fleischman. For his views on the subject on FlashReport.org, click here.