SANTA CLARITA : McKeon Campaign Manager Resigns
The campaign manager for Republican 25th District congressional candidate Howard (Buck) McKeon has quit, citing conflicts with another campaign staffer.
Rita Garasi, a longtime friend of McKeon who managed his successful 1987 race for Santa Clarita City Council, said she resigned Monday over disagreements with campaign office manager Tammy Thomas.
McKeon is among six people seeking the Republican nomination in the 25th Congressional District, which covers northern Los Angeles County. He would not elaborate on Garasi’s reasons for quitting.
Garasi said she and Thomas disagreed over a series of “professional . . . not personal” matters, including who controlled day-to-day campaign operations. The disputes, Garasi said, undercut her authority and “definitely threatened the campaign’s chances for success.”
McKeon said his campaign is now being managed by his father-in-law, Bud Kunz. McKeon said Kunz organized a successful write-in campaign eight years ago for Rep. Ron Packard (R-Carlsbad).
Garasi said she had no dispute with McKeon and “I wish him the very best.”
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