fresno elections 2008

California has a rough road ahead with a state budget deficit and environmental judges bent on creating their own laws. During this time of uncertainty, I am confidant that my Valley colleagues and I will work together to solve the problems that are vital to the prosperity of the San Joaquin Valley.

In the next Congress I am looking forward to making air quality, water and transportation issues my highest priority. Through my seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee I am in a position to have an impact on all three of these issues, which when addressed appropriately can contribute to the economic and physical well being of the Valley.

By addressing the issue of air quality attainment through increased energy and transportation efficiency, we will be able to improve the overall health of people in the Valley, thereby helping address some of the concern over the rising costs of health care.

Unfortunately, this question continues to perpetuate the media’s chronic need to pit the two parties against each other in an effort to boost TV ratings or increase newspaper sales. This divisiveness goes to the heart of why this Congress has an all time low national approval rating of 18 percent. Washington is fundamentally broken and cannot be fixed unless we elect leaders willing to work together for the common good of the Nation. I’m supporting John McCain for President for this exact reason—Senator McCain has 23 years of bipartisan leadership experience that can deliver Washington the change American deserves.

Unfortunately, this question continues to perpetuate the media’s chronic need to pit the two parties against each other in an effort to boost TV ratings or increase newspaper sales. This divisiveness goes to the heart of why this Congress has an all time low national approval rating of 18 percent. Washington is fundamentally broken and cannot be fixed unless we elect leaders willing to work together for the common good of the Nation. I’m supporting John McCain for President for this exact reason—Senator McCain has 23 years of bipartisan leadership experience that can deliver Washington the change American deserves.

The San Joaquin Valley is notoriously under funded in state and federal appropriations. We have serious issues with education, air quality, and transportation that simply need to be addressed. I will not dismiss the earmark process because a few of my colleagues have chosen to abuse the system.

The constituents of the 19th Congressional District elected me to represent them and their interests in Congress. If there is a project in my district that is worthy, in need of Federal funds and will improve the quality of life for my constituents, it is my duty to represent those needs through the appropriations process.

Legitimate Congressional earmarks are not boondoggles, but important measures of funding that serve a genuine need. I will never make an appropriation request that I am not willing to stand on the floor of the House and defend.