Republican Assembly candidate receives Afghanistan deployment orders

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Republican Jeff Gorell of Camarillo, who is running for election in the 37th Assembly District, has been given orders to deploy to Afghanistan for a year starting in March as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Gorell said he was still hoping to win Tuesday’s election against Democrat Ferial Masry, a teacher, for the seat being vacated by Assemblywoman Audra Strickland (R-Moorpark). The district covers parts of Ventura, Los Angeles and Kern counties.

A lieutenant commander and intelligence officer,Gorell announced the deployment Saturday. He said he thinks he can provide good service to the residents of the Assembly district although he will be away for one year of the two-year term.

“If elected, I will choose to take a leave of absence starting March 18,” Gorell said in a statement. “This timing will still allow me the opportunity to introduce a full slate of bills before the February bill submission deadline. I will ask key lawmakers to help my staff shepherd these bills through the legislative process. I believe it is possible to achieve great policymaking success for my District in 2011, despite being deployed.”

Gorell announced his deployment only days before the election because he was waiting for authorization from the Navy to make it public, said campaign spokesman Chris Jones.

“I chose to make this announcement prior to the election because I believe it is important to allow voters to know this information before deciding whom to vote for on Election Day,” Gorell said in the statement.

-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento