The California Republican Assembly, one of America's oldest and largest Republican grassroots organizations, endorsed Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Harry Sidhu, contesting for Orange County supervisor from the 4th District.
'The CRA's endorsement of Sidhu,' said Karl Heft, vice-president, CRA, 'demonstrates the membership's belief that Harry is a candidate we can trust in upholding our conservative Republican values.'
Sidhu, a mechanical engineer, recently got the endorsements of Janet Nguyen, chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and Bill Campbell, vice chair.
"It's been a very momentous two weeks for the Sidhu campaign," said Sidhu's spokesman Tim Clark.
"The CRA endorsement is a clear sign that Harry Siddhu is consolidating support among fiscally conservative voters who are looking for stalwart pro-taxpayer, pro-small business representatives at all levels of government."
Sidhu said, "I'm proud and honored to have the support of my colleagues in the CRA. I look forward to bringing conservative values of lower taxes and limited government to my work as the next supervisor for the 4th District."
He was elected to the Anaheim City Council in 2004 and re-elected by a significant margin in November 2008. Before that, he served as chairman of the city's Budget Advisory Committee.
With his many achievements at the city council, Sidhu had contested for the State Senate last year. Though he got attention and votes, he did not make it to the primary.
There are approximately 270,000 registered voters in the 4th District, according to Orange County Registrar of Voters data.
"The competition will be spirited," Sidhu said. "Yet, I am extremely optimistic that with supporters such as Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and many others, a winning team and coalition will once again be formed."
Campaign costs are anticipated to be between $250,000 and $500,000. He plans to organize fundraisers.
"A vigorous fundraising campaign would be undertaken among Indian-American, business and community supporters," he said.
His is a proverbial rag to riches story. Coming to the United States as a 17- year-old who did not know a 'word in English', he worked with several companies before staring his own business.
At one time he operated 28 fast food outlets. As a local business owner with annual sales of close to $5 million, he employs over 120 people.
