Campaign Update - Counting the Remaining Ballots in the 44th CD Race

The energy and determination of the Hedrick for Congress campaign remains high as the tally of the final votes in the 44th Congressional District race began this week. Signature verification and sorting of ballots will continue this weekend, with the actual count beginning on Monday, November 11th and resuming after the holiday on Wednesday.

The Hedrick Campaign has enlisted over 100 volunteers to observe the process, working in shifts to cover every available hour at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters in Moreno Valley.

Volunteers this week remarked repeatedly that they were impressed with the professionalism and efficiency of the Registrar’s staff. The campaign has found Registrar of Voters, Barbara Dunmore, to be totally forthcoming in answering all questions and clearly explaining the process ahead.

Moreover, the Campaign shares Ms. Dunmore’s determination to make sure that every legitimate ballot is counted in this race.

The campaign, with its legion of dedicated volunteers, looks forward to participating in the procedure in the weeks ahead with absolute confidence in the transparency, security and consistency of the process.

Too Close to Call

The only thing we know right now is that we don't know anything for sure. This race is still too close to call.

There are up to 100,000 ballots (provisional and late vote-by-mail) that have yet to be counted in Riverside County. Of those 100,000 ballots yet to be counted, we aren’t sure how many are within our district.

The OC Register had earlier called this race for Calvert, but has since rescinded that claim and drawn the same conclusion we have - until every last vote has been counted, we will not know who has won. As it stands now, the results are: Bill Hedrick 48.2% Ken Calvert 51.7%.

We will make an official statement on the outcome when every last vote has been counted. If you voted on a provisional ballot (and apparently this happened a lot in Corona, Norco, and the east side of Riverside), or if you voted-by-mail, call the registrar's office and ask that every ballot be counted.

We are consulting with attorneys to ensure the integrity of the voting and counting process and we will keep you posted. We have had--and will continue to have--observers in Riverside and Santa Ana as the ballot verification continues. Thank you all for your unwavering support throughout this election. Win or lose, this race is incredibly tight--the most competitive challenge in Southern California.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and Philanthropist Richard O’Neill Host Fundraiser for 44th CD Candidate Bill Hedrick

San Juan Capistrano, CA, October 20 – On October 19, approximately 100 local supporters came out to show that south Orange County is in play in Bill Hedrick’s race for the 44th Congressional District. The event was hosted by 47th Congressional District Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and philanthropist Richard O’Neill. Jim Dean, Chair of our nation's largest progressive political action community, Democracy for America, flew in to attend the event.

Jim Dean told the group of supporters, “Bill Hedrick is an educator, elected official, and community leader with a record of commonsense problem-solving that can’t be matched. Bill has the experience, wisdom, and commitment to progressive values that will restore faith in our system and produce the results that are so desperately needed in our nation today.”

Given Hedrick’s momentum and the incumbent, Ken Calvert’s, growing vulnerability, Congresswoman Sanchez is taking an active role in Hedrick’s campaign.

“Every election cycle at least one campaign emerges as an unexpected victory on Election Day,” stated Sanchez. “I believe Bill Hedrick’s bid for Congress is going to be the surprise campaign of 2008. As with my first campaign, Bill Hedrick is going from city to city, block to block, and living room to living room, talking to folks in person about the real problems they face and sharing his vision for change. I defied any and all predictions leading up to Election Day and won my race by a mere 968 votes. I genuinely believe Bill will do the same.”

Congresswoman Sanchez is not the only one to recognize Calvert’s vulnerability.

Calvert is a 16 year incumbent with a 10% registration advantage, but he is running from his party affiliation. He has sent out mailers without a single mention of his membership in the Republican Party and his campaign slogan is “An Independent Voice Working for You.” Would a safe incumbent with registration on his side behave this way?

Calvert clearly understands the Hedrick campaign has been on the ground for several months, educating Decline to State voters and Republican voters within the district about his ties to the economic collapse, the housing market melt-down and big oil.

Calvert knows that even in a typically dedicated Republican stronghold like California’s 44th Congressional District, his solid 94% Bush-aligned voting record and being named one of the top 20 most corrupt members of Congress 3 years running are working against him.

As the economy remains the top issue this year, voters within the district are wary of a 16 year incumbent who campaigns for Main Street, only to vote consistently for Wall Street. A glaring example was his ‘yes’ on the $700 billion dollar bailout vote – a vote that is overwhelmingly unpopular in the district.

Hedrick stated, “I promise a return to responsible fiscal policies. A return to policies that address the needs of struggling working families. A return to policies that will benefit every citizen in the district socially, economically and environmentally. And as we inundate the district with my positive message, do not be surprised to witness another return – that of Mr. Calvert to Corona on November 4th.”

Bill Hedrick is the Democratic nominee for Congress in California's 44th District, which includes Riverside, Corona, Norco, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and unincorporated areas of Riverside and Orange Counties. Bill, 56, and his wife, Beth, have raised five children in the Inland Empire; two sons and a daughter-in-law are active members of the military. An educator for 33 years, Bill is serving his fifth term on the Corona-Norco School Board, and was just reelected to his tenth year as President of the Rialto Education Association.

Hedrick Questions Calvert’s Judgment on Bailout Vote

Last week, Congressman Ken Calvert voted to bail himself out after 16 years of bad judgment. With his ‘yes’ vote on the Financial Market Bill, Calvert sought to fill massive holes in the economy that he has helped dig with $700 billion taxpayers’ dollars.

Bill Hedrick, Calvert’s opponent in the 44th Congressional District race stated, “The Financial Market Bill deserved to be rejected. I am not surprised, however, that Mr. Calvert chose to support it.”

“With no hearings and in an incredible rush to judgment, this bill sought to transfer up to $700 billion taxpayer dollars to mask negligent and/or irresponsible business practices. It is a classic case of socializing losses, while astoundingly leaving the very same CEO's with bloated compensation in charge of failing enterprises.”

These CEOs owe their enormous wealth in large part to the money made from repackaging and selling sub-prime loans. By Calvert’s own admission in the Orange County Register on September 22, “The problem at hand is to fix the core problem that prompted this market unrest in the first place and that’s the housing market.”

As Calvert has remained an active real estate investor in the district throughout his Congressional career, are we then to believe that he was unaware of the dangerous lending practices that prompted this “market unrest?”

Consider that Calvert voted for the granddaddy of deregulation, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, voted against the Shareholder Vote on Compensation Act, which would have given shareholders the power to block pay plans, bonuses and “golden parachutes,” and stated after a Senate vote in 2003 to further loosen regulations on adjustable rate mortgages, “I am pleased the Senate has recognized the importance of allowing a range of adjustable mortgage rates. This provision will increase interest rate flexibility and thereby contribute to a stable economy and a robust real estate market.”

Five years later citizens find themselves bearing the brunt of Calvert’s flawed judgment as to what really creates a ‘stable economy and a robust real estate market.

Bill Hedrick stated, “Mr. Calvert voted to burden every man, woman, and child of the 44th District with thousands of dollars of new debt--debt for which they have no blame. This was a bill of, by, and for financiers and Washington insiders, at the expense of middle class Americans. We can do better, and I am disappointed in the vote cast by Mr. Calvert for Wall Street at the expense of Main Street.”

Bill Hedrick is the Democratic nominee for Congress in California's 44th District, which includes Riverside, Corona, Norco, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and unincorporated areas of Riverside and Orange Counties. Bill, 56, and his wife, Beth, have raised five children in the Inland Empire; two sons and a daughter-in-law are active members of the military. An educator for 33 years, Bill is serving his fifth term on the Corona-Norco School Board, and was just reelected to his tenth year as President of the Rialto Education Association.

Calvert Refuses to Debate Hedrick - Public Deserves to Hear Answers from Calvert on His Voting Record

The Hedrick Campaign was informed by the League of Women Voters of Northwest Riverside County that Congressman Ken Calvert has refused to debate his challenger, Bill Hedrick. The League of Women Voters and the Riverside Junior League had agreed to sponsor a debate.

Bill Hedrick stated, “More than ever we need to hear from those wishing to represent us in Washington and a debate sponsored by completely non-partisan, trusted groups such as the League of Women Voters and the Junior League would have allowed just that. It has been the bad judgment of many of our current political leaders that have brought our economy to this dire place. And now it’s the hardworking taxpayers of this country who are being asked to bail out Wall Street for that bad judgment. As much as any other leader, Calvert needs to explain his votes that fueled this disastrous behavior.”

Back in 1999, Calvert voted for the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which is credited with opening the flood gates of deregulation that has led to the financial melt down.
Four years later, in 2003, Calvert authored the Access to Affordable Mortgages Act (HR 1443). At that time he stated, “In order to promote homeownership we need to give lenders and consumers incentive to enter into mortgage agreements by giving both parties
the flexibility to do so.” And five years later under Calvert’s leadership and call for ‘flexibility’ what do we have?

Bill Hedrick stated, “We face a staggering financial crisis, fostered by leaders like Calvert who zealously supported deregulation and turned a blind eye to the practices of the free wheeling, predatory lenders until the sub-prime mortgage crisis had so thoroughly poisoned our financial institutions that our children and grandchildren will be paying the $700 billion dollar tab for years to come.”

Some of the bailout money will cover colossal salaries and bonuses of CEOs which justifiably enrages Americans. True to form, Calvert voted against the Shareholder Vote on Compensation Act (H.R. 1257) in April of 2007, which would have required companies to reveal more details about executive salaries and perks and would have given shareholders the power to block pay plans, bonuses and “golden parachutes.”

It should also be considered that had Calvert further had his way, things could be even worse. Calvert supported partial privatization of social security which would have resulted in those funds being tied to the stock market. What would our seniors be facing right now had that piece of legislation actually passed?

These are the questions and actions that demand answers. But, Calvert has a double-standard. When asked by the Orange County Register if he thought Senator McCain should debate Senator Obama on September 26th, Calvert replied, ‘Yes, there should be a debate. At this time, the American people want to hear from both candidates on foreign policy and although the economy is a priority right now, there is another significant threat to our country: radical Islamic terrorists.’

Hedrick added, “It appears the Congressman does not hold himself to the same established democratic principles he asks of other candidates. And I would suggest there is another threat to our country - elected officials who refuse to listen and respond to their constituents and refuse to be forthcoming about their motives and objectives. In doing so, you can trust that Calvert will continue to offer leadership that is not just ineffective, but damaging to the well-being of his constituents.”

Congressman Calvert has also tentatively refused a debate for high school seniors at La Sierra High School, which Hedrick readily accepted. Government and history teacher, Joel Whelchel said, “Calvert’s office claims that there are legalities involved, that the debate will somehow violate the California State Education’s Curriculum Code. This makes no sense. Not only was it my intention to augment the curriculum by giving my students the opportunity to see our political system in action, it has been my experience that elected officials will speak to students whenever they are available.”

As with the League of Women Voters, Whelchel was told by Calvert’s office that he has agreed to one ‘debate’. It is sponsored by Cox Cable Service, only one question will be asked and it will be televised ‘on demand’ which will most likely guarantee a small audience.

Black Voice News Endorses Bill Hedrick for California’s 44th Congressional District

The Hedrick for Congress Campaign is pleased to announce the endorsement of one of Riverside’s most trusted news sources, Black Voice News.

Chairman Hardy Brown stated, “Bill Hedrick is a good solid replacement for Ken Calvert in the 44th Congressional District. Hedrick has been involved in education at various levels for many years as a teacher for the Rialto School District where he was elected president of the teachers association and school board member in the Corona-Norco School District. If we are going to CHANGE the culture of Washington and return our government back to being for the people then we have to send a people person as our representative. His knowledge and understanding of educational issues are needed on a national level.”

“I am truly honored by this endorsement,” said Hedrick. “Black Voice News began over thirty years ago as a University of California Riverside student newspaper, with the aim of educating their community about racial issues and student unrest. As our nation faces unprecedented challenges, I share their dedication to promote an honestly informed and engaged community.”

The Black Voice News covers business and economic development, health, law enforcement, diversity, education and homeownership. The newspaper is also an active and enthusiastic supporter of its community, partnering with business and education in a wide variety of events, forums and workshops. The Black Voice News' coverage of controversial issues, and its active role in improving the lives of people in the community, has made it a respected voice and leader in the Inland Empire.

Bill Hedrick is the Democratic nominee for Congress in California's 44th District, which includes Riverside, Corona, Norco, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and unincorporated areas of Riverside and Orange Counties. Bill, 56, and his wife, Beth, have raised five children in the Inland Empire; two sons and a daughter-in-law are active members of the military. An educator for 33 years, Bill is serving his fifth term on the Corona-Norco School Board, and was just reelected to his tenth year as President of the Rialto Education Association.

Calvert Named Most Corrupt Third-Year Running: Bill Hedrick Responds

Corona, CA, September 10 – Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released its fourth annual report on the most corrupt members of Congress. Representative Ken Calvert (CA 44th CD) has made list for the third year in a row. http://www.crewsmostcorrupt.org/

"He's hit the trifecta! One of the 20 most corrupt Congressman three years running," stated Bill Hedrick, his opponent in November. "According to CREW, Mr. Calvert is still under federal investigation for his earmarks - and that's just a small sample of his many transgressions. He's held this office for sixteen years. It's pretty clear what kind of 'representation' we're going to get if he's re-elected for another two."Hedrick continued, "The people of the 44th Congressional District deserve better than this. We deserve honest, responsible, and effective representation."
CREW cites Calvert’s practice of earmarking for personal financial benefit, earmarking for clients of the disgraced and now dissolved lobbying firm Copeland Lowery, and his illegal purchase of a parcel of public land in his district’s Jurupa area. Calvert also holds the distinction of being one of twelve on the list who is under investigation and the only one named whose constituents recently voted overwhelmingly to recoup land that was sold to him illegally through the use of eminent domain.

Since 2003, CREW has closely monitored government ethics, bringing egregious conduct to light and holding public officials accountable for their misconduct. CREW’s research staff exhaustively investigates reports on corruption, files high-impact lawsuits by their legal team, and keeps citizens informed on the latest national ethics news. http://www.citizensforethics.org/

Bill Hedrick is the Democratic nominee for Congress in California's 44th District, which includes Riverside, Corona, Norco, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and unincorporated areas of Riverside and Orange Counties. Bill, 56, and his wife, Beth, have raised five children in the Inland Empire; two sons and a daughter-in-law are active members of the military. An educator for 33 years, Bill is serving his fifth term on the Corona-Norco School Board, and was just reelected to his tenth year as President of the Rialto Education Association.

For an interview with Bill Hedrick contact Katie Mantz at 951-440-5546