California card room owner Kyle Kirkland challenges for congressional seat
California businessman Kyle Kirkland is running for Congress to replace U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). McCarthy officially resigned from Congress on Dec. 31 after being unexpectedly ousted as House speaker last October.
Kirkland owns Club One Casino in Fresno, a game room that hosts primarily poker games. This central California gaming facility features 51 gaming tables, a 24-hour restaurant and three bars.
Kirkland, a Republican, is one of the contenders in the increasingly crowded field for McCarthy's 20th Congressional District seat. One of the reddest districts in the state, the current district includes McCarthy's handpicked successor, Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield).
Fong hopes to run for re-election in state and Congress. A state Supreme Court justice said last month that Fang could run in a dual campaign, although California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said she would appeal to the state's appeals court.
Kirkland said he saw Fang's controversy and decided to throw his hat into the pool.
Political Newcomer
Prior to acquiring Club One Casino in February 2008, Kirkland had a long career in the music industry. He served as chairman of Steinway Musical Instruments for 18 years, the longest tenure outside of Steinway.
When asked why he decided to enter politics despite a successful business career in music and gaming, Kirkland said he had a long-standing interest in government and legislation.
"I feel like this is an opportunity for politicians to get involved," Kirkland told Ray Appleton on his podcast KMJ Now News Talk Radio.“I do see the issues that people are facing and worried about — the economy, the border crisis, unsolved crimes. If ever there was a time for Congress to have new thinking and people who are action-oriented and looking for change, it’s now.”
Kirkland said he will be on the March 5 2024 Primary Election ballot.
Kirkland told Appleton the economy and high cost of living are his top priorities. He believes that his business experience makes him better suited to solve such complex problems than a career politician who has never been responsible for people's jobs and livelihoods.
Club One Casino is a large taxpayer and "employs a lot of people," he said. The California Gaming Association, of which Kirkland is chairman, says the Golden State's card gaming industry creates more than 32,000 jobs and generates nearly $5.6 billion in economic activity annually.
McCarthy’s Downfall
McCarthy left Washington, D.C., after 17 years in Congress. Officially launched on December 31st.
Last fall, McCarthy said he would leave the Capitol after some in his party agreed to remove him as speaker after he agreed to work with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown. McCarthy plans to help newcomers to Republican politics seek and win public office.
"I have decided to leave the House ... to serve America in a new way," McCarthy wrote in the Wall Street Journal. "I will continue to recruit our nation's best and brightest to run for office. The Republican Party is growing every day, and I am committed to using my experience to support the next generation of leaders."
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Source: www.casino.org
