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Community Corner

Opportunity for Change Opens Up in CA Congressional District

Come this election season, residents of California’s 32nd congressional district head to the polls to either re-elect the incumbent Democrat, Grace Napolitano, or a Republican newcomer. But before the election in November, a Republican opponent is expected to give Napolitano heat for supporting the mess that is Washington, D.C. The Republican primary is expected to bring the small, but growing, Republican base out to select from among a field of competent challengers. Among those competing for the Republican spot is Arturo Alas, a successful businessman from the San Gabriel Valley. Alas represents the liberty-minded current sweeping the Republican Party. As a believer in limited government, low taxes, and a humble foreign policy, Alas has pledged to change the climate of bickering and inaction in the nation’s capital. His outsider appeal and successful background could change the electoral map, as the district has been safely in Democratic control for some time.

 

Growing up first in Azusa and later in West Covina, Alas showed, early on, a sweeping determination to overcome difficulties and hardships. One such hardship included his parent’s difficult decision to flee their home because of a terrible civil war and migrate to the United States. Alas’s parents used their life experiences to raise a tight-knit family, where they preached the values of hard work and dedication to success. This instilled in Alas a sense of purpose and civic duty, for which he is hoping to use to change politics.

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Since Alas is hoping to challenge the Democratic incumbent, Grace Napolitano, he may well have plenty to base his opposition on, being that Napolitano has been a consistent supporter and defender of President Obama’s policies. Most recently, Napolitano voiced her support for Obama after the State of the Union address. At a time when the President’s approval ratings are plummeting, and many are dissatisfied with his job performance, Napolitano’s opponents will surely attack her congressional record.

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And if that is not enough, the Democrat will have a tough time explaining to voters her questionable use of campaign funds for non-political “expenditures.” In a 60 Minutes investigation last year, the incumbent Democrat was approached about her campaign spending. The investigator asked Napolitano why she would borrow from her own PAC leadership fund and then lend it back to herself at an exorbitantly high interest rate. The loan netted Napolitano significant returns. Napolitano complained that as a minority and a woman, she found it difficult to find a reasonable loan.

 

While Napolitano is not the only member of Congress to engage in dubious campaign spending, the allegation that she would solicit campaign funds for non-political purposes raises serious questions about what voters in her district are asking of their elected representatives. Without a doubt, the investigation into her campaign spending has damaged her credibility. Her support for President Obama’s policies and allegations of corruption could provide plenty of ammunition for Alas and others hoping to unseat the Democratic incumbent.

For more information on Arturo Alas and his campaign, visit http://www.electalas.com/.

For more information on Grace Napolitano, visit http://www.napolitanoforcongress.com/.

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