Feature | The Hollywood Race
Written by: JP

Jason Gastrich (Write-in)
Web site: http://jasongastrich.com

He is running as a write-in candidate.  This means he will need
a million people to correctly spell his name on the ballot.  Of
all I attempted to interview, he was the fastest to reply with
answered questions.  Jason is a Christian minister and the only
candidate to write songs about the election (available at his site).

M. You will need a million people correctly spelling your name
for a hope of winning as a write-in.  How do you want to be remembered
by the voters?

J.G. I'm not too worried about the spelling.  I want to be remembered
as someone with great ideas who genuinely cares about the people
of California.

M. Considering the recall election, do you believe it is time for
election reform?  Any ideas for specifics?

J.G. I don't plan on implementing any legislative forms of political reform.

M.  Most of the candidates agreed to a spending limit not to exceed $10.6 million.  What is your spending limit on this election?

J.G. I refused to sign any optional paperwork regarding spending limits.
If I were to receive millions of dollars, I would use them to advertise
my campaign and reach all of California.

M. There is a display window in the capitol building for each
county and for the governor.  What do you want in your display
window as governor?

J.G. An American Flag.

M.   If the state seal were copyrighted it would be easier to convict
forgers. This would require a design change.  The current seal pictures
the goddess Athena.  What would you like to see on a state seal?

J.G. I'd poll Californians and see what they want.

M.  You are the only candidate with original campaign songs.  Do you
have a ballad for losers after the election?

J.G. No.  However, I anticipate writing several more songs.

M.  Why enter the race now during the recall?

J.G. I'm a candidate for Governor because of the state's great need.
We have a vacuum of leadership, morality, and wisdom.  I'm a servant
leader (a counselor and founder of a non-profit organization).
Therefore, I simply choose to serve the public on a larger level.

M.  Are your election songs in the public domain?

J.G. Right now, all of my election songs are freely available for
downloading and broadcasting at http://jasongastrich.com.  If and when
I create an album and sell it, the copyright will be enforced and
contracts will be necessary to play them on radio stations.

M.  Do you have allegiance to any political party?

J.G. I'm a kind-hearted Republican.  However, I am not influenced
by special interest groups or partisan politics.

M.  The state song of California ("California I love You") is
copyrighted by a fellow named Frankenstein.  As governor, would
you encourage a new state song in the public domain?

J.G. This hasn't been in my plans.  Perhaps I will record a rendition
of it, though.