I think a story that symbolizes the CAGOP political landscape and the current circumstances has its’ genesis over a decade ago. Do note, since many that read this blog completely miss the point of my posts I am disclaiming that this is my story related to Harmeet Dhillon and is not Harmeet’s opinion.
It was 2012 and a retired State Senator Jim Brulte was in the throws of running for Chair of the CAGOP. What was not known is who else was going to run with him to fill the other elected board positions.
Rodney’s crew, baby
Someone I had a very low opinion of at the time (and it has gotten worse since then) was the “Conservative” in the race for CAGOP Vice Chair. I was not kindly disposed to Harmeet Dhillon at the time either, because as recently in 2010 she was a recipient of proxies in the infamous “know your proxy” era.
That whole dustup was a consultant-driven effort to shred the CAGOP platform under the unraveling tenure of Tom Del Baccardi. In retrospect, I believe the donors / Kevin McCarthy / Tom Ross et. al. saw the weakness of Del Becarro (and conflated it to include the Conservatives that helped elect Del Baccardi), and thought this was a great time to strike and remove the pesky social issues from the CAGOP Platform. You can read a summary here. The specific link to Harmeet is in this post.
It is from this paradigm that I decided to call Harmeet at the request of some mutual friends to see if I could reconcile supporting her versus Rodney Stanhope.
When I spoke to Harmeet, I was struck by a few things. #1 she had the instincts of conservatives despite living in the bay area liberal ecosphere. #2 despite at the time, being one of the top 5 agents of the opposition to anything CAGOP establishment, I was not met with the suspicion and disdain I typically had to work through when talking to an establishment aligned player. (Remember, this was 15 years ago) #3 as most that read this blog know, my big personal issues are the GAG issues. Guns, Abortion and Gays. We agreed on 2 of the three issues. (I was a grassroots leader in California’s Prop 8 movement)
Overlay this with some leaders within CRA using the CRA’s email system to attack Harmeet and the burgeoning Tea Party piling on with theirs. At the time, was the sitting SGT at Arms of CRA. I realized quickly that somehow, I was going to have to run a drill to stop an endorsement of Rodney Stanhope.
To my horror, I realized after beginning to investigate Rodney Stanhope, I realized he had tax liens, bounced checks, civil harassment lawsuits, back child support to more than one woman (keep in mind this was 15 years ago) and then allegations of methamphetamine and heavy alcohol use. He raged on anyone that suggested he was strung out on narcotics at the time. He also had a criminal conviction for domestic battery at the time. (Note on the links – content warning)
But what the hell were conservative leaders doing supporting that guy? Because he wasn’t the establishment? Once I made peace with being able to support Harmeet, my horrifying discoveries about Stanhope (who I believe has 9 children by 8 women at that time – no idea if there have been more in the ensuing 15 years) began piling up. I tried in vain to make people understand what a disaster Stanhope was (and still is), but many ignored or attacked me for doing so.
At the CAGOP convention, Stanhope got 227 votes somehow and when the convention was done, he raged on me in his social media. I wish I could find the screenshots, as that is a trophy for the ages – but was also a harbinger of what the opposition to the establishment GOP was to become. I penned a post excoriating conservative leaders back in 2013 over the Stanhope Drill.
No one knew at the time that Harmeet would emerge as a national conservative political figure. What I did know was that she was a strong leader, talented and would present the GOP in a very positive way. I was willing to set aside my misgivings about some of what I believed to be moderate views because of the overall package. This was one of the first times in my political development when I was able to subordinate ideology first thinking and look at the total package.
Ultimately, one of the major reasons I was expelled from CRA 2 years later, was that I was “too liberal” for CRA. I read the manifesto that was written against me the other day and 10 years later, especially in light of the reconciliation with several of the players involved, it is amazing and resembles the same talking points used today against anyone deemed impure.
I am thrilled for Harmeet that she is playing a major role in the Trump admin. I am also thrilled that I got to play a role in helping launch her. All the way back in 2013, I was able to lead a drill to block a CRA endorsement of Rodney Stanhope. When I started, it was not clear if we could get to 1/3 to block it.
Stanhope? His life is a case study in addiction. The civil complaints, midsemeanors and child support judgements I wrote about in 2013 gave way to bigger and better things:
Note the pattern of violence and drugs. To think, people in the Sacramento Republican Assembly were trying to explain and run cover for this guy. I told everyone I could to get away and trying to help the guy would only make him worse. I was also attacked and accused of lying about Stanhope’s life and pattern. It is a good thing I haven’t spent 15 years holding my breath waiting for any of those folks to admit the amazing blunder.
Over the last few years, I have popped up to update the Rodney Stanhope Saga. 2014 edition, then 2015 edition and 2019 edition. (FYI Placer friends, Stanhope worked for Beth Gaines at one point) So consider this the 2025 update as I am amazed the guy is still alive at this point.
As Rodney’s rap sheet grows, it serves as a reminder to me of the consequences of undisciplined and undiscerning leadership. When juxtaposed with Harmeet Dhillon, the contrast is so stark that it will be impossible for anyone that was there at the time to forget… except for the 227 people that voted for Stanhope (many of whom are still at it today).
My decision to put myself at risk and support (and ultimately go to war on behalf of) Harmeet Dhillon was one of the best decisions I have ever made in politics. It should also serve as a warning especially in light of the current CAGOP landscape.
To be continued…
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Aaron as you know I supported Stanhope back then, not because I thought he was a great candidate, but because you were being so damn brutal in your attacks. You didn’t need to do that, he had no chance of winning, and most of us knew that, but you were ungodly brutal on him. He would have lost without the attacks, and simply faded away…Shame on you Aaron! I still feel that way a dozen years later.
“I was a grassroots leader in California’s Prop 8 movement.”
“I am also thrilled that I got to play a role in helping launch her. ”
Now hold on blogger. First we must endure a love letter to Harmeet (which is weird as I have a faint memory of you attacking her and making her out to be anti-MAGA?), but the quotes above just take the cake. I just….can’t. The fruit is too low, and the bait is not appealing.
I would pay to have Harmeet read this blog entry and provide her own comments. Now that would prove something!
E-1 Yardbird and Off Key
Two losers addicted to losing.
Nice bait Patting My Loins. Playbook known. Amateur.
McGroin….keep hollering lieutenant…We will find and rescue you….lol
What I find funny is that for the past few years Aaron (Park) seems to want to sit at the ‘kool guys’ table in the CRP. Ya know the ‘former’ Chuckie Cheese Munger bunch that have big egos, will use you, then ‘stab you in the back’ when it benefits them. But I may be wrong.
I have known Aaron a long time now. But he seems to have turned to the ‘Dark Side’— but he might come back to the ways of the ‘Jedi’ lol (Aaron who is your father? laugh)
And McGroin and Melody…I have no idea who you two are. Recommend you hire better public relation firms (Laugh)
Charlie:
How many times are you going to trot out the Star Wars reference? It wasn’t that clever the first time you wrote it, and it hasn’t gotten any better the twentieth time you have used it.
Impersonation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Deception is….
Harmony…perhaps I should use the Angel/Devil on shoulders from Animal House? Aaron (Park)… Remember ‘Knowlege is Good’…. 😉 Did we give up when ‘The German’s attacked Pearl Harbor”?…. Afterall, he did become ‘Senator Blutarsky’…..lol
Dear Melody: It sure seems like you have a symphony in your head daily and it should be turned down to a lone skin flute before your type. When I met Harmeet Maga was not a thing and she has been Maga from day one. I seem to recall when you asked in James Comey was compromising me because I worked for Desantis.
Charlie: I see some of your comments and can’t believe you were a command officer in the marines. Defending a deadbeat dad over Harmeet? There is a pattern of strong dark skinned women you don’t like for sure – Harmeet, Rankin and Tamika for starters. But using my expose on criminal convictions, past due child support and lawsuit judgements as an excuse to support a now multiple felon is idiotic even by your standards.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/california-gas-prices-could-hit-8-per-gallon-by-2026-as-refineries-close/vi-AA1FIGbs?ocid=IE11FREDHP&pc=UF01&cvid=e3b05403fe38410790dcc1903be1786d&ei=105
Tell me again, how we’re going to LOSE an election in 2026.
Oh wait, this is the CRP……….my bad.
Sooooo, conservative leadership……..vs Moderate Republican leadership.
Please tell me again, what is the difference between a Democrat and a Moderate Republican???They seem, sound and act, basically the same.
Stanhope…how did HE get past the so called, scrutiny the CRP/CRA gives or imposes on most people? Hell, YOU people give me grief for days, and I’m nowhere NEAR Mr. Stanhopes status of a-hole. So, how DID that happen?
Banned from the CRA…..well, chit. That’s an old played out tune. WHO banned you? How did THAT get past the smell test? Could that be the reason you ran away from California? (moved, ran away, fled, pick your poison on the topic) Can you even come back, while you live in Nevada?
I got my web site, now I have to clean it up and make a Web Page. Most “official” things I’ll be handling during the proceeding two weeks. If YOU people believe Hilton or Bianco are THE ONES, lolol………you got issues. I believe I can take both in a stand up Debate, if provided the chance.
Don’t TELL me about “what experience do you have” Bullcrap, given what ya’ll said about garvey. Don’t TELL me about, “Yu need 40M to even be recognized”, Given what Fiorina failed to do with 140m. Don’t TELL me, anymore crap, about how I can’t win!! YOU stick with the top TWO the CRP is tossing in with, and we’ll lose. Period.
$8-10dollar gas……………….Hell YEA I have a shot, no less than those people do!!
DEM’s can’t figure themselves out and are petrified over Harris….EFF Harris!!
Let em squabble. Let em blow up.
What are WE doing as a Party in this State, other than watching California BURN to the Ground, because THAT is what so many Republicans WANT to see happen before they pitch in!!!!!
IF, you are of that ilk?? I pity you.
I don’t tap dance on topics, but I can if that’s what YOU want to hear.
I don’t talk crap just to hear myself talk….but can if YOU want to hear useless words.
I’m about taking this State back, and saving it from itself. First and Foremost, for the Citizens of this State.
DEEDS not WORDS.
12 Billion in debt? With 20+ Billion debts for the next FOUR years!!
Newsom is hedging his bet a REPUBLICAN wins the office….and is saddled with a shitty Budget issue for their next 4 years, so as to LOSE afterwards on the next election cycle.
Dem’s?? They don’t care…..already, their whining about how to RAISE REVENUE to accommodate the budget crisis…ie, MORE taxes, MORE fees, MORE costs…….MORE.
Pony up, or stfu. It’s that simple.
If I didn’t know better, Charlie was just accused for being, racist.
Then again, rumors from CRA bigshots is, Aaron is paid for by the Rankin team. hmmm.
A 100% Audit is needed in the CRP, period. Deal with the stupidity of your former chairmen/women, and clean up the house. IF not, you suffer the same infliction that other person had. Corruption and perhaps, illegally done chit.
But I do know this…….ya’lls need to figure out WHAT you want from the 2026 election.
Not ONE of you, has made a statement as to WHAT you want to see from a candidate, much less for this State. Amazing.
Lot of BS discussions….not much to show for it. I’ve made my stance on WHAT I want to see, for California. MADE, a stance. Not BSd my way through interviews like my counterparts. And if that upsets some of you, then remember this:
Only ONE person sits in the Governor’s chair. Not “multiple factions from the same party”.
One.
And I plan on BEING, that ONE.
Aaron (Park) I was in command numerous times. Something either you dont understand or lost some where along in the path of life…it there is right and wrong in the world. When I see wrong I stand against it. And on your rambling on Harmet, Rakin and Tamika… I see them from a different prospective than you. I see them for how they treat others and how some will say and do almost anything to advance their agenda. The 3 are not the same…each has some good qualties but its is how they treat others or leave their ethics are the door that I see and dont approve of. I guess you just don’t understand that. (and each is different)..There are some things I grown to respect about Harmet….on the other end…Tamika and I will never be on the same page. And there are good reasons for that. But there are others in the CRP that are far worse than the above Trio you lumped together….Like a former regional vice chair that clamed he was a Marine and other nonsense (Stolen Honor) or Consultants that served as delegates, launder money, but when caught point their fingers at other….its at long list. It is clear than you simply have never understood ‘ ….(and some will say I am an AH…I dont care)
Question:
Who is Jon Paul White??
I hear he is the head of the “Republican Associat4e Delegates Program”…..if that’s true, WHY did Ms. Rankin serve him with a “Cease and Desist” letter from the CRP legal team?
What would make this man, talk crap about the CRA election that just took place, and the shenanigans that occurred?
WAS this man, threatened with being expelled from the Convention 2-3 times?
Why was that, what did he do?
I’m asking cause I freakin wanna know.
LeoNaranjo4GOV.COM….wooohoooo, gonna be working on this for a bit, but at least it’s there!!!!!
funny:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRLtJSvm5I
I thought Harmeet was gonna collaborate the claims above…
BTW, Where is Heider Garcia these days? Anyone at the County of Placer been in touch with him lately I wonder.
Leo, if you want to be an impactful governor, then follow the Heider Garcia story.
“Scarpello told Votebeat that as he planned for his retirement, and after he learned Garcia had resigned in Tarrant, he reached out to recruit him to Dallas County.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/10/18/heider-garcia-dallas-county/
So, I guess five people just get together and appoint a successor to run elections in Dallas County? Only the Republican voted against “hiring” Garcia. Hmm…
Why did he leave the Election Assistance Commision (EAC)? Why did he he resign from Tarrant County Elections to go to EAC?
Is EAC a genuine and transparent organization? When did EAC get established? By whom? What was reason given at the time for establishing EAC? Does anyone reading this blog know how the EAC influences/controls/dominionates your county elections in California?