The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley is sponsoring and moderating a candidate forum  between the candidates for California’s 7^th Congressional District, Virginia Fuller and incumbent Congressman George Miller in their only face-to-face meeting. Candidates will respond to written questions from the audience. The 7^th district includes about 30% of Antioch, and covers the northwest part of the city.

The forum is free band will run from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Social Justice Council of the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church and will be held at the church in Bortin Hall, which is located at 55 Eckley Lane in Walnut Creek. All are welcome, but no campaign materials are allowed inside Bortin Hall.

Virginia Fuller, a Republican, is a registered nurse, and is endorsed by the Contra Costa Republican Party and  the Contra Costa Tea Party.  She supports a flat tax for all; opposes illegal immigration policies, including “Sanctuary Cities”; supports stiff penalties to businesses that hire illegal aliens; supports repeal of “Obamacare”; supports charter schools and school vouchers, and believes that the defense of our nation is the primary responsibility of the Federal government. For more information visit www.fullerforcongress.org.

George Miller, a Democrat, has represented Contra Costa County and the East Bay of San Francisco since 1975.  Rep. Miller has worked throughout his congressional career on behalf of children and the middle class. His priorities have included providing safe, affordable health care for all people, ensuring every child has access to a quality education, standing up against discrimination, and creating jobs and enhancing economic security for middle class Americans. He is also an advocate and leader for fish and wildlife protection and conservation, ensuring responsible stewardship of our lands and waters, and developing clean energy technologies. For more information visit www.georgemillerforcongress.com.

The Los Medanos College Debate Team will be presenting an informational debate about Proposition 30. The debate will take place on Wednesday, October 24 from 6:30-8:00 p.m at the Pittsburg City Council Chambers, 65 Civic Avenue in Pittsburg. Admission and Parking is free.

The award-winning debate team will present both sides of the argument as they focus on “Should we raise taxes to fund education?” The informational event will raise the best arguments on both sides so attendees can make up their own minds about this important ballot initiative. Light refreshments will be served following the debate.

The event is co-sponsored by the LMC Debate team and the LMC Honors Program. For more information, visit www.losmedanos.edu/honors/events.

Los Medanos College (LMC) is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District. LMC prepares students to excel and succeed economically, socially and intellectually in an innovative, engaging and supportive learning environment. It provides quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities to serve the needs of a rapidly growing and changing East County while enhancing the quality of life of the diverse communities it serves. LMC is located on 120 acres between Pittsburg and Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

STOCKTON, CA, October 18, 2012 – Leading political analyst Stuart Rothenberg concludes today in Roll Call, the Washington, D.C.-based newspaper that covers Congress and elections, that Congressional candidate Ricky Gill (R-Lodi) is poised to upset three-term incumbent Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton).

“[I]nsiders on both sides of the aisle agree that Gill has become a serious threat to McNerney,” Rothenberg writes in an article titled “Looking for House Upsets? Take a Look at These.”

Listing California’s 9th District as the top prospect for an upset, Rothenberg notes that, while numbers indicate the race is competitive, Gill’s opponents are nonetheless “scratching their heads in disbelief over the development.” 

A recent poll found that Gill was leading McNerney by a margin of one point with nine percent of voters undecided.

Stockton, Calif. – Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) held a press conference highlighting the endorsements of prominent veterans in California.  Earlier this year, Congressman McNerney was named Legislator of the Year by the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (CACVSO), receiving the Motomu Nakasako Legislator of the Year Award.

“I am proud and honored to receive the endorsements of so many of our veterans.  Standing up for our veterans and providing them with the services and benefits they have earned is a responsibility I take very personally.  These men and women have sacrificed so much to protect our way of life and they deserve to have people in office who will fight for them,” said Congressman McNerney.

Congressman McNerney has received the endorsements of the following veterans:

“Congressman Jerry McNerney has been a tremendously consistent, proactive and responsive advocate for veterans, our Wounded Warriors, our men and women serving in our Armed Forces (Active, Guard and Reserve), and their families.  Whether helping veterans in need of assistance with their VA benefits, supporting Dignity Alcove’s application to be a VA-approved outreach program for homeless veterans, locating the future VA hospital in the Valley, crafting and supporting veterans and military service legislation, or serving as a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Congressman McNerney has been a difference maker – someone who makes things happen – and a leader who cares more about others than self.” – Roger Brautigan, Ret. General, Former Secretary, California Department of Veterans Affairs

“Congressman McNerney has been a friend of Veterans for many years & I will continue to support him. As you well know I have advocated for Veterans issues for the past 16 years & received his support for the new VA Regional Clinic in San Jaoquin County. Voting for him is the smart thing to do.” – Tino Adame,  Vietnam Combat Veteran and Stockton Resident

“Congressman McNerney has worked hard for veterans in the community, specifically getting the VA to locate the veterans’ hospital in French Camp.  Veterans in this county know how hard he has worked and should stand up and say so.” – Richard Pittman, Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam Veteran

“There is no stronger supporter of our veterans than Congressman Jerry McNerney.” – Dave Norris, Past State Commander, California Veterans of Foreign Wars

“As a Vietnam veteran, I fully support Congressman McNerney for his track record of action for the benefit our veterans.  As a person involved in education I support him for his proven leadership and sincere dedication to making a difference in people’s lives, particularly our youth”.  – Ralph Womack, Trustee, Lodi Unified School District

“Approximately eight years ago I tried to get help and ran into brick walls and deaf people, submitting the same documents as many as four times. It wasn’t until Congressman McNerney’s office got involved, that I began to see results. His staff got more done in three days than I could in eight years. Thank you Congressman McNerney for supporting our troops and veterans.” – Republican Paul Cashion, Vietnam Veteran

This adds to a growing list of local public figures and elected officials who have endorsed Congressman Jerry McNerney.

The new 9^th district is significantly Democratic, with a voter registration that is D+11.  The new 9^th includes the majority of San Joaquin County and portions of Contra Costa County, including most of Antioch.

Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) has served the area for nearly six years. He is the Chair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. He authored the bill to help veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. For more information visit www.JerryMcNerney.com.

Kalinowski

Congressional candidate Ricky Gill has earned the endorsement of Antioch City Council Member Brian Kalinowski, a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Lieutenant and registered Democrat.

“Antioch is facing tough times, and we need a change in leadership to address the serious challenges we face,” said Kalinowski, a longtime law enforcement officer and Antioch resident who has served 12 years on the Council. “I know Ricky will be a strong advocate for Antioch when it comes to public safety, education, and economic development. I’m proud to endorse him, and I look forward to working with him in the future.”

“I’m honored to have Brian’s support as we enter the final weeks of this important election,” said Gill. “Antioch and communities across the 9th District need a new generation of leadership to fight for public safety, job growth and educational achievement. I look forward to working with Brian and other leaders in Contra Costa County to tackle these challenges and give our communities the fresh start they deserve.”

Ricky Gill is a native of San Joaquin County who was born and raised in Lodi, California. The son of immigrant parents, Ricky is running against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney in California’s 9^th Congressional district which includes most of Antioch. For more information visti www.RickyGill.com.

Congressman Jerry McNerney and his opponent Ricky Gill debated each other in their only face to face debate of the race for Congress in California’s 9th Congressional district, which includes most of Antioch. It was held at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.

Following is the link to the video of the debate:

www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121015/A_MEDIA06/121019971

It could “fundamentally transform California”

From the Cal Watchdog

Oct. 16, 2012

By Dave Roberts

“To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.”

– Thomas Jefferson

Propositions come and propositions go, with many amounting to little more than bumps on California’s road to oblivion. But Proposition 32 has the potential to fundamentally transform California, ending the union stranglehold on state government that has led to perennial multi-billion-dollar deficits and the worst business climate in the country.

To read the complete commentary, click here.

Price

Fairfield Mayor Harry Price a great leader in the 11^th Assembly District came out with a solid endorsement of Mike Hudson, today.

“The choice is clear – elect a veteran leader,” said Price.

Price has lived in Fairfield since 1965 and was Solano County Teacher of the Year in 1986. He was elected Vice-Mayor in 1999, ran unopposed for Mayor in 2005, and was re-elected Mayor in 2009. Price was elected president of the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities in 2002

“It has been an honor working with Mayor Price on the Fairfield Suisun Sewer District and the Solano Transportation Authority on regional issues that impact our cities,” Hudson said. “I value his wisdom, vision, and leadership.”