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Lee McGroarty, a Chino resident and business owner, announced he will mount a campaign against six-term incumbent Gary Miller for U.S. 42nd Congressional District.

The 42nd District covers Whittier to Diamond Bar, Chino and Chino Hills, Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills, and then further south to Ranch Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo.

Mr. McGroarty is the founder and President of Retire America, a company that manages 401(k) plans for employers and employees. He also co-owns the Chino Executive Offices (CEO) on Central Avenue in Chino. Congressman Miller has run uncontested (in the Republican primaries) for the past 3 elections.

Mr. McGroarty said, "I've been interested in history and politics since I was a child, and I believe that this is a time that someone has to step up to the plate. In 2008 our economy came to a halt," he said. "The stock market crashed and our 401(k)'s were cut in half. We need to stand up and let our voices be heard and our representative has not done that."

McGroarty feels that change in both the Republican and Democratic parties is necessary. He is running as a Republican.

Mr. McGroarty grew up in Philadelphia. He was raised as a Democrat. His mother was the first woman ever to join the Philadelphia Police Department and his dad worked a union job at a local steel mill but during the Reagan years both Lee and his father decided that Republican Conservatism was better for workers and for our country in general and he hasn't looked back. McGroarty and his wife Lisa moved to Chino Hills during the 1990s and now reside in Chino with their three children.

They are holding a Campaign Kickoff this Friday, September 18th, 2009.

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Refreshments will be served

Kindly RSVP by calling campaign headquarters at (949) 566 VOTE (8683) or via email at:

VoteForLee@McGroartyForCongress.com

McGroarty's web site is www.McGroartyForCongress.com.

Let's judge the man by his politics, not his biography. His politics alone are scary enough to warrant a vote against him.

I quote directly from his website:

"Corporate Tax Cut -- An across the board 50% tax cut for all businesses. The United States has one of the highest corporate taxes in the world and is forcing companies to look elsewhere. This would create an immediate benefit to the bottom line of companies which will cause three things to occur: 1) Stock Market will go up dramatically, restoring confidence in the financial markets 2) Create jobs since companies will feel the government is promoting growth instead of suffocating employers with government intervention 3) Greater tax revenues which will eventually bring down the debt (you must cut spending as well.)"

Seriously? Cutting business taxes by 50% will create greater tax revenues? How so? Show me the math.

I do see some potential in a few of your proposed policies Lee. However, I am deeply disturbed by the lack of research, clarity and specificity in your plans.

You should spend less time mud-slinging and more time proposing some real policies that will make effective and real change in Washington. Who cares how Gary voted? I only care about how YOU will make a difference for my community. Nothing else.

I plan to meet with all candidates at some point.

FYI - Michael Williamson the Democratic Candidate has a way better view on immigration and he is a Democrat.

Dear Lobo,i'm not certain why you are so angry. i've read all the comments below and they are negative. If i were mr. mcgrorty i would be a little defensive as well...we contacted his office this evening to meet him...we want to learn more about his views...he wrote to you & some others with an invitation to meet...have you asked to meet with him??? i don't pass judgment on someone until i meet 'em. u should do the same & report back to the site...we will do the same...

I think everybody is frustrated with government. The frustration is at the local level, the state level, and the federal level. We are a very pluralistic society. We all have different views and this is just a way of vetting our ideas so that we can form a stable and just government. Most citizens just want a government that is fiscally responsible, low on taxes, police and fire protection, secured borders and a strong national defense. So when people start debating issues people are just expressing how they feel and it could get heated. We are just vetting our ideas. But IF YOU think people are negatively attacking Lee McGroarty read the tone of his website and statements to the press. HE is very negative. I have a very strong opinion on illegal immigration and I will be very vocal on the issue because our state pays for millions for incarcerating and social service to undocumented individuals and it sounds like Lee McGroarty wants to rewarded people who have broken the law. In my book that is not right. IF Lee McGroarty is going to negatively attack our Congressman then he is going have to expect criticism.

How many people are frustrated with politics. So many negative attacks on this mcg person. my wife and i went to his site. it's ok...covered the key issues though i would've listed his goals in another order... my wife liked his restrictions on immigration and i liked the fact he said no to government insurance...i don't think it amounted to amnesty. we liked his stances on social security since we're both in our 50's... nobody has my vote but we need some new blood in the republican ranks. i didn't agree with everything but he listed his views; that's a plus in my book. i'll cut him some slack...

Lee McGroarty says No Amnesty but he wants to give undocumented individuals a free pass to the USA!!!!! What????? He says No Amnesty but that's what it sounds like to me. It is an Amnesty! NO AMNESTY!!!!! We will not vote for anybody supporting an AMNESTY!!!!

SJA. Thank you for your kind remarks. I personally don't think anyone should consider voting for someone until they have gotten to know how the person would represent them in office. I am new to politics so I will have to work twice as hard to earn your support and others just like you. As for social issues, you and I agree completely. I am very confident Congressman Miller shares our values. I believe life begins at conception. I also believe Roe v Wade should be returned back to the States as it is a states issue and not federal. Marriage is between a man and a woman. There is no room for discussion. I believe strongly in faith-based organizations and charities. This will be a primary focus of mine. I believe in Prayers in schools; and initiatives towards Marriage First...Then Children will be something I will fight for when I get to Washington. My wife and I are traditionalists and believe marriage and children go hand in hand. I am a huge supporter of Adoption and am proud to represent clients in the Adoption Community.

My top priority must be to cure the economy by reversing many of the Bailouts and Stimulus signed into law by Democrats and Republicans. Restoring hope to consumers and businesses will be my immediate goal. We must turn this country around economically and socially. America is losing the values that have made us great. All is not lost. We can reverse it with the help of good people like you who care. I hope you will continue to monitor my progress. Please feel free to contact our campaign as I am hoping to meet you during the next few months. Thank you for your time!

Sir, thank you for your reply.

I did look at your website. As a social conservative I view abortion and traditional marriage as some of the most important issues. I could never vote for a candidate that did not share my beliefs that life begins at conception and marriage is between a man and a woman. Through the years letters I have received from Miller show that he agrees with me. However your website only mentions abortion as part of the health debate. I would like to know your position. Maybe you can add them to your site.

The reason I asked about what campaigns or groups you are part of is to see what issues you value. One can say they support someone, but volunteering shows where the heart is. Supporting the conservative in a primary or being a member of the California Republican Assembly (CRA) are examples. Like I stated earlier I have been involved locally for a few years. I have seen Miller speak alongside the families of the border patrolmen who were unfairly sent to prison and I met him at a Hagman for Assembly event. Things like that make me feel like I trust him. It will take a while of me watching you and hearing your positions before I can even consider voting against Miller. Miller and I may disagree on a few issues but I imagine you and I would as well. Thank you for your time.

SJA. I felt I should respond to your email. If you notice from the emails below and Miller's comment to a reporter today, the spin is about my experience and questioning if I am true Republican. Please go to my website. I have nothing to hide. I am the first to admit I have not joined any political organization like Lincoln Club, etc. I voted in 1998 as a Registered Republican and voted for George H.W. Bush. I have been Republican ever since. By the way, I loved Ronald Reagan but did not have the opportunity to vote for him. I had enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on September 11, 1984 -- two months before the election. I was 18 and did not register while in basic training. It is a regret since my belief in Republican values is based upon my admiration of Reagan. I would not be a Republican if not for him. There is a feeling among many that the Republican Party has lost its way. I want to restore confidence in the Party. I don't know if any of the groups you belong to are, frankly, changing the mindset of many Americans. I asked many politicians to consider running against Miller. They all said no because of the Republican establishment and the "rule" that you need to "wait your turn". That is the answer I received. If you know of a good candidate in office that will step up, I will step aside. I have asked Curt Hagman to do so. He said no. He would be a great candidate. I have asked others and they all said no. If no one else would, then I felt it necessary to stand up and make a difference. Join me SJA. At least, talk to me. I am new to this so I may have offended you earlier. For that, I can only apologize and ask that we meet to talk about your concerns. Help me learn the process. There are great citizens out there who want to help. Please, I am asking that you come join my campaign. I would welcome the support and expertise.

Didn't know that asking a question about your experience was equal to "throwing stones from the cheap seats." Shouldn't we always ask about experience when someone runs for office? Thought it was a good question since I had never heard of you.

Please don't equate me to liberals calling those at town halls unamerican. If you win the primary you will need republican volunteers like me to help you.

To my friend, Doug (Sanderstein), thank you. I knew you were skeptical. I didn't blame you but I knew if you heard me speak, you would be convinced I was running for the right reasons. You see, Doug met me when I first arrived in California. I am not ashamed to say that I delivered pizzas at night while I tried to build my financial practice during the days. He knew me as a normal guy who saw California as the land of opportunity. I am proud to call Doug my friend and it is people like him who inspired me to take risks and to try to succeed.

For the record, I have always been a Republican. I have never been a Democrat nor an Independent or any other group. I am not a nut or a quack, but just a regular guy that is frustrated at Washington and Sacramento. I think we all are. This is a huge undertaking for me and my family and I have not come to this decision lightly. I can assure you of that. I have no political experience. The only experience I have is my military background, education, and business experience. I have been fortunate to be around good people and great friends. My clients are terrific and care about their companies and their employees. I have watched the political scenes from the sidelines. That is true. I am admitting it. So what! The last time I checked the Constitution, I must have missed the part about starting at the local city council or school board before you can run for Congress. I am an unknown with no political experience. Yet, I have more passion about this country and know the difference between common sense and garbage. I am a caring father that worries about his children and the opportunities they may or may not have. I am a loving husband that is concerned our future will not be as good as the past. I am not afraid to take on the establishment; though I think the establishment may be afraid of me. What do they have to fear? I'm a little guy with little influence. Maybe the truth? Who knows.

Read my website. My history is there. My positions are there. Attack me for what I believe. Your petty arguments about my experience is insulting to voters who will judge between a congressman who has represented the voters one way vs. a newcomer who has new ideas and not afraid to try to improve our district and our country. Instead of knocking me, meet me. Hear what I have to say. I have invited Chino 123 and Lobo to meet but I have received no phone calls or emails taking me up on my offer. The same goes for SJA. I am here. You know where to find me. Talk to me, then bash me. Don't throw stones from the cheap seats. It's insulting to the voters and the American People. You sound just like the liberals who knock the people that show up to the Town Halls and claim they are radicals. I am not and neither are they. Listen to us. We care about this country. I have listed my issues and not afraid to admit my inexperience or faults. Come talk to me. You may learn something. This will be my last posting on here so I do not come across as petty. Please go to my site and contact my campaign. We would appreciate it. Lee.

I have been involved in local republican politics for a few years and wonder why I haven't heard of this gentleman. I am a little confused by the article above that he "is running as a republican". Has he been a registered republican since the 80's or did he just join the party because he thinks there needs to be change in party? Has he been invloved with the local republican groups, county party or candidates?

Lee is an old buddy of mine...i've known him north of 20 years and quite frankly, I went to his shin dig last Friday night simply to support a friend. When I left I had a completely different opinion of my old friend Lee...He really does know more about politics and more importantly issues than anyone I've ever met. At the risk of sounding silly I'm proud he is my friend and i encourage you nay sayers to listen what he has to say..that includes democrats as well...you will definitely learn something and like me...you might have a differen opinion than you currently have.

In regards to changing ALL IN THE CONGRESS I couldn't agree more.

Bottom line is Gary Miller CAN NOT LOSE. I would be looking for a LIBERAL ACTIVIST that has the powers behind them to be on the ballot.

I worked VERY HARD to deseat Diane Feinstien when Dick Muntjoy ran and the money poored in from the Democratic Party as well as our people were so uneducated on the election NO ONE EVEN KNEW SHE WAS UP FOR RE ELECTION or who Dick Mountjoy was!

This is very scary. Knowing that most of our Leaders from California are Liberal to the nines makes me very worried that there will be too much to loose. If anyone is going to do this they better know there is NO MONEY the campaign will be from the people. Lots of work!

The only thing I know that was a bad thing about Gary is that he voted once against the stimulus then when they changed it he voted for it.

Other than that. I get his letters with his votes that are always conservative!

He has met with the people on a town hall about the Healthcare bill along with Curt Hagman in Chino Hills at the Calvary Chapel. Bob Huff a no show.

GARY IS A GOOD GUY. Not a crook!

I think there has been some mudslinging here and I am part of the problem. So I will try to be more polite.

sperretti32, you call me mean spirited and then tell me to get off of the website? Then you say that I hide behind Chino 123 but I don't see your name listed. Finally, because I support Miller I must be Miller himself. If this is the mindset of a typical mcgroarty supporter then Miller has nothing to worry about.

Let's not throw mud at each other. This is great that we can have these debates. I will take the high road and offer the same opportunity for LOBO and Chino 123 to meet with me; which is the same as I offered to Congressman Miller. As I mentioned in my emails and website, I voted for Miller. He has done some good things and many that are concerning. I'll leave that to the voters. Democracy is supposed to be about choice and 2010 will be a choice of the incumbent veruses the newcomer. I realize Vegas would have the odds very high for me to upset Miller. I'm not stupid (though I'm sure LOBO and Chino123 may dispute that -- just a joke guys.)My website has laid out my vision for America and I hope Miller's will do the same. Let the best man win. LOBO and Chino 123, I am here. I am not going anywhere so let's meet. Give me the opportunity to enlighten you. You may be surprised. Then you and I can come back on here and tell Chinohills.com that we spoke. We can meet in my office. What do you say? As for anyone else, the offer stands. If you want to hide behind your emails, that's fine. Congressman Miller, you can do the same. I won't. You have my word.

I thought this country was a Democracy? I thought this country had freedom of speech? Why do you want to silence chino123? Chino123 has every right to have an opinion just as this Lee guy does.

Ford was not elected President and it was only right to have a field of Republicans run for President in the primary. Miller has been a great Representative for many years in this area. I even think he was a city council member and state assemblyman too. Great track record! What has Lee done? I have never heard of Lee before. I agree with chino123.

My husband and I have known Lee and Lisa for many years. Lee probably knows more about politics than any politician we've ever met. I admire Lee for what he has decided to do. We know his family. He has 3 girls under the age of 10 and he's a great father and businessman. I wish we had more people like him. I don't know how many subscribers to this site believe like I do that we don't need another career politician who kisses up to those already in power. We need leaders. People are hurting and you hide behind your Chino 123. I'm wondering if you aren't Gary Miller himself. You are so cynical and I bet you've never met Lee or his wife. Why don't you first and then write us all back? If not, do us a big favor and get off this site. You're wasting our time. It's people like you that are turning people off from the republican party. You are mean spirited and we are all frankly sick of it. I guess we should have asked Mike Duvall to run. Now there's a politician with experience you are espousing!

Voting for someone we don't know anything about is part of the problem. Lee has never ran for public office before and does not have any voting record but wants to be in the UNITED STATES CONGRESS. How do we really know what he would stand for once elected? When Reagan ran for President he had been Governor of California. Lee, according to his website has never even been a city commissioner and only lists being on a foundation board since last year as his "charity" service. Running a small business is admirable and takes a lot of time. But why hasn't he been involved in other aspects of the community like Assemblyman Hagman was before he first was elected to city council?

http://www.mcgroartyforcongress.com/lee-s-biography.html

miller's been a crook for years & everyone's known it. i don't know who this mcgraoty guy is but lobo should know that Reagan ran against president ford while ford was still pres. i've been a declined to state voter for a few elections cause i'm tired of both parties & maybe this newcomer will get me to vote for the pubs again! go get 'em whoever you are

Reagan Republican??? What about the 11th Commandment???

My apologies. I've corrected my mistake on Congressman Miller's number of terms.

I finally found the story links but could not find a link to a story that shows the number of missed votes he has.

Lee, you keep saying to check your website but I cannot find those stories. Can you please list the link here that "proves it"? Also, to my 1:30pm request can you please list that link as well? Thanks.

This is in response to Chino 123. My campaign did not write the article posted on Chinohills.com. When I had seen the comments below the article, I had mistakenly thought the mistakes were made on my website mcgroartyforcongress.com. They were not. Yes, I am the founder and President of RetireAmerica Corporation. I have the documentation to prove it. As for your comments about Miller's missed votes, which my website goes into great depth, he has consistently been ranked since 2002 as the "worst 10% in Congress". Check my site. I have a link that proves this. His shoulder excuse was also used in 2006 when he had surgery on his rotator cuff. If elected, I will have my shoulder surgery in Washington D.C. rather than here so I can honor my role as your representative. If Miller is not up to the task, he should do the right thing and step aside. Fourth quarter 2008, Miller missed 55% of the votes. 1st quarter 2009, he missed 66% of the votes. I will encourage all voters and residents of the 42nd District to go to my website or go online and research the truth. Chino 123, you obviously have been carrying the water for Miller for some time and the voters deserve better than what Miller has done. Lastly, I will debate him in public anytime, anywhere. I have tried but his office feels I don't deserve his respect. With all due respect, I am a voter and I will not turn anyone away -- particularly you. Please call me and I will be glad to meet you. I am not afraid to run and I will not be intimidated.

Lee, I couldn't find the "links to various published articles. Most are from independent and non-partisan groups" on your website. Where can I find it?

Lee, so are you the founder and President like this article states?

Respectfully, I think it is telling that none of our city councilmembers are willing to challenge Rep. Miller. If they thought he was doing a bad job they would run against him.

I was curious about the missed votes you mentioned so I went to his website. I do have a problem when Congressmembers miss vote but I think your average person will forgive them when it is because of reconstructive shoulder surgery http://garymiller.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=111567

To your point about debating Miller and meeting with him. A meeting with him, like you requested, is not a debate, so why would he meet with you. Debating in private doesn't help us make a decision. Besides, you are running against him because you have decided he is doing a bad job. If I was him I wouldn't meet with you either because it is a waste of time for both of you.

Finally, Lee I don't know that I would admit not knowing how Miller voted on issues until you researched it. That makes you seem like you don't follow the important issues close enough. If you don't do it now why would you do it once you are elected. Just some advice.

My name is Lee McGroarty. The website you referenced was not my website but a "pilot" program for Lincoln Financial Advisors. Jason Carpenter, who was paid by Lincoln to setup the pilot asked me to join the program. He asked if we could use the RetireAmerica name to the project and I agreed. The project lasted two years and I have had no contact with that project for several years. Currently, our company website is being published and will be up within two months.

I appreciate the responses from everyone. I realize not everyone is going to agree with my positions. Yet, when we are facing monumental challenges in our economy, we need average people to stand up and make a difference. My wife and I are not in this for the glory. We had no idea Congressman Miller voted numerous times since 2008 with Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank. These facts are indisputable. If there are issues or facts that you dispute, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss them with you. I would prefer a person's name so I can respond accordingly. I am not a politician. However, I deal with issues that affect businesses and families every day. If I thought our local leaders were doing a poor job, I would run for City Council. Chino and Chino Hills Councilmen do a terrific job. I have met with many and have asked THEM to run. Nobody will step out of line to oppose Miller or the Republican establishment. I am a Reagan Republican but this Party is not the Party of Reagan any longer. I chose to run against Congressman Miller because he has let our District down. Do your own research. I have not listed scandals (Google Gary Miller Scandals - they are numerous)about Miller but I have posted my disagreements with his voting record (and awful missed voting record) and backed them up with links to various published articles. Most are from independent and non-partisan groups.

As for never having a Republican challenger in a Primary, you were correct. He had a challenger in 2000, but has had none since. 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008 he has run unopposed. I appreciate the information.

My office line is 949-566-VOTE. If you would like to speak to me, I am available. I will also welcome any debate with Miller, but as yet, he and his office have refused to have the decency to meet me -- though I have extended the invitation.

Thank you.

Good catch "Really?." Retire America calls him the Retirement Plans Consultant (California Region). Wow, you would think that a candidate announcing he is running for Congress wouldn't mislead voters about his title.

McGroarty is the President and founder of RetireAmerica? Their website doesn't say that.

You would think that if he founded the company and is the President, it would list that in his bio. Fact check needed!!!

http://www.nextdecadeinc.com/clients/retireamerica/bios.htm

Not really sure who did the fact checking but Congressman Miller has represented us since being elected in 1998. That means he is in his sixth term.

Upon checking the last time he faced a Republican primary was 2000 not 2002 ( "3 elections") like the story states.

Miller has my vote. I haven't even heard of Lee before. Maybe he should run for city council first.

Maybe someone should check the facts before a story is ran.