Supporters Monday: Donald Trump and Louis Marinelli

supporters monday: But the Yes California Independence Campaign faltered after its president, Louis Marinelli, revealed ties to Russia, according to Brandon Sun. Marinelli said in a lengthy message to supporters Monday that he is seeking permanent residence in Russia because of his frustration, disappointment and disillusionment with the United States. The drive to make the nation's most populous state its own country, with what would be the world's sixth-largest economy, has drawn extra interest after last year's election of Republican Donald Trump as president. The secretary of state's office confirmed that Marcus Ruiz Evans, the group's vice-president, withdrew the California Nationhood ballot measure. The coalition plans to file its own ballot measure in coming weeks, without the baggage of Marinelli's Russian ties, said Steve Gonzales, the new group's secretary-treasurer and board member. Evans said he was leaving the Yes California group and joining the California Freedom Coalition, which he described as a grassroots organizing effort that evolved since last year's election. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.