Dreier, Warner exchange attacks as CA-26 heats up

While the re-election campaign of U.S. Rep. David Dreier (R-San Dimas) has refused to publicly comment on Democratic challenger Russ Warner, it began to engage him with negative fliers starting last week, accusing the Rancho Cucamonga resident, the owner of a successful magazine distribution company, of bad business practices. The Warner campaign viewed the attacks as an encouraging sign that Dreier is taking them seriously.
 
"It shows that they're very concerned with the campaign that Russ has run," said Warner campaign manager Kristin Points. "We're giving Dreier a really good run for his money."
 
The California Republican Party has also gotten involved, circulating negative emails about Warner's past and highlighting the fact that Warner's corporate business license was suspended earlier this year because of late payment of state fees. The issue has since been resolved, and Warner's license was reinstated.
 
"Instead of talking about the issues that are important, David Dreier wants to shift the topic and attack Russ' character," Points said.
 
While the Warner campaign derided the negative mailing, they were quick to respond in kind, releasing their own flier that highlights Dreier's connections to several politicians who have either been convicted, indicted or are under investigation, including former U.S. Reps. Tom DeLay of Texas and Randy "Duke" Cunningham of the San Diego area.
 
Points expects the California Democratic Party to do more in upcoming weeks than just trumpet Warner’s candidacy as he looks to unseat the 13-term incumbent in this 26th Congressional District, which spans a largely suburban area between Pasadena and San Bernardino. "It's not as safe as it was over the last 26 years," Points contended.
 
The Dreier campaign could not be reached for comment.