Chino businessman to battle Miller for Republican nomination
By Neil Nisperos
Staff Writer
CHINO -- When Lee McGroarty describes the political fight he started last week with Rep. Gary Miller, he likens the battle ahead to David and Goliath.
McGroarty, a businessman in financial services with no political experience, has decided to run against the six-term congressman for the Republican nomination next year.
The Chino resident said Miller, R-Brea, did not represent the core Republican values of small government and the free market when he voted to support the financial industry bailout.
McGroarty also called attention to the number of votes Miller missed while in office, the housing bailout bill and his support for the Cash for Clunkers program.
McGroarty also called into question Miller's relationships with the real-estate and development industry and how it might have affected his voting decision in the housing bill.
"He was the only California Republican to vote yes for that bailout, and it was really a bailout of the housing market," McGroarty said.
"If you google Gary Miller's scandals, you notice a lot of controversial situations Miller's gotten himself into. His Miller Development Co. made millions while in Congress. His relationship with Lewis (Group of Companies) calls into mind his judgment. If something smells, you better run."
Miller responded to McGroarty's comments on Monday focusing on his challenger's voting record, citing information he received from a constituent that the Chino businessman had declined to vote in any primaries since 1996. Miller also called into question McGroarty being a Republican.
"On March 2, 2004, he requested a Republican ballot," Miller said. "Why would a Republican request a Republican ballot unless he was an independent or declined to state he was a Republican. ... Having to request a Republican ballot means you're not registered."
McGroarty, who didn't deny Miller's allegation, shot back.
"If Miller's going to go down the path of me not voting on Republican primaries, and he gets paid for votes, and he's ranked in the worst 10 percent in actually showing up to vote in his voting records, I think he should be the last person to talk about not showing up to vote," McGroarty said.
Miller's voting rate is about 93 percent and explained his absences as stemming from medical treatment.
He also defended his record, saying he is one of the most conservative members of Congress.
"I vote my conscience, and I vote what I believe and is best for my constituents, and I publicize my voting record to my constituents in a weekly e-mail," Miller said.
Miller also defended his support for the TARP bill that allowed the Department of the Treasury to purchase or insure up to $700 billion of "troubled" assets in the wake of the global financial meltdown.
"I voted for the first $350 billion of that bill," Miller said. "I met with (former Treasury Secretary) Paulson and (Federal Reserve Chairman Ben) Bernanke three times before the vote, and I met with Bush's senior financial adviser.
"If (McGroarty) understood the financial situation of this country, it was horrifying. I voted against everything after that because I thought it was a huge waste of money."
Miller has enough wealth and support to sustain a campaign, but McGroarty, who began his campaign on his 10th wedding anniversary last Friday, admits he faces a huge uphill battle to gain support.
McGroarty said he will work hard to get votes, knocking on doors and through the Internet on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.
"I'm going to run an honorable campaign," McGroarty said. "I will not lie, and I will not post lies. However, I will run a ruthless campaign. I will go after him, and I will go after his jugular."
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