CONGRESSIONAL MUSICAL CHAIRS. Just when I thought the race to fill Congressman Radanovich’s seat would soon be in the hands of Senator Jeff Denham, up pops former Congressman Richard Pombo (Tracy) and former Assemblyman and Secretary of State Bill Jones. Pombo is running, while Jones is considering a run. Former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson is also running. Patterson and Jones are the only candidates who actually live in the district so far; although that is not a requirement to run for Congress. Two years back State Senator McClintock of Ventura won a seat in the Placerville/mountain area to fill John Doolittle’s position. So as Denham and Pombo continue their march to the June primary, both will have to take some grief about living outside the district. I know Denham is looking at homes in Turlock; but I’m not sure what Pombo will decide.

I do know that our own Supervisor Jim DeMartini, who is also the chairman of the Stanislaus County Central Committee, would rather these guys run in their own districts. DeMartini said this week that Denham should have run against Dennis Cardoza and Pombo could have challenged Congressman McNerney (who beat him the last time). However, winning these races as Republicans would be difficult and whoever wins the seat being vacated by Radanovich is a shoe-in for Congress, since a Democrat can’t win the seat (especially this year).

“I don’t understand why anyone would move to run,” DeMartini said. “I can’t relate to that.”

I like both Denham and Pombo, and both men would be outstanding representatives; but I never like Republicans going after one another, which is what will happen in this election. Denham has a base in our area (Stanislaus County and the mountain communities), while Pombo is gathering support among the influentials in the Fresno area, including Congressman Devin Nunes. Nunes told me this week that Pombo is his friend and someone who helped him move up in Congress (when Pombo served there for many years). He also said that he likes Denham and could work with him. Well, whoever wins will have to work with other Republicans, because there aren’t many to go around! (That could change in November as our President upsets Americans with his health care and stimulus policies).

The applecart will turn over if Jones also enters the race, and I will be surprised if he does! Stay tuned! While Denham is our Senator, this Congressional seat is outside West Siders’ district; so while we can watch it, we can’t vote for any of the candidates. Our Congressional District features Congressman Dennis Cardoza and Republican Mike Berryhill.

COMPLICATED MOVIE IS HILARIOUS. “It’s Complicated,” the comedy starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen. This is a fantasy about a triumphant ex-wife desired all over again by her ex-husband. Streep could get an Oscar for her believable role. Streep’s scene with her best women friends (where she lets them know of the affair with her ex) is quite good. The movie is even funnier if you are divorced (except for some sad scenes where the children ask serious questions). In the end, the entire dramatic comedy is a show stopper. While some expert reviewers may only be giving it mid or low “B’s” it really is good. They usually never pick the movies that the rank and file likes to watch. If you can keep from laughing for half the time you are in the theater, you are one of the few.