By Ryan Trabuco
I must first preface this post by saying I have come to know Farrah Douglas through my volunteer efforts within the local Republican Party over the last few years. I respect Farrah. She’s an accomplished woman, and I believe she’s done an admirable job on the Carlsbad City Council.
However, when a legitimate issue is raised about a candidate’s vote, an action, or in this instance — voter registration — some would argue it’s fair game. It is for me. For as many times as I’ve been called a RINO (yeah, it hurts), I can proudly say: I’ve been a registered Republican since October 21, 2003 — the day I turned 18.
When Farrah Douglas stands before a Republican organization and claims life-long status within our party, it’s almost like listening to a World War II veteran tell their story. Few can claim such an accomplishment. So, when records from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters raise a question of validity to her claims, it can result in others questioning Douglas’ commitment and integrity.
Official records on file at the ROV reveal Douglas has changed her party affiliation at least twice. She registered as a Republican in 1983, switched to Democrat in 1999 and then back to Republican just before her failed run for Carlsbad City Council in 2007.
Between the years of 1992-2006, Douglas, who is running in the June 5th primary election for the 76th Assembly District as a Republican, apparently failed to vote in a single primary election, according to her voting record. Disappointing. As much as I respect our 2010 statewide nominees — Meg Whitman and Damon Dunn — similar issues that plagued their respective campaigns.
Over the past 17 primary and special elections for which Douglas has been eligible, she only voted in five of them. Douglas voted in a primary for the first time in the Special Primary for the 50th Congressional District in April of 2006 – as a Democrat. This particular special election was personal for me. I drove down from my home in Orange County at the time, and volunteered as much as I could to help our Republican candidate Brian Bilbray defeat Francine Busby (the first time). The fact that Douglas was registered — and voted — as a Democrat, could have had real implications for the Republican Party, whose organizational and member support she has been courting for her Assembly bid.
Voting records show that Douglas was not only a registered Democrat, but took a Democrat ballot in the closed June 2006 primary. As a result, Douglas had to have voted for a Democrat rather than for a Republican in that primary election. Disappointing.
When Farrah Douglas sought our party’s endorsement a few months ago, she withheld disclosing her past party affiliation, or her past voting record. Also disappointing. It might not be the pretty side of politics, but truth and honesty are better than a potential hit piece — or unfavorable blog postings.
Some could make the argument that if Douglas knowingly withheld this information from our party’s leadership during the endorsement process, then what else could she be withholding from the public?
As I mentioned earlier, I have nothing but respect for Farrah Douglas. Her story is inspiring. An immigrant journey of American perseverance, triumph and success we often hear about but rarely see up close. However, given all that, why the silent treatment on these issues? I can only say I am disappointed.
I have emailed Douglas and will post her response if I hear back from her.
Trabuco is President of the Clairemont Town Council and a California Republican Party delegate.