The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched their first attack on Republican congressional candidate Van Tran, who has not yet filed his papers to run for the47th Congressional District seat that is currently held by Democratic Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.
This might be why Tran is not sure about running! Enjoy:
For Van Tran, the Hits Just Keep on Coming
Once upon a time, Republican party leaders called Van Tran a ‘top’ recruit. They even said he ‘transcends’ party politics.
But now, the picture sure looks different. After all, for Tran, the hits just keep on coming:
- The Orange County Register recently revealed that Tran has received $137,000 in tax-free – and, of course, taxpayer funded – per diem during his time in Sacramento, which he used to purchase a 2,658-square-foot house with two fireplaces and a three-car garage in a gated community not far from the state capitol. Though it’s not technically Tran’s ‘home,’ Tran is able to, as the Register noted, “…enjoy every aspect of home life while also collecting more than $137,000 in allowance for being away from home during the legislative session.”
- Months ago, even though he was in the midst of a Congressional campaign, Tran filed to run for State Senate in 2012.
- Last August, Tran let loose at the scene of a police investigation involving a local city councilmember. Tran was so disruptive, and had to be warned multiple times not to interfere, that a police sergeant on the scene had to threaten him with arrest to get him to stay away.
- Tran put up a “disappointing” number and was even outraised by a Republican primary opponent during the third quarter of 2009. According to The Hill, Tran was one of the “hyped challengers to several targeted incumbents [who] didn’t do much with their third quarters.” Tran didn’t do much better in the last quarter of the year.
“Despite beginning his campaign with great fanfare, now, facing a competitive primary with serious questions swirling about his behavior, it’s obvious Van Tran has hardly lived up to the hype,” said Andy Stone, Western Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “With concerns growing about his ability to fundraise, his active interference in a DUI investigation, his other political ambitions and questions about his collection of $137,000 in taxpayer-funded on top of his salary, the question for Tran is, what could possibly be next?
Background
- The Orange County Register found that Tran received $137,000 in tax-free per diem during his career in Sacramento, which he used to purchase a home near the state capitol where he lives, despite declaring his ‘home’ to be 418 miles to the south. [Orange County Register, 2/18/10]
- “Hyped challengers to several targeted incumbents didn’t do much with their third quarters. Raising less than $100,000 for the quarter were…Republican Van Tran, who is challenging Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.).” [The Hill, 10/17/09]
- “California Assemblyman Van Tran, running against Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.), had an even more disappointing outcome. He only collected $92,000 and was actually outraised by Quang Pham, another Vietnamese candidate challenging him in the primary.” [Politico, 10/16/09]
- Assemblyman Van Tran was so disruptive at the scene of the police investigation into Councilman Andy Quach’s car crash that a sergeant had to threaten him with arrest to get him to stay away, according to incident transcripts released today by the police chief. [Orange County Register, 8/6/09]
- Van Tran filed to run for the 35th State Senate District in 2012. [CA Secretary of State, Form 410, filed 7/07/09]
- Tran had been recruited heavily by GOP leaders in Washington. [Orange County Register, 5/6/09]
- “I’ve been working on recruitment, and this is one of the top people I’ve gone after since the very beginning,” said McCarthy, who served in the state Assembly with Tran. “Tran transcends Republican politics, and he will be able to reach out to independents and moderate Democrats.” [Politico, 4/28/09]
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For Immediate Release, March 9, 2010
CONTACT: Jennifer Crider & Andy Stone (202) 485-3440
If Tran can knock off a Democrat in any office, more power to him — but as an example of a stand-up politician looking out for his constituency, he’s a disappointment. The racial politics in Westminster and Garden Grove is especially troubling as it seems like one gang versus another.
Van’s turned into a hack, but then he’s running against an even bigger one. When Loretta votes for Obamacare, she leaves the opportunity open for anyone to take her down. And she’ll deserve it.
Van Tran: Turn out the lights, the party is over…
This is the best the Dems can come with?! ROFLMAO!!!
They must be really worried to be coming out with half-truths against Van Tran like this. Loretta’s in trouble and she knows it! This is amateur hour at its finest. LOL!!!
soothsayer,
Wasn’t it amateur hour when Tran was paying Andy “DUI” Quach to advise him?
Dvorak,
You are absolutely accurate to describe the two gangs vying for control and power. The only difference is that Janet appoints and publicly employs her family and friends. I call this corruption and nepotism.
Art, Art, Art,
Anyone who knows anything about the Quach DUI knows Van went there as a good friend to Quach only. He didn’t try to throw his weight around and say, “I’m an Assemblyman get out of my way…” Every bullet point they came up with is easily refutable if one truly wants to know the whole truth before trying to spin something.
soothsayer,
Unless you were there, how do you know? The voters will decide for themselves. And Tran will be done…
The more and more I read; I get more convinced that my vote will defenitely go for “Cecilia Iglesias”. Lets face it; she is the only one that I read that has been active with the community for many years with nothing else to gain, but to help the community. In addition, she lives in District 47! Lets give someone an opportunity who will defenitely represent us! Someone who connects with us; lives in our community and who will not forget us!
Cecilia, you have my vote and will continue to spread the word around!!!
Politics, politics, nothing surprises me anymore. The other day, I came across a new person who is running for congress. She appeared truthfull and sincere; her name is Cecilia Iglesias. She gave me a background of what she has done and it seems that she has done a lot.
Cecilia, keep up the good work and don’t give up.
Cecilia Iglesias, you have my vote! It’s time we have true representation and your record proves that you are a true public servant, not a politician. We need leaders who interests are genuine and sincere. Enough of the games with the political parties and let’s seek out true leaders who will make a difference in our community. Cecilia you have my support!
Seriously you’ll waste you vote on someone who is a GOP in Independent’s clothing? She’s just there to pull some Latino(a) votes away from Loretta Sanchez.
She also hasn’t done as much as she says she has.
Loretta who???? 14 years of what???? C’mon!!! It’s time we have TRUE public servants as OUR LEADERS who are and continue to be active in the community and who represent us without SELF INTERESTS. Out with the OLD Politicians!!! Ceci you inspire a new positive change for our community and you have MY VOTE!!!
Truth is, a defeat at the polls for lap-dog Loretta, is a victory for The U.S. Constitution. You know, the one Obamacare seeks to shred? So far, Van Tran is the only challenger positioned to do that. Smart money is with him, like him or not. The BIG GOAL is get Sanchez defeated, any way we can!