CA-25
(Map)
I am supporting Robert Rodriguez in his race to defeat âBuckâ McKeon for Californiaâs 25th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. I hope you will, too, but to see why, let me propose (and answer) three questions:
1) âWho is Robert Rodriguez?â Robert is a native of the 25th, having grown up in Barstow in a working class family. He graduated with a Bachelorâs degree from UCLA, and subsequently earned a Masters in Public Policy from Harvardâs Kennedy School of Government. Since then, he has worked on the Hill in DC, and as a school teacher in the district he is now vying to represent. I have known Robert personally for seven years. He is compassionate, competent, clever, and a natural leader.
2) âWho is Robertâs opponent, âBuckâ McKeon?â McKeon is an un-reconstructed Bushie who has chaired the Education and Workforce Committee in the House. His âachievements,â such as they are, include blocking any increase in the minimum wage; hiking interest rates on student loans by two whole percentage points; and trying to disguise Establishment Clause violations as Free Exercise clause issues (because this is apparently what our schools really need) by banning limits on school prayer. And he has voted for virtually every item George W. Bush has sent Congressâs way.
3) âWhy does this race matter?â Because the people of the 25th deserve better than McKeon. Because the country deserves better. Because if people like you and me support Robert, we will be serving notice that the next generation is here and ready to lead. Because I have run out of patience with the Bush Agenda (and those who rubber stamp it). Because the Bush administration has gotten away with too much over the last six years, and only a Democratic Congress will hold him accountable. Because when a (highly qualified) 28-year old school teacher named Rodriguez unseats a 16-year incumbent, itâs a great story and I want to be part of it.
I want you to be a part of it too. Please contribute what you can (within FEC limits, naturally).
