Gallegly will run for another term in Congress
Incumbent files on first day he can
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly

U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (RThousand Oaks) filed to run for reelection to Congress Monday, the first day candidates were allowed to do so.

Gallegly was elected to the Simi Valley City Council in 1979. In 1982 he became the city's first directly elected mayor and held that post until he ran for Congress in 1986.

"I appreciate the support I've received from the voters and leaders of this district over the years," Gallegly said. "It's a great privilege to represent my neighbors in Congress and a great responsibility. I look forward to continuing to make sure Ventura and Santa Barbara counties' concerns are heard and acted upon in Washington."

Gallegly has already received endorsements from Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks, District Attorney Gregory Totten, the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association and the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association.

"I don't think there is a single person who has done more to ensure that local law enforcement has the laws and crime-fighting tools needed to make sure our region remains among the safest communities in America," Brooks said. "He has encouraged federal agencies to partner with us to combat crime. His knowledge and interest make him a strong and effective advocate in Washington."

One of the main issues Gallegly focuses on is illegal immigration. He chaired the 1995 Congressional Task Force on Immigration Reform and earned recognition in 2006 as one of the Top 10 Illegal Immigration Hawks in Congress and induction into the U.S. Border Patrol Hall of Fame.

Gallegly is assigned to four full committees in Congress. He is a senior member of the foreign affairs, judiciary and natural resources committees, and is a member of the permanent select committee on intelligence.

For more information on Gallegly, visit www.house.gov/ gallegly