Bennett And Roper Ahead In First District

Supervisor Steve Bennett dropped out the Congressional race to run for re-election in Ventura County’s First District. The unofficial election results show that Bennett, a Democrat, received the most votes, but not enough to avoid a run off with Bob Roper.The retired Ventura County Fire Chief celebrated his second place finish at a Ventura restaurant.Although it is a non partisan race, the Ojai resident is backed by high profile Republicans including Supervisor Peter Foy.Roper says he wants to protect public safety and be fiscally responsible.Ropers says the voters showed they want a new choice after 12 years with the same Supervisor.Bennett could not be reached for comment, but has said he knows he will have to fight to keep his seat.Third District Supervisor Kathy Long and 5th District Supervisor John Zaragoza easily won their races.They both ran unopposed.