Joe Justin
Phone: 760-609-0997

YUCCA VALLEY – The San Bernardino Sun newspaper selected Colonel Paul Cook as their endorsed candidate in the 8th Congressional District. This is the second time the Sun has endorsed Colonel Cook; he was also their choice during the highly contested June primary.

The newspaper was effusive in its praise, noting Colonel Cook’s leadership in office, knowledge of business, and ability to tackle the toughest problems:

“We endorsed Republican Assemblyman Paul Cook for this seat in the June primary — when there were 13 candidates in the race. Unsurprisingly, he’s our man in November as well.

“Cook, a retired colonel with 26 years in the US Marine Corps, has been an effective legislator in his six years in the Assembly. Despite being in the Republican minority, he has written more than two dozen bills that became laws in public safety, veterans affairs, business, and social services.

“The 8th District is home to two Marine Corps bases and an Army training facility, so Cook’s military background is a good fit.

“He’s a former Yucca Valley Town Council member and former executive director of the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, so he understands local government and business. Cook is a thoughtful problem-solver who will serve the district well.”

In their primary endorsement, the Sun declared, “Cook has the pulse of business leaders who are looking for government to ease regulations that impede economic development.”

Colonel Cook has also earned the endorsements of the US Chamber of Commerce, Congressman Jerry Lewis, Congressman Buck McKeon, and countless other leaders and organizations.

Colonel Cook is the only candidate for the 8th Congressional District who lives in the High Desert, and he is the only candidate to have represented significant portions of the district, including Yucaipa and the Morongo Basin.

Joe Justin
Phone: 760-609-0997

YUCCA VALLEY – The National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition announced its endorsement of Colonel Paul Cook (ret.) for Congress in the newly drawn 8th District.

The Coalition lauded Cook stating, “Your leadership and patriotism are especially needed in the House of Representatives at this particular time in our history when our beloved country is at risk … Accordingly, the Board of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition was polled and has unanimously approved the Coalition’s endorsement of your candidacy.”

They added further, “… we continue to be focused, like you, on ‘What can we do for our country?’”

The Coalition consists of 70 veterans organizations and veterans advocacy groups that represent over 250,000 veterans and, along with family members and supporters, a significant portion of America’s voting population.

Cook responded saying, “These are the true patriots. They’ve already put their lives on the line and worn the uniform. Instead of retiring to the background, they’ve formed a coalition to defend American values and keep our families safe from threats. I’m proud to have the endorsement of these brave men and women, and I’ll work every day in Congress to see that their sacrifices have meaning today and in the future.”

Cook is the only candidate in Congressional District 8 to have served in the military. He spent 26 years in the US Marine Corps, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for actions in combat. Cook retired as a Colonel out of Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.

Cook is endorsed by the following veterans and veterans organizations: Medal of Honor recipient Major General James Livingston, USMC (ret.); Lieutenant General Emil “Buck” Bedard, USMC (ret.); Major General Bruce Casella, US Army (ret.); Sergeant Major Alex Pacheco, USMC (ret.); Jose Ramos, founder of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day organization; and Combat Veterans for Congress.

YUCCA VALLEY - Crime Victims United of California (CVUC), the California State Police Chiefs Association (CPCA), and numerous prominent law enforcement leaders, including a 43-year veteran of law enforcement, announced their endorsements of Colonel Paul Cook (ret.) for Congress in the newly drawn 8th District.

CVUC stated the following in a letter to constituents: “[Cook] worked closely with us and other public safety groups to close a loophole in state law that allowed convicted sex offenders to move into local neighborhoods without registering with the police.

“He also took action to speed child abduction response times, establish a Missing Children Rapid Response Team, and make it easier for police to identify suspects when a child is abducted.

“Paul Cook is a man of great integrity who has earned the support of public safety leaders in San Bernardino County and throughout California. In Congress, he will be an effective, problem-solving leader for you …”

CVUC is the state’s leading victims’ advocacy organization, utilizing education, legislative involvement, and political action to give victims a voice.

The California Police Chiefs Association joined CVUC in endorsing Colonel Cook in his Congressional race. Established in 1966, CPCA is an organization that represents municipal law enforcement agencies in California.

Keith Buschey, a 43-year veteran of law enforcement who has served as a Deputy Chief in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and a Colonel in the US Marine Corps Reserve, added his endorsement for Cook stating, “Paul and I served together as lieutenants in the Vietnam War. He was a leader then, and he is a leader today. In choosing a Congressman, the citizens of his district could not possibly do any better.”

As a state lawmaker, Cook has authored several successful bills protecting victims from dangerous criminals, such as child predators. Cook’s AB 307 prevents registered sex offenders from working any job that provides goods or services to minors in an unaccompanied setting. He also passed a series of bills to reform procedures and methods for cases of missing children. These bills were implemented in every law enforcement agency across California, providing coordination for investigation efforts and ensuring information on a missing child reaches the correct authorities in the shortest time possible.

Additionally, Cook earned endorsements from the following law enforcement officials and organizations: San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops, San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, retired San Bernardino County Sheriff Gary Penrod, retired Mono County Sheriff Dan Paranick, retired Mono County District Attorney George Booth, Inyo County Sheriff Bill Lutze, Mono County Sheriff Rick Scholl, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, the San Bernardino Police Officers Association, the Latino Peace Officers Association, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Penrod serves as Cook’s Congressional campaign co-chair. Cook has also earned the endorsement of Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff and Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach.

Cook stated, “Communities can prosper only when they are safe. We need to give families the best chance to thrive, educate their children, and live a high quality of life. We can do that through partnerships with law enforcement. I’m proud to stand with law enforcement in our fight against crime. Families want safe communities, and I’ll work every day in Congress to provide families the safety they deserve.”

Joe Justin
Phone: 760-609-0997

VICTOR VALLEY – The San Bernardino County Farm Bureau announced its endorsement of Colonel Paul Cook for the 8th Congressional District race, lauding his dedication to small businesses and advocacy for farming in California.

In their endorsement, the Farm Bureau noted, “Cook understands the needs of the farmers of this state, who provide more agricultural products than any other state in the nation.”

Gayle Covey, executive director of the Farm Bureau, continued saying, “He works hard for a fair and cost-effective business climate for small businesses, including the family farmers in his district.”

As a lawmaker, Cook has worked with the Farm Bureau to protect the family farmers and ranchers who make up the backbone of California agriculture. Agriculture is a leading economic engine in California, totaling $37.5 billion in revenue for 2010.

The San Bernardino County Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of members throughout the county and statewide as part of a network of more than 74,000 members. Small family-owned farms make up the bulk of farming in San Bernardino County.

Cook stated, “We need a vigorous and healthy farming economy in California for so many reasons. Our agricultural products feed the nation, and, with so many family-owned farms, the profits return right here to California. I’m proud to stand up for agriculture and for small businesses, and I’m proud to have the endorsement of the San Bernardino County Farm Bureau.”

With his record of fighting to reduce burdensome regulations and taxes, Colonel Cook has also earned the endorsement of the US Chamber of Commerce and many local business owners.

YUCCA VALLEY – Colonel Paul Cook (ret.) announced that he has earned his sixth straight 100% anti-tax rating as a state lawmaker. Each year, the California Taxpayers Association, one of the state’s leading anti-tax watchdogs, compiles a list of bills that would reduce or increase taxes. Lawmakers who vote consistently to reduce taxes and to prevent tax increases can earn a perfect 100% anti-tax rating. Cook has earned a 100% anti-tax rating each year he has been in office.

Cook stated, "I have a record, and I will stick by it in Congress. I’m working to create jobs and fix our economy, and the clearest path to a recovery is through lower taxes."

For over 86 years, the California Taxpayers Association has sought to protect taxpayers from unnecessary taxation and has been a proponent of fiscal responsibility in government.

Cook continued, "I’m proud to have earned my sixth straight 100% anti-tax rating, and I’m proud to have authored bills to reduce income taxes for middle-class families who are struggling in this economy, to the reduce the sales, and eliminate burdensome taxes on mom-and-pop businesses."

To review the CalTax 2012 scorecard, click here:
http://www.caltax.org/2012LegislativeVotingRecord.pdf (PDF FILE)

Joe Justin
Phone: 760-609-0997
 
VICTOR VALLEY – Congressman Ed Royce (CA40) announced his strong endorsement of Colonel Paul Cook (ret.) for Congress in the newly drawn 8th District.
 
Royce stated, “During his 26 years in the Marine Corps, Colonel Cook stared down the enemy himself and knows firsthand what terrorists are capable of doing. In Congress, Colonel Cook will be our weapon against terrorism and against those who seek to harm America. He’s also a trusted lawmaker with a proven record of fighting taxes and reducing regulations. A vote for Cook is a vote for security and prosperity in our nation.”
 
Royce is known for his efforts to reign in federal spending and reduce the national debt. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, Royce leads the effort in Congress to investigate the threat posed by terrorism and to work with other nations to reject terrorism. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over issues concerning weapons of mass destruction. As Chair, Royce has worked tirelessly to prevent such weapons from falling into terrorist hands.
 
Royce's advocacy for fiscal retraint and conservative values has earned him wide acclaim. Heritage Action for America recently called Royce “California's most effective conservative voice in Congress.”
 
Cook stated, “Congressman Royce is to be admired for his ceaseless work to thwart terrorism, stop nuclear proliferation, and move our economy forward. The ongoing threat of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons and actions by terrorists in places such as Libya demonstrate that we must remain ever vigilant against evil. I’m proud to receive his endorsement, and I accept this call to duty. We must ensure a bright future for our children through freedom, safety, and democracy.”

Contact: Joe Justin
760-609-0997

VICTOR VALLEY – State Assemblyman Steve Knight announced his endorsement of Colonel Paul Cook (ret.) for Congress in the newly drawn 8th District.

Knight stated, “The High Desert needs a strong representative in Congress, and Colonel Cook is that candidate. He's a true leader who can help the Victor Valley meet many challenges, such as improving our job market and keeping our families safe. And as a former police officer myself, I know Colonel Cook will be tough on criminals. I encourage everyone in the Victor Valley to vote for Colonel Cook in November.”
 
In the State Assembly, Knight represents Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Phelan, and many smaller communities in the Victor Valley. He is favored to win election to the State Senate in November, running in a newly drawn district encompassing the Victor Valley and Antelope Valley. Knight served in the US Army and is a sworn peace officer.

Cook stated, “Knight and I have a long history working together, and he’s a wonderful asset to the Victor Valley. I’m excited to have his endorsement, and I look forward to working with him as we both take our next steps toward bringing this country back from the recession.”

Knight joins Victor Valley Congressmen Jerry Lewis and Buck McKeon, as well as Sheriff Rod Hoops and District Attorney Mike Ramos, in endorsing Cook for Congress.

Contact: Joe Justin
Phone: 760-609-0997

VICTOR VALLEY – State Senator Sharon Runner announced her endorsement of Colonel Paul Cook (ret.) for Congress in the newly drawn 8th District.

Runner stated, “Colonel Cook is the clear choice for Congress in this district. He’s lived in the High Desert for decades, and he knows our issues backward and forward. The Victor Valley needs Colonel Cook in Congress to help bring jobs, strengthen our economy, and give us a strong voice. I'm proud to offer him my endorsement.”

In the State Senate, Runner represents Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and many smaller communities in the Victor Valley. She has distinguished herself as the driving force behind Jessica’s Law, along with her husband George Runner. Jessica’s Law increased the penalties for sex offenders and required lifelong GPS monitoring for high-risk sex offenders. As a lawmaker, Cook has authored a number of significant bills on sex offenders, including one of the most stringent workplace restrictions on sex offenders in the nation and another to keep out-of-state sex offenders from moving to California.

Cook stated, “Sharon has been rock solid on local and conservative issues. The Runner name means something throughout the state, but it’s especially important in this High Desert area. I’m honored to have her endorsement, and I’m ready to work for the Victor Valley in Congress.”

Senator Runner joins two other Victor Valley lawmakers, Congressman Jerry Lewis and Congressman Buck McKeon, in endorsing Cook.

For immediate release
Contact: Jim Specht (240) 338-3782

APPLE VALLEY – Congressman Jerry Lewis on Friday endorsed Colonel Paul Cook for the 8th Congressional District, saying Cook is one of the most qualified advocates in America for veterans and national defense.
 
Lewis, who has represented nearly all of the 8th District for much of his career in Congress, said Cook will provide the leadership that Washington desperately needs in understanding our commitment to veterans and defending our nation while fighting to reduce spending and hold the line against higher taxes.
 
“Colonel Paul Cook has been THE top advocate in California for our commitment to veterans and how we can meet it, and we need him in Washington to continue that effort,” Lewis said. “He has the determination, skills and experience to be a national leader.”
 
Cook has been at the forefront of fighting against wasteful spending and tax increases in his years in the legislature, sponsoring bills to reduce sales tax, cut out heavy taxes on small businesses, and has a 100 percent rating from the California Taxpayer’s Association, Lewis said.
 
“The people of the 8th Congressional District understand that government spending is not the answer to fixing our economy, and we MUST reduce our trillion-dollar deficits or face a new fiscal disaster,” Lewis said. “Paul Cook has been at the forefront in fighting against California’s anti-business tax and regulation climate, and will help us win the battle against runway spending in Washington.”
 
At the same time, the people of the 8th Congressional District know that our nation must remain vigilant around the world, and that now is not the time to cut recklessly into our defense budget, Lewis said.
 
“As a 26-year member of the Marine Corps, Colonel Cook was a leader in finding ways to target defense spending in the most efficient way,” Lewis said. “We need him in Washington to help find ways to maintain our defense of freedom at home and around the world, while facing the economic realities of the 21st Century.”
 
Lewis said Colonel Cook will especially protect the world-class military training bases that are a vital part of the 8th Congressional District.
 
“Paul Cook is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the nation on the value and needs of Fort Irwin and the 29 Palms Marine Corps base, which are so vital to the nation and to this district,” Lewis said.  “We need him in Washington to protect and support these bases and their mission.”
 
“Paul Cook has stood up for families, government integrity and the need to give small business a chance to get our economy going again,” Lewis said. “He will make a fabulous representative for the people of the 8th Congressional District.”

Congressmen Buck McKeon and Ken Calvert Latest to Endorse Paul Cook

Joe Justin
Phone: 760-609-0997

YUCCA VALLEY - Colonel Paul Cook (ret.) announced the endorsements of Congressmen Buck McKeon (R-CA 25) and Ken Calvert (R-CA 44) for his 8th Congressional District race. McKeon and Calvert join fellow Representatives Mary Bono Mack, Darrell Issa, and Jeff Denham in backing Paul Cook for Congress.
 
Congressman McKeon, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, talked about Cook’s work on behalf of military and veterans, stating, “The world remains a dangerous place, and Colonel Cook’s 26 years of military service provide him a distinct perspective on our Armed Services and on threats to our freedom. California needs Colonel Cook to continue his work on behalf of veterans, military families, and communities near military bases.”
 
Congressman Calvert stated, “Paul Cook has a proven record of protecting taxpayers and of supporting economic policies to put Californians back to work. He'll work hard from day one to bring new jobs to California and restore our economy.”
 
Cook said, “I’m thrilled to have the endorsement from two of the most respected members of Congress. Their backing means a lot to me personally, and I’ll work every day to live up to expectation.”
 
McKeon currently represents the cities of Victorville, Adelanto, Barstow, and all of Inyo and Mono counties, but due to redistricting will no longer do so. These communities are now included in the newly drawn 8th Congressional District.
 
McKeon and Calvert join former Governor Pete Wilson, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-CA 45), Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA 49), and Congressman Jeff Denham (R-CA 19) in endorsing Cook for his congressional race. Bono Mack serves as Cook's campaign co-chair.