In N Out

They are one of my favorite fast-food eateries, but not the subject of this post.

No, we're taking another look at California's 24th Congressional District, where incumbent Elton Gallegly (who bowed out of this race just a week ago) is back in:

Just days after he made a last-minute announcement that he was retiring due to health concerns, Republican Congressman Elton Gallegly reversed course Wednesday and said he will seek re-election.

Gallegly's change of heart came after he received a letter from the California Republican congressional delegation, a phone call from the president, and finally an OK from the House doctor.

After four days of speculation and party turmoil, Gallegly, who represents the 24th Congressional District, said in a written statement that he intends “to run a vibrant campaign to win re-election in June and in November, and will represent my friends and neighbors for the next two years with the same commitment and dedication I have for the past 20 years.”

It will also be his last: Gallegly, 62, said that, if he wins, this will be his last two-year term representing the district, which covers Ventura County and inland Santa Barbara County.

And with that, a state of normalcy returns to the local Republican organizations in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. What was shaping up as a messy process to find a successor will likely end as it has for most of the last 10 congressional elections--with Congressman Gallegly heading off to D.C.

And with 2 years to focus on finding and grooming a candidate, we residents of the 24th District can look forward to voting in 2008 for a strong successor.