Press Releases
Barstow - Immediate ReleasePorterville Reporter - March 08, 2007
Fresno Bee - March 11, 2007
Flash Report - March 11, 2007
Barstow - March 15, 2007
Barstow - Anthony Adams Endorses Bob Smith - April 18, 2007
Barstow - Assemblyman Tran Adds to Growing Support for Bob Smith - June 4, 2007
Barstow - Assemblywoman Runner Continues Growing Momentum in Smith Campaign - June 11, 2007
Barstow - Former Senate Republican Leader Jim Brulte Adds to Growing Momentum for Bob Smith - June 21, 2007
Barstow - Groundbreaking BOE Member Michelle Steel Adds Support To Bob Smith for Assembly - June 26, 2007
California City - Chamber of Commerce Officer Installation - Oct. 7, 2007
Barstow - Bob Smith Inducted into Sons of the American Revolution - November 17, 2007
Candidate’s son recovering from crash - January 10, 2008
Last Chance To File - March 6, 2008
Lucky Letters? SOS Pulls Random Alphabet To Determine Ballot Order - March 13, 2008
Minuteman Project Co-Founder Campaigns for Bob Smith
CDF Firefighters (Cal Fire) Endorses Candidate Bob Smith for Assembly
34th Assembly District Candidates Smith and Zellhoefer Demand Apology from Conway - June 1st, 2008
Barstow- Immediate Release
Conservative Republican Bob Smith Prepares Run for 34th Assembly Seat
(Barstow) - Longtime conservative leader Bob Smith announced today that he is assembling a campaign team in anticipation of running for California's open 34th Assembly District - replacing term-limited Assemblyman Bill Maze.
A fixture among the district's GOP circles, Smith is currently serving as the Senior Field Representative to Assemblyman Maze. Bob Smith is also an advisor to San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus, where he works on local tax issues.
Prior to his work with Assemblyman Maze and Assessor Postmus, Bob Smith built a long and productive career in law enforcement, serving over 20 years with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy, a Detective, and a member of the elite SWAT Team. Bob is also a Lt. Colonel with the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, where he briefs legislators on US Air Force current events and issues.
"Bob Smith is an accomplished, substantive individual who clearly has a lot to offer the people of California," said Smith Spokesman Tim Clark. "Moreover, he is already well known among the district's movers and shakers, and they've responded enthusiastically to his candidacy. I am confident Bob Smith will put together the pieces for a win here in 2008."
This is not Bob Smith's first foray into elective politics. In 1999, he was elected to serve on the Silver Valley School District's Board where he was able to focus on higher education standards and levels throughout the region.
Bob is currently a member of the Republican Central Committee of San Bernardino County where he has been instrumental in helping to get local Republicans elected to City Councils, Judgeships, Water Boards and other municipalities. He also started the Barstow Area Republican Club (BARC) where he worked on increasing Republican registration in Barstow and the surrounding communities.
Bob and his wife Deborah Harris live in Barstow, where Bob is active in his local church. He has retained the services of veteran GOP consultants JohnsonClark Associates to win his race.
Porterville Reporter - march 8, 2007
NEWS UPDATE: Barstow Republican announces for 34th Assembly District seat
By Glen Faison
Longtime conservative leader Bob Smith of Barstow announced today that he is assembling a campaign team in anticipation of running for California’s open 34th Assembly District, replacing term-limited Assemblyman Bill Maze of Visalia.
Smith, in an announcement from a Sacramento-based political consulting firm JohnsonClark Associates, is described as "a fixture among the district’s GOP circles." He serves as the senior field representative to Maze, and is an adviser to San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus, where he works on local tax issues.
Prior to his work with Maze and Postmus, Smith built a long and productive career in law enforcement, serving more than 20 years with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy, a detective and a member of the SWAT team. He is also a lieutenant colonel with the Civil Air Patrol, where he briefs legislators on U..S Air Force current events and happenings.
"Bob Smith is an accomplished, substantive individual who clearly has a lot to offer the people of California,” said Smith spokesman Tim Clark. “Moreover, he is already well known among the district’s movers and shakers, and they’ve responded enthusiastically to his candidacy. I am confident Bob Smith will put together the pieces for a win here in 2008.”
This is not Smith’s first foray into elective politics. In 1999, he was elected to serve on the Silver Valley School District’s board of trustees where he was able to focus on higher education standards and levels throughout the region.
Smith is a member of the Republican Central Committee of San Bernardino County where he has been instrumental in helping to get local Republicans elected to city councils, judgeships, water boards and other government agencies, Clark said. He also started the Barstow Area Republican Club (BARC) where he worked on increasing Republican registration in Barstow and the surrounding communities.
Smith and his wife Deborah Harris live in Barstow, where he is active in his local church.
Fresno Bee - March 11, 2007 - 06:25:59
SURPRISE: Assembly Member Bill Maze got a surprise when he read on an Internet blog that Bob Smith, a staff member in his Barstow office, intends to seek election to the 34th Assembly District in 2008, when Maze will be termed out.
"I was definitely caught off guard," Maze said. Smith, a retired law enforcement officer, works two days a week in the Barstow office, Maze said.
It may be early for potential candidates to speak of '08 because there's a move afoot to change term limits. An initiative petition in circulation proposes to reduce the number of years a legislator could serve, from 14 to 12, but let it all be in one house of the Legislature. That'd help Maze.
Currently, the law is three two-year terms in the Assembly, and two four-year terms in the Senate. Maze is in his third Assembly term. Should the initiative qualify, get placed on the ballot in February 2008 (if the presidential primary is moved to Feb. 5 as proposed), and win voter approval, Maze could run again.
"It's a coin toss," if the initiative makes it through the hoops and onto the ballot, Maze said, but he favors it.
"The experience with term limits has been disastrous," Maze said.
FlashReport.org - March 11, 2007 - 10:46 am
Bill Maze supposedly learns of staffers run for his seat from this website...
by Jon Fleischman - Publisher
According to a column by the Fresno Bee's Lew Griswald, Assemblyman (and FR friend) Bill Maze was supposedly surprised in
reading on the FlashReport that one of his aides, Bob Smith, is running to succeed Maze in the legislature (term limits will cause Maze to retire.
I don't buy that for a minute -- given the depth of support that Smith has already put together, it is not plausible that his boss would not have heard about it.
That said, while Maze has been a solid conservative legislator, it is disappointing to see him drink the Anthony Adams kool-aid on term-limits. Guess what, Bill, were it not for term-limits, you probably never would have had a chance to serve. Now it's time for others to have their opportunity.
Barstow - March 15, 2007 - 7:21AM
Local man running talks about gangs, schools, casinos and sludge.
Smith plans to replace Assemblyman Bill Maze as the 34th district's representative.
By Aaron Aupperlee Staff Writer
BARSTOW - Bob Smith sat at his desk in his office on East Main Street. He worked on the virtual office loaded on the screen of his laptop. He hopes the technology - a Web site that allows people on his campaign to check messages, contact lists and schedules from anywhere with an Internet connection - will give him the edge.
"This district is huge," the State Assembly candidate said, looking at a map of the 34th district, spanning from Visalia to Needles and includes portions of Tulare, Inyo, Kern and San Bernardino counties. "You need to have a field rep in Visalia and one in Barstow, and they need to be on the same page."
The former field representative for both State Assemblyman Bill Maze and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors said friends and supporters for years have told him to get out from behind people and be the guy out in front. Smith finally listened and is now running for Maze's seat, vacated by term limits in 2008.
His roots - At the age of 19, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department asked Smith to buy drugs undercover in the Barstow area schools. It was his first foray into public service. He worked in the schools for two years and continued to work with the sheriff's department for 26 more.
In 1999, Smith began a new role in area schools as a member of the Silver Valley Unified School District's Board of Trustees. He currently serves as a school board trustee with the Summit Leadership Academy in Hesperia.
"If you look at my career, it has paralleled those two things," he said. "It has paralleled education and law enforcement."
Smith credits role models with giving him direction in life. Raised with two alcoholic parents, Smith grew up jumping from foster home to foster home, six in total. He said his wife, Deborah, jokes that Smith probably should have ended up in prison.
"If I hadn't had certain role models, I wouldn't be where I am today," he said. "I want to be the role model for the individuals growing up."
He remembers on foster parent, a man who owned a horse ranch, who taught him what he should and should not do. In theory, he said, government officials should be the horse ranchers for the rest of the youth, but a few bad examples spoil the government's image. However, Smith said he plans to lead by example and not preach on the campaign.
"I'm going to campaign on issues, and morals are just part of my make-up," he said.
Barstow - April 18, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Clark (916) 473-8866
Popular San Bernardino County Assemblyman Anthony Adams Endorses Bob Smith for Assembly
Today, Assemblyman Anthony Adams announced his support for Bob Smith, who is running to replace Assemblyman Bill Maze. Assemblyman Maze is retiring due to term limits in the 34th Assembly District.
"Bob Smith has spent his entire career in public service," said Assemblyman Anthony Adams. "He's a tough-on-crime law enforcement advocate, who will also continue the fight for lower taxes and smaller, more efficient government. He's exactly the kind of person we need in the Assembly."
Assemblyman Anthony Adams was elected last year to the 59th Assembly District and has become one of San Bernardino County's most prominent proponents of fiscally conservative government.
"Adams' endorsement for Bob Smith is just the beginning of what will be a very popular campaign," said campaign spokesman Tim Clark. "Bob Smith is one of the few individuals who has garnered widespread support from donors, elected officials and activists. There has been a real groundswell of support, and Bob should easily win this seat."
Prior to his work with Assemblyman Maze and County Board of Supervisor Chairman Bill Postmus, Bob Smith built a long and productive career in law enforcement, serving over 20 years with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy, a Detective, and a member of the elite SWAT Team. Bob is also a Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Air Force Aux, Civil Air Patrol, where he briefs and involves legislators in US Air Force Aux current events and happenings.
Bob is currently a member of the Republican Central Committee of San Bernardino County where he has been instrumental in getting local Republicans elected to City Councils, Judgeships, Water Boards and other offices. He also started the Barstow Area Republican Caucus (BARC) where he has significantly increased Republican voter registration not only in the City of Barstow, but also the surrounding communities as well.
Bob and his wife Deborah live in Barstow, where Bob is very active in his local church. They have four grown children. He has retained the services of veteran GOP consultants JohnsonClark Associates to run his race.
Barstow - June 4, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Richman (818)917-0420
Today, Assemblyman Van Tran announced his early support for Bob Smith in the race for the open 34th Assembly District.
"Bob's public service background will make him a very strong asset to our caucus in Sacramento," stated Tran. "Bob will be an advocate for his constituents, fighting to keep government regulations in check, without raising taxes. I am proud to add my name to his endorsement list."
Assemblyman Tran, who was first elected to the legislature in 2004, is currently an Assistant Republican Leader. He is the first Vietnamese American ever elected to the California Legislature, and is looked upon as a Republican leader around the country.
"This endorsement adds even more momentum to Bob's campaign," said spokesman Mike Richman. "Bob is locking up key endorsements in the district and around the state, when combined with his strong fundraising makes him the overwhelming frontrunner in this race."
Bob and his wife Deborah Harris live in Barstow, where Bob is active in his local church.
Barstow - June 11, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Richman (818)917-0420
Assemblywoman Runner Continues Growing Momentum in Smith Campaign
Today, Assemblywoman Sharon Runner announced her early support for Bob Smith in the race for the open 34th District. This comes on the heels of endorsements from Assemblyman Van Tran, Assemblywoman Audra Strickland and Former Assemblyman Tony Strickland.
"I have known Bob for many years, and he is a man of integrity, hard work ethic, and conservative principles," stated Runner. "You can trust Bob to fight for our core beliefs, holding the line on lower taxes and being tough on crime. Bob has my support and deserves that of the 34th District."
Assemblywoman Runner, was first elected to the legislature in 2002, and was a statewide co-chair for the Jessica's Law Campaign along with her husband, Senator George Runner. She represents the 36th District, which is adjacent to the 34th.
"For Bob to be getting this kind of support this early in the campaign is truly groundbreaking," said spokesman Mike Richman. "I have full faith that Bob will continue his momentum, which will make him far and away the strongest candidate in this race."
Bob and his wife Deborah Harris live in Barstow, where Bob is active in his local church.
Barstow - June 21, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Richman (818)917-0420
Former Senate Republican Leader Jim Brulte Adds to Growing Momentum for Bob Smith
Former Senate Republican Leader Jim Brulte today announced his support for Bob Smith campaign for election to the California State Assembly.
"Bob Smith has what it takes to be an effective advocate for our community in the State Assembly," said Senator Brulte. "His record of public service, his knowledge of local government, and his steadfast desire to improve public safety and the education system, will make him a great representative for the people of the 34th District."
Former Senator Brulte led the Senate Republicans from 2000 to 2004. Prior to that, he served as the Assembly Republican leader. Senator Brulte is a 42 year resident of San Bernardino County.
"Bob is showing incredible momentum in this race," said spokesman Mike Richman. "Looking at the number of endorsements he has already generated, signals the respect that he enjoys among those who know him well."
Bob Smith is an active Republican, former Deputy Sheriff and fireman, and is active in his local church. He lives in Barstow, with his wife Deborah.
Barstow - June 26, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Richman (818)917-0420
Groundbreaking BOE Member Michelle Steel Adds Support To Bob Smith for Assembly
3rd District Board of Equalization Member Michelle Steel supplemented the recent endorsements of Assemblymembers Strickland, Runner and Tran and Senator Brulte, by joining the Bob Smith in his quest to fill the open 34th District Assembly Seat.
"Bob Smith is a fiscal conservative and will fight to lower taxes," said Board Member Steel. "In Sacramento, we need representatives that will be leaders in balancing our budget without raising taxes, and be a solid vote against taxes and fee increases. Bob Smith will be that leader, and I look forward to working with him."
Michelle Steel, who was first elected to the Board of Equalization in 2006, is the highest ranking Korean in the United States. She represents portions of San Bernardino County that overlap with the 34th District.
"This endorsement is very exciting for Bob's campaign," said spokesman Mike Richman. "The endorsements from elected officials this early in a race solidify his standing as the far and away frontrunner in this race."
Bob Smith is an active Republican, former Deputy Sheriff and fireman, and is active in his local church. He lives in Barstow, with his wife Deborah.
Bob Smith Inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution
Bob Smith is installed into the Sons of the American Revolution at the Redlands University during the Chapter meeting. With Bob are Redland Chapter President, Col. John E. Ford III and Will Langford who publishes their newsletter.
Candidate’s son recovering from crash
The 21-year-old son of a Yermo man running for a seat in the California Assembly is out of a coma and recovering from his injuries from a December car crash.
Doctors had feared that Aaron Harris, 22, Assembly candidate Bob Smith’s step-son, would not survive a Dec. 21 crash on the State Highway 247 in Orange County. Harris was hospitalized and put into a medically induced coma but came out of it nine days later, Smith said.
“He’s doing exceptionally well,” Smith said. “He’ll be fine with a little a bit of therapy, but he’s in good shape.”
Smith said that doctors expect Harris to almost fully recover.
“The family is doing exceptionally well now. It is a hell I wouldn’t want any family to go through,” Smith said. “You’re looking at a situation you aren’t prepared for mentally.”
He said that his family received overwhelming support from the community through the ordeal. Smith said he will continue with his campaign for the 34th district Assembly seat.
“My wife has literally kicked me in the butt and said get out there on the campaign trail.” he said.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or jason_smith@link.freedom.com
Last Chance to file approaches
Politicians bearing checkbooks could fill the Tulare County elections office today. Nine would-be candidates could put themselves on the ballot for Congress, the state Assembly and the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. All have taken the initial step of "pulling papers" but have not yet filed statements or paid filing fees, which range from $990 to $1,367, depending on the office sought.
Today's the last day for candidates to file for the June 3 primary election.
Most hotly contested is the 34th District state Assembly seat of termed-out incumbent Bill Maze. Four Republican candidates have filed initial papers for the seat.
"Personally, I never want to underestimate anybody," said Connie Conway, R-Tulare, who is facing Maze's wife, Rebecca, and two candidates from the huge district's Mojave Desert reaches.
Conway, Maze and Bob Smith of Barstow have yet to complete the filing process. John Zellhoefer of Tecopa, a small town east of Death Valley and 56 miles north of Interstate 15, qualified for the ballot in Inyo County, according to elections officials there.
Democratic challenger
One Democrat, Desmond Farrelly, D-Visalia, has filed initial papers for the Assembly race.
"Bob Smith is the guy who has the most behind him," Farrelly said. "He's an incredibly powerful politician."
Farrelly is the only Democrat running for the seat.
He said the many contenders from the Republican party could split the vote in his favor.
Rebecca Maze said the number of candidates in the race will just make it more interesting. She said she has received support from all over the district.
"Everybody has the right to run for elective office," she said.
Board of Supervisors
In the 1st District supervisor race, incumbent Allen Ishida has two apparent challengers. Only Guy Christian, an investigator for the Tulare County District Attorney's Office, has qualified for the ballot.
Neither Ishida nor the other challenger, Peter Hickey of Exeter, has qualified.
The 2nd District seat Conway is giving up to run for the Assembly is being sought by Patrick Isherwood and Pete Vander Poel, both of Tulare. Only Vander Poel has qualified.
Incumbent Phil Cox appears to be the lone candidate in the 3rd District, but he has not qualified.
Porterville City Council
In Porterville, Deputy City Clerk Louisa Herrera said two council members, Cameron Hamilton and Eddie Hernandez, have qualified.
A third, Pedro Rico Martinez Jr., was expected to file today. In addition, six challengers had taken preliminary filing steps.
Lucky Letters? SOS Pulls Random Alphabet To Determine Ballot Order
The Secretary of State pulled conducted the random drawing of letters to determine ballot order, which can give a little "bump" to the first person (isn't that sad?).
Here is the order: H, E, A, N, O, V, P, J, U, L, S, M, X, B, C, T, I, K, R, Q, D, Y, F, W, G, Z.
Seems like good news for these GOP candidates whose last name begins with an "H" -- a little lift for their primary? Paul Hegyi, Sue Horne, Diane Harkey, Gabriella Holt, Curt Hagman, Bob Huff, and Duncan D. Hunter
Oh yeah, if candidates have the same first letter in their last name, apply this list to the second letter, and so on. For example, John BEnoit will be listed above Russ BOgh because "E" comes before "O" in the draw.
Minuteman Project Co-Founder Campaigns for Bob Smith
Smith Receives Support for Strong Stance Against Illegal Immigration
(Visalia) - The campaign of Bob Smith for Assembly Dist. 34 today announced that he has received the endorsement of Chris Simcox founder of the national immigration reform movement called the Minuteman Civil Defense Corp.
Simcox founded the Minuteman organization after years of frustrated efforts trying to get a neglectful U.S. government to simply enforce existing immigration laws.
"To protect our nation of laws, our tax dollars, and our national security, we must secure our borders and reestablish respect for the law," said Smith.
"I am honored to have a patriot like Chris Simcox campaigning for me," said Smith.
Simcox will appear at a "Facts about Immigration" forum on May 12th, 2008 in Porterville at Veterans Memorial Hall, 1900 W Olive Ave, Porterville at 5:30 PM.
Those interested in attending should contact Michelle Perez, Office Manager @ michelle@electbobsmith.com or 559-827-4877.
Donation of $5.00 requested.
CDF Firefighters (Cal Fire) Endorses Candidate Bob Smith for Assembly
(Visalia) – Conservative leader Bob Smith, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the 34th Assembly District in next month’s election, has been endorsed by the CDF Firefighters, his campaign announced today.
CDF Firefighters represents more than 5,500 men and women employed in the fire service of the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the state’s largest fire department and the nations third biggest.
Smith, a retired San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detective, has a wide range of endorsements, including those of many other leaders and organizations in the California fire service throughout the 34th Assembly District. Those include:
California Professional Fire Fighters Association.Barstow Professional Firefighters Association.
San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters-Local 935.
Dennis Thompson, Fire Chief, Kern County Fire Department.
Pat Dennen, Fire Chief, San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Don Barnett, Captain, Kern County Fire Department.
Paul Courtney, President, Barstow Fire Board.
Steve Davis, Fire Chief, Olancha Fire Department.
Dallas Harris, Director, Barstow Fire Board.
Gary G. Hood, Retired Fire Captain, Porterville Fire.
Darrell Jauss, Fire Chief, Barstow Fire Department.
LeRoy Kritz, Fire Chief, Lone Pine Fire Department.
John Marzano, Fire Chief, Big Pine Fire Department.
Jose Perez, Fire Chief-Woodlake Fire Department.
Ray Seguine, Fire Chief, Bishop Fire Department.
Smith’s CDF Firefighters endorsement was first announced in a letter jointly signed by the organization’s president, Bob Wolf, and legislative analyst, Aaron Read.
Smith had a long and productive career in law enforcement, serving for more than 27 years with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy, a detective, and a member of the elite SWAT Team and gang unit. Smith also is a Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, where he briefs legislators on US Air Force current events and issues.
This is not Smith’s first foray into elective politics. In 1999, he was elected to serve on the Silver Valley School District’s governing board where he was able to focus on higher education standards and levels throughout the region. Smith has served as a member of the Republican Central Committee of San Bernardino County, where he has been instrumental in helping to get local Republicans elected to city councils, judgeships, water boards and other offices.
He also started the Barstow Area Republican Club, where he worked on increasing Republican registration in Barstow and surrounding communities.
Smith and his wife, Deborah Harris, reside in Yermo.
34th Assembly District Candidates Smith and Zellhoefer Demand Apology from Conway
June 1, 2008
(Visalia) – Two of Connie Conway's opponents today issued a demand for an apology from Connie Conway for a mailer in which she makes false claims about her competitors.
Smith noted that he retired in good standing after a 27-year career as a deputy sheriff, SWAT Team member, and criminal investigator and that he was honored as Optimist International Police Officer of the Year.
"Yet Conway's mailer claims I am a 'disgraced Sheriffs Deputy'." Conway offers no documentation for her claim that I was disgraced because there is none," said a disgusted Smith. A letter from Sheriff Gary Penrod which specifically states, "Bob’s personal integrity is unquestionable. That is why he has my full, unqualified support" can be viewed at www.electbobsmith.com .
Conway's mailer also falsely claims Bob Smith has no experience with budgets even though he balanced at least five budgets as a trustee on the Silver Valley School District and the Summit Leadership Academy School Board.
Jon Zellhoefer said Conway's mailer inaccurately states that he has no public safety experience even though he sits on the Board of the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District--a fact listed under his name on the voting ballot.
"Conway falsely claims I have no experience with budgets yet balance them regularly as the Secretary/ Treasurer of the fire board", Zellhoefer said.
The fact that I serve on a fire board is listed on the ballot. Conway is fully aware of my title and position yet intentionally deceived the public by saying I had no record in budget OR public safety.", Zellhoefer concluded.
Both candidates said they have filed a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission asking them to investigate Conway's deceitful claims.
Phone 559-827-4877