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Pham makes congressional bid official, faces Van Tran
July 2nd, 2009, 11:10 am · 56 Comments · posted by Martin Wisckol, Politics reporter
Assemblyman Van Tran, R-Westminster, was recruited by the National Republican Congressional Committee to challenge Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove, in 2010 - but he won’t have a clear path to the GOP nomination.
Quang X. Pham is finalizing his Federal Elections Commission paperwork today to make his underdog congressional bid official, moving it from the exploratory phase. I’ve previously mentioned his possible run here and posted this item indicating that Tran’s stature in Little Saigon may have some fissures in it.
Pham, a former Marine pilot and now owner of a pharmaceutical marketing business, has changed from a lifelong independent voter to a Republican for the race.
“Most of my supporters and most of my policies - personal liberty, less government, lower taxes, Second Amendment - are Republican,” he said. And while he’s been well received by the GOP as a new Republican, his candidacy has not been eagerly greeted by party officials.
“A lot of people have basically said, ‘Welcome to the party. What took you so long? Now drop out,’” he said. “And I understand that - that they think I should start at the local level and work my way up. But behind the scenes, I’m getting enough support from the business and Vietnamese community. A lot of people want a fresh voice.
“There’s a big difference between the two of us. Who has created jobs versus who is a career politician? Who has served in the military and knows about Afghanistan? Given where the state is today, being a state legislator could be an asset or not” for a congressional candidate.
He said he’ll be spending the summer rounding up endorsements and campaign contributions, and that by Sept. 30 there will be evidence of how strong a race he can run.
Paul Hegyi, spokesman for Tran’s campaign, said, “There’s time enough to talk about challengers later. Right now, we’re putting together the best campaign we can.”
You can read more about Pham at his Web site and more about Tran at his Web site. Both candidates are hoping they can overcome Democrats’ 12 percentage point advantage in voter registration by tapping the Little Saigon electorate.
56 Comments
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DENA BUNIS, Washington bureau chief, 202-628-6381 or dbunis@ocregister.com
CHRIS KNAP, Politics team leader, 714-796-2240 or cknap@ocregister.com
BRIAN JOSEPH, Sacramento correspondent, 916-449-6046 or bjoseph@ocregister.com
JENNIFER MUIR, County government reporter, 714-796-7813 or jmuir@ocregister.com
MARTIN WISCKOL, Politics reporter, 714-285-2867 or mwisckol@ocregister.com twitter.com/MartinWisckol
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I am curious what it means when Quang X. Pham means when he says he is Republican. So many people are running away from the Republicans which have become a Train Wreck with Senator Ensign, and Governor Sanford’s escapades. Michael Steele is a joke and Rush Limbaugh says he speaks for the Republicans. Why does Mr. Pham want to align with this man, who is not even an elected official in the GOP? I think Pham was better off as an Independent. I think the people in Orange County feel more representation from Independents than they do of the Limbaugh branch of the GOP, which appears to be the only branch left.
Philip Henderson
Philip: You sound like a typical Democrat. Like Nancy Brown said, what makes you think there’s a “Limbaugh branch of the GOP”? He’s an ENTERTAINER, and what he does best is yammering about right-wing politics. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an independent voter myself and I find Limbaugh boring and repetitive, but too many people like to jam Republicans/conservatives by pointing to Limbaugh’s rants. And who really cares about Sanford’s “escapades”? Is he any worse than Clinton? Oh yeah, probably–but only because he’s a Republican, right? And WHO is “running away from the Republicans,” and why did you capitalize “Train Wreck”? As far as I’m concerned, the Democrats are creating the biggest “Train Wreck” in the history of our country. Your bias really shows.
Quang is always a nice guy when you meet him and his service to our country is something I will always be grateful for, but everything he claims to believe in, are the same things Van Tran has actually been working for:
“less government, lower taxes and strong national defense. I believe in individual choices, liberty and the right to pursue happiness. I believe in personal responsibility and respect for others.”
He is going to sell a few more books in the process of ruining GOP chances and he will have sent the country in the exact opposite direction he claims to care about. All he is doing is helping Sanchez by wasting all of the hard earned money of Van’s contributors. Makes you wonder if ego is more important to this neophyte than principles.
Even Janet Nguyen, after all the fights her and Van have had, cares enough about getting Sanchez out to sit on the sidelines for this race. If Quang cared at all about GOP values or the fight for Vietnamese human rights and democracy, he would end this publicity charade.
I am a neighbor of Quang Pham and my only concern is that a candidate does not need to live in the district he would represent if elected.
Also, Mr. Henderson, Rush does not speak for me or many of the Republicans the press claims he does and I know nothing of the Limbaugh branch of the Republican party. Limbaugh is his own man and spouts his own opinions! Don’t believe everything the news tells you!
Nancy Brown
I bet if Rush threw his hat in the ring and ran for any elected federal seat (congress or senate) in a republican district he would win 70% of the time. If he ever decided to run some republican would get unseated. Guaranteed.
Either one will be swamped in a district which is Democratic and 65% Hispanic.
And how many of them are eligible to vote…legally?
Grunt41: Does it matter? They’ll vote anyway.
Quang has been in the party for a month and now he thinks he can lead it. What arrogance. This guy is just trying so sell his book. His JOB as an author is only job he has ever created. Look at his website news, it is all about his book and how much he needs you to buy it. The country is going into debt and Quang is selling books and trying to figure out what party he belongs to. Thank God he is going to Congress to save us.
My concern is the polarizing statement about courting one segment of this District, the Vietnamese community, in order to get elected. This is one of the most diverse communities in Orange County, which should be celebrated not stigmatized. What happens to my voice if someone with such an obvious agenda (and frankly obligated), to one segment of this population?
Once again the Republicans have opted to back divisive candidates which exclude not include major populations of that community. It is this polarization and negativity that drives the electorate away.
And Sanchez doesn’t court to the hispanics? You must be kidding me! Did she not also go back to using he maiden name for better visibility with Hispanics. Get real!
Here is the ethnicity breakdown for the district:17.8% White, 1.5% Black, 13.9% Asian, 65.3% Hispanic, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% other.
2/3rds of the district’s population is Hispanic.You find this diverse? If whites had that percentage of a district, would you call that district diverse?
You say, “What happens to my voice if someone with such an obvious agenda (and frankly obligated), to one segment of this population?” Oh, you mean like Sanchez?
A large percentage of this district is poor and uneducated - a fairly typical Democratic voter. I doubt anyone other than a liberal to moderate Democratic Hispanic can be elected in this district. The fact that Republicans are supporting a minority group individual shows a lot less polarization than the Democrats that groomed Sanchez.
Very well said SoCoDave!
I like how you presented the truth about “diversity” in this country.
Thanks!
Debra: Let me add one to what “ranger” said: And God forbid ANYONE should vote for a presidential candidate just because he’s black. No “polarization and negativity” in that election. Naw.
Please people……vote for anyone other than the incumbents. We need true change. We started with the president, now let’s remove all these spoiled, crocked, juiced in, union loving politicians.
Mike Bridge -
Amen! Every incumbent should be removed from office. However, in this district Sanchez is not going to have any opposition; that leaves a republican or an independent. In today’s big bucks political environment you need $$$ to win and it’s a RARE independent that can raise enough.
Republican’s don’t have to find their niche, the Dems are screwing up so bad not only in this state but in congress and the current Pres. The voters hopefully will smarten-up and see what these Democrats like to do is spend and tax us to death!
I was born and raised in Santa Ana and have first hand knowledge of what Liberal politicians have done. Both Democrats and Rupublicans have their share of scandels, but what party has allowed a whole cities to deteriorate for Hispanic votes?
Please don’t say I’m a racist…I’m an Amercian of Mexican descent and look it.
Whoever it is that person should be a lot better than Sanchez, who supports “legal” immigration.
At this point I don’t really care who the opponent is to Sanchez, just as long as we can oust Sanchez. I actually voted for her last time, big big mistake, the only things she cares about is the Latino community and illegal immigrant rights.
Pham should have stayed as an Independent. He would have had a better chance. Many people are so fed up with both Republican and Democratic parties right now.
At least Van Tran has always been a hard-core Republican, since he was a student at UC Irvine many years ago; take it or leave it!
They are both Asian Americans of Vietnamese descent, but so what? They are both educated, articulate, intelligent and conservative and would represent most people of this district well.
Most people do think they are nuts for challenging the incumbent Latina Democrat in such a heavily Hispanic and Democratic district. It is a big waste of time and resources if you think about it. Maybe that’s why nobody else is running for it? Is there any Hispanic or Non-Hispanic Republicans out there who would want to go head to head with Sanchez? I think not.
It’ll be fun to watch one more Republican crash and burn.
And them Sanchez. Her turn is coming based on her voting record.
I have also thrown towel in ring. I run also. My platform will consist of subisodes for rice and no illegal immigration. Van and Quang will have their work cut out for them.
Chong in 2010!
Anyone would be an improvement over Sanchez, but I fear we are stuck with her for a while. A city full of Illegal Immigrants is sure to back someone with such a Pro Illegal Immigrant position as Sanchez.
I know the Illegal Immigrants can’t vote, but their Anchor Babies of voting age can. Not being able to verify a voter’s identity with a Photo ID at the polling place makes one wonder who is really voting in districts such as Sanchez’.
I would vote for ANYBODY over Sanchez but I doubt that Van Tranh will have much to say about illegal immigration when a lot of Vietnamese are here illegally also. DO NOT MISTAKE this for predjudice as I live in Westminster and most of my neighbors are Vietnamese and I wouldn’t trade them. The are the quietest, cleanest and most polite people that I have EVER lived by.
Hi Linda, there are very few illegal Vietnamese here in America, but they are mostly confined to the Vietnamese communists in their consulate offices. The Vietnamese American neighbors of yours in this county and around the country are all here legally due to their refugee status, which was granted by this generous country since 1975, after the collapse of South Vietnam. Most of them are American citizens by now. They are mostly legal!
I am not sure I agree with the part about them being the quietest, cleanest and most polite people though.
Can you substantiate your claim that a lot of Vietnamese are here illegally? It’s not like you can illegally gain entrance to the U.S. from Vietnam easily. Besides, in 1992, many of the Vietnamese were granted asylum and were late granted citizenship.
What is needed are Independents and those who are NOT swayed by special interests/lobbyists and vote for their district constituents — NOT UNIONS, LOBBYISTS, SPECIAL INTERESTS, CORPORATIONS, ETC.
One can only dream.
Brian-
It is people like you that has put this state in such trouble. You are more interested in what party wins than what party will do the right thing. California is in HUGE trouble and Loretta Sanchez is one of the biggest reasons why. You go ahead and keep voting for your party as they continue destroy this state. There is absolutely no doubt or argument that the Democrats that are in office are responsible for this mess. Until the voters grow some smarts, it aint gonna change. God help California.
Lindav123, where did you get the information that “a lot of Vietnamese are here illegally”?
Ever since she was elected, the 47th District hasbeen in decline and become a dirty portion of Orange County. She’s here to stay as long as she wants, her people are set in there ways.
Loretta Sanchez is the dumbest person in Congress. If she “represents’ you, then that’s not saying much about yourself. I hope she stays just for the comedy factor of her valley girl air-head “answers” to questions. “I’m like OMG! we should totally like make health care free for everybody!”
Linda v123
Where do you get the info Vietnamese are here illegally?
Lori Ngo
Quang Pham is a joke! If he wants attention, look for a new girl friend or something.
He changes his party affiliation like dirty socks and wants to serve his own ego. He has zero percent chance in this race.
This sounds like a comedy bit. Van Tram vs. Quang X. Pham? What’s next Long Dong vs. Much Phlegm?
No, Blutarsky.
It’s like a long racy melo drama starring Loretta Sanchez and her hard working body guard Juan..
I don’t understand all this racial/ethnic talk here. Aren’t we all “Americans” or is that just talk? We do you have to differentiate between ethic origin. There is only one United States regardless of where your ancestors came from…Europe, Africa, Latin America or Asia. Grow up!
If you think you’ve seen election violations before, wait til these two are in the fray!
Unfortunately, some people still need to grow up.
Mr. Van Tran will do fine in this race. He will have our strong support.
I bet $100 to anyone that Sanchez wins in a landslide in Central OC!!!!
Blutarsky:
Good one! I’m still laughing!
I bet $1,000 to Sanchez’s staffers that they all will be looking for a new job next year.
Wait till Sanchez gets her illegal Mexican and ‘anchor baby’ voting machine going …. Tran and Pham will not stand a chance. Just ask ex- Congressman Bob Dornan … more votes than residents does not matter to California voting officials … the Sanchez illegal voting machine is just to powerful.
Both of them are not appealed to Vietnamese American votes.
Van Tran is the person who would build the group of people who
try to destroy the opponent to any one he supports in the public office.
Typically, the Orange county supervisor race has demonstrated
what kind of dirty tactics he used to divine the Vietnamese Community.
He is a professional politician who would be out of the office by
the California term limit and he has no place to go
Quang Pham is not a qualified person when he can flip the party
to run for the office, and both of them rely on the Vietnamese American voters, and this fact is wrong
Vietnamese American voters who would use their votes properly would know the track records of both men, and none of them
contributed any thing useful to the Vietnamese community besides
their loud mouth for personal gain !
Here is the profile of the voter who would vote to either Van Tran or
Quang Pham
Mr. Hoang Hong Nguyen, 39, of Fountain Valley,
who was portrait in the following article
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/nguyen-police-fountain-2482322-valley-team
Tran & Pham will Unseat The Sanchez Sisters (ugly & Uglier)!
I am sure that no matter who runs against her will have some scandal come out just before election. It seems to be the new way to win with the Democracts.
Tran will beat Pham.
While Tran almost lost his seat last November for “ethnic legislating” himself and “ethnic representing” , the democrats pulled their hair out wishing they put money into this race.
Funny how the same people that fault Loretta for pandering to Latino ethnic issues feel comfortable with Tran, even though he plays the etnoc card more than Loretta.
But Loretta will send Tran with his tail between his legs back to Little Saigon.
Yes, many voters vote based on enthnicty. Ever heard of former wacko Orange School board member Steve Rocco. This guy, Rocco, beat a a candidate who was involved in the PTA , a school volunter, and involved in law enforcement.
The guy with the impressive proven history had a downfall…he had a Hispanic sounding name.
Sure many well attended, nice white voters choose Rooco because the Domiguez name doesn’t sound American enough.
Fortunately for those ethnic based voters, they got what they deserve with casting a vote for Rocco. Embarassing!Ne
Plenty of examples going both ways in regards to ethnic voting. Please don’t make the claim that it started with Loretta.
Nevethe less, Tran challenging Lorretta in the General is a win-win. A Win-win for many, but mostly Democrats, and Latino candidates !
A formidable candidate like Tran forces Lorretta to spend some money on the General election. This will cause many similar candidates like Loretta to challenge incumbents in elected seats within the 47th.
Can anybody say, “bye bye Janet Nguyen”
Bring it!
cra repub.—–If only we could really bet.You have got to be out of your mind if you think a republican could come within 10 points of Sanchez in the 47th.Do you realize the party registration disparity difference there,much less the 65% Hispanic population.I would gladly cover ALL bets.
Menso rino, Sanchez’s sisters’s reign is coming to the end soon.
Ask high ranking Congressman Joe Baca.
Even Hispanic voters are getting tired of their under- representation.
The mid night dancing party must end in Santa Ana.
Lindav123:
Where did you get the information about illegal Vietnamese ?
Would you point me to the source ?
It seemed you are either out of touch or have a poor knowledge
on the immigration matter
There is very rare chance any illegal Vietnamese in the US as
all of them know how to use the sham marriage to become
US citizens, then recover their investments by doing the same
thing for others. The shame marriages just like any other
country have been going for at least 20 years
So, ask your US Congress to change the immigration law and see how
they fight each other and come up with nothing !
So, don’t try to count for US census about your immigration statistics ,
especially for Vietnamese
No matter which way you slice it, Mrs. Sanchez’s incumbent advantage might be too strong for either candidates to overcome.
Interestingly, the revelation of recent heated encounters between Van Tran and Quang Pham proved tantalizing, and revealing.
I had always anticipated this eventual confrntation; However, at a much later date, behind the scene, after primary season, as normal process of political consolidation.
Mr. Tran’s early aggressive tactics reveal more of his main weakness: his narrow provincial appeal. His campaign staff should have handled it more discreetly. For years, he has struggled so hard, and have sacrificed so many friends to become the quintessential Republican minority candidate, until Mr. Quang Pham showed up to crash the party.
Status quo has always been a Republican tradition, Mr. Pham have not paid his dues yet to be considered for domination by the party hierarchy. Recent political conversion could marginally enhance his standing with his own Vietnamese community.
Mr. Tran’s recent campaign speeches have been un-inspiring, his legislature records lacked substances. The state budget paralysis will further highlight his lassitude.
Mr. Quang Pham, on the other hand, has exemplary service records. Quite congenial and articulate on many public appearances.
This campaign season could mark the beginning of Mr. Pham’s political career (win or lose), and the end for Mr. Tran’s political ambition.
This makes for good competetion: Sanchez needs to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quang Pham has been showing up at the Republican monthly meetings on and off for about two years now. He’s been eyeing Sanchez’s seat for a while now. It will take more than being “fresh”, being a vet, and being a Viet to beat Sanchez. His bit about being supported by the business and Vietnamese community has no foundation.
Loretta spends too much time trying to get votes in the Viet community. She may have forgotten that she is a Latino and that she hasn’t done much for the Latinos. Latinos showed up to vote last time, because they were upset with Tan Nguyen’s letter that was written in Spanish. They may be upset and not show up to vote in this race, because they haven’t got anything from Loretta, except for her “trying to be sexy” Christmas cards.
Van Tran-to be determined