NRCC chairman to stump for 8 GOP congressional candidates in Calif.

The head of the campaign arm for congressional Republicans is planning a swing through California next week to help raise money for GOP candidates in eight districts.

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden will host an event Thursday for military veteran Paul Chabot, who is battling Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, a Democrat, for the Inland Empire seat being vacated by Rep. Gary Miller (R-Rancho Cucamonga).

On Friday, Walden, who represents Oregon’s 2nd District in the House, is scheduled to host a fund-raiser for Assemblyman Jeff Gorell of Camarillo, who is challenging Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) this fall.

The Brownley campaign responded to the news of Walden’s efforts by issuing a fund-raising appeal to her supporters. “Every last dime they raise will turn into deceptive ads that distort my record and everything we’re fighting for,” Brownley said in th email appeal.

The other districts Walden is scheduled to campaign in include two in Sacramento suburbs, where Assemblyman Dan Logue of Loma Rica is challenging Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) and former congressman Doug Ose is taking on Rep. Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove).

Walden also will stump in the Central Valley for Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), who is being challenged by Democrat Amanda Renteria.

He plans three stops in Southern California, including for the Orange County open seat sought by state Sen. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine); she faces Democrat Drew E. Leavens in the strong GOP district.

Others slated to get Walden’s help are Assemblyman Brian Nestande, who is challenging Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert), and former San Diego Councilman Carl DeMaio, who is trying to oust Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego).

Tyrone Gayle, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, swiped at Walden’s trip as a way to reward the GOP’s “hand-picked darlings for their pledge to continue this Congress’ dysfunctional agenda,” including “blocking progress for middle class California families.”

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