May 232025
 

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…

Apr 242020
 

The Sacramento Bee covered a lawsuit filed by Harmeet Dhillon and the Center for American Liberty against Gavin Newsom over giving out welfare checks to illegal aliens.

“We are a nation of laws and California perhaps its own ‘nation-state’ of laws as Governor Newsom might say, but regardless of Governor Newsom’s noble intentions, he may not grant unemployment benefits or other cash benefits contrary to the law,” the petition reads in part.

Dhillon in a statement said that state money intended to address the coronavirus emergency is not “a slush fund for the governor to spend as he sees fit.”

“Governor Newsom is ignoring the proper, and constitutional, channel to appropriate funds. At a time when law-abiding Californians are crushed by unemployment, housing issues, business closures, and massive limitations on our normal lives, Governor Newsom is doing an end-run around the legal guardrails in place,” Dhillon said.

The two plaintiffs in the case are Republican Nominees for Assembly. Ricardo Benitez for Assembly has a Facebook Page you can visit to show support. Jessica Martinez for Assembly has a website and you can donate to her campaign using this page. My research has indicated that not a single incumbent Republican legislator would sign on to this lawsuit, but these two brave LEGAL immigrant Republican candidates did. (More of that re-framing the message?) Given what happened in the AD73 Race, I can not say I am surprised by this at all.

The Center for American Liberty was founded by Harmeet Dhillon in order to defend the rule of law and the rights of Conservatives being victimized in leftist jurisdictions that allow ANTIFA and other groups to commit crime unabated.

On April 13, 2020, Dhillon Law Group, in conjunction with the Center for American Liberty, filed a First Amendment lawsuit in Federal Court challenging the Governor’s criminalization of the free exercise of religion. The following day, a preliminary injunction seeking immediate relief for our clients was also filed. Dhillon Law Group represents two pastors in Riverside County, one pastor in San Bernardino County, and one church member in San Bernardino County.

“The restrictions placed upon our clients are completely discriminatory and arbitrary,” said Harmeet Dhillon, Chief Executive Officer for the Center for American Liberty. “The Constitution doesn’t allow for state officials to treat churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples as second-class ‘non-essential’ organizations.”

“Marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, fast food restaurants, laundromats, and numerous other businesses are allowed to operate provided social distancing standards are satisfied. The same should be true of houses of worship,” said Dhillon.

“Without immediate judicial intervention, our clients will suffer irreparable harm,” concluded Dhillon.

The Center for American Liberty defends religious freedom against social engineering disguised as stay-at-home orders amidst COVID.

They are also working on the case of Andy Ngo who was brutally assaulted by ANTIFA in Portland. The Mayor of Portland and the local DA are both avowed socialists and have allowed ANTIFA to assault multiple people without legal recourse.

If you care about defending Religious Liberty, the First Amendment and the rule of law – please take a look at the Center for American Liberty and make a donation to fund their efforts. This is not some PAC sending mass emails, this money actually goes straight to fighting court cases. Please donate by using this link.

Mar 072016
 
152c8ee1-8039-47bb-b528-914037345941PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 7, 2016
MOMENTUM CONTINUES TO GROW AS MORE ELECTED OFFICIALS ENDORSE
HARMEET K. DHILLON FOR RNC NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN 
The Harmeet K. Dhillon for RNC National Committeewoman campaign continues to gain key endorsements from across California. Over the weekend, Congressman David Valadao, State Senator Andy Vidak, Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, Assemblyman Brian Jones, and Assemblyman Jim Patterson all endorsed Dhillon.

“The outpouring of support from our Party leaders is truly humbling, and I am grateful for the support and trust these leaders have placed in me to represent California at the RNC,” Dhillon said. “Each day that I serve as our Committeewoman, I will always focus on what our candidates and volunteers need to fight for our principles and win elections.”

These recent endorsements add to an impressive list of support Dhillon has already received from elected officials and grassroots leaders from across the state, reinforcing the campaign’s statewide strategy.

This weekend, Dhillon walked precincts with dedicated volunteers to support Clint Olivier, running for the 31st Assembly District special election on April 5th. “We all need to do our part helping our candidates, and by working closely together we will change the direction of California,” Dhillon said.

Harmeet K. Dhillon was elected as the first woman Vice Chairman in California Republican Party history, and two years later, was unanimously re-elected to the same position without opposition. Working closely with Chairman Jim Brulte and the Board of Directors, Dhillon has played an instrumental role in the top-to-bottom restructuring of the California Republican Party.

The election for RNC National Committeewoman and Committeeman takes place at theupcoming CRP Convention in Burlingame on April 29th  through May 1st.

Oct 302013
 

( Aaron F Park is the author of this post )

We don’t have a problem with blowing up Charles Munger. He is a liberal Republican. At least his actions say as such – he tried to re-engineer the CRP Platform in 2011 and even paid for a proxy drill to try and make it happen. He dropped $45k in to our Cent Com Race in Placer, specifically against Placer CRA Members running for Cent Com.

He spent wads picking winners in R vs R races all over the state – we’ve been over that ad-naseum.

However, the Munger Games site is wrong. And, Mike Schroeder’s comparing the anonymous authors of the Munger Games vis-a-vis himself to the founding fathers is grounds for a padded cell and fingerpaints.

The SF Chron did an article.

In the article, they quoted Jon Fleischman and Mike Schroeder and at the same time they outed Schroeder as the author of the Munger Games Blog. This is significant – Schroeder is a past Chair of the CA GOP and he is attacking the sitting Vice Chair and the Parties’ major donor.

We would like to call BS on the following comment by Schroeder: In an interview, Schroeder said, “Munger is a thin-skinned guy. He doesn’t like that the Munger Games is criticizing him, so he wants to use his wealth to attack anyone who does that.”

Please note that Aaron F Park spoke to Mr. Munger for about 30 minutes at the just concluded CRP Convention. Munger was far from thin-skinned, and in our opinion appreciated the conversation. Hopefully, it will be the first of many in an attempt to find common ground.

Munger has also told many people that he is not going in to R vs R races anymore.

The issue, as clearly stated by many is the anonymous nature of the attacks. The Munger Games emails / blog have libeled Harmeet Dhillon and have also attacked the CRA. There is no accountability when you’re anonymous – and Mike Schroeder knows this.

However, the shroud of anonymity has been lifted by the SF Chron and Schroeder’s non-answer sets himself on fire.

I will conclude by quoting the Executive Director of the Non-Profit First Amendment Foundation:

I support anonymous speech when it is necessary, but here these are not defenseless people,” Scheer said. “It’s not like this is Iran or China.”

Anonymous criticism has its value, Scheer said. “But your arguments have more value when you can put a name to them.”

Jon Fleischman risks further marginalizing himself by defending the anonymous attacks – he should follow up his public call on Harmeet Dhillon to drop her suit with a call for his friend Mike Schroeder to tell the truth about his involvement in the Munger Games. (This should be much easier now that the SF Chron has outed Schroeder)

Meantime – we reserve the right to kick Charles Munger’s a– when he deserves it, and we will continue signing our names to it.

Feb 122013
 

It looks like Rodney Stanhope is on tilt. He has engaged some Tea Party members in anonymous and not anonymous email attacks against Harmeet Dhillon.

A lot of stuff has been forwarded about Rodney Stanhope – sued for paternity twice, complaints for harassment, a child support hearing and a bad check complaint.

It seems those supporting Rodney are tone-deaf to what the media would do if they found out about Mr. Stanhope’s history – including getting canned from multiple campaigns.

But – let’s stop it all, Maybe Mr. Stanhope can come clean about everything. Apparently, Rodney has explanations for everything that is known thus far… let’s hear them and post them here.

Then – next we are particularly interested in Mr. Stanhope’s position on Women’s issues, including Violence Against Women, Single-Mother Households and what he could do for the California Republican Party to reach out to female voters.

This election is about the future of the California Republican Party and we are listening to Mr. Stanhope – come clean, right here and let the voters know what all this stuff from your past means and how you can help the California Republican Party going forward.