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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

CA-26: Warner Jumps Into Race to Challenge Dreier

Democrat Russ Warner, who ran in 2006 but came up short against Cynthia Rodriguez Matthews, is back to win this seat for the Democrats in 2008. Matthews may also be running, but her lackluster general election campaign in '06 left many local progresssive activists disappointed.

The local experts over at Calitics have full details about the announcement and the 2006 race. An excerpt from Warner's press release announcing his candidacy focuses on Iraq:

"I am taking on this fight because the war in Iraq must be stopped and because America needs new leadership not career politicians like David Dreier who have become a part of the problem in Washington, D.C.," said Warner, a Rancho Cucamonga businessman.
"Unfortunately we are represented in Congress by a man who has been there for 28 years, has failed to lead and instead become a mouthpiece and rubber stamp for the Bush Administration's war policy and failed agenda."
The devastating cost of this war was brought home to Warner and his family in a personal way. Warner's son Greg served in the U.S. Army and was sent to Iraq for 17 months.
"My son served this country honorably and witnessed first hand the failed policy in Iraq. His service and his sacrifice inspired me to stand up and speak out, and that's why I made the decision to run for Congress. We need to support our troops by bringing them home, and when they come home, we must ensure they have access to the medical care that they need and deserve," Warner said.


Despite the Republican leanings of the district (GOP registration leads Dems by 44-34), 14 term incumbent David Dreier has won his last two re-elections by 57% (2006) and 54% (2004), surprisingly low totals for an incumbent with tenure dating back to 1980.

There are many factors contributing to Dreier's weakness, including rumors about his sexual orientation and immigration stands that don't endear him to the traditional GOP base.

This is a district California Democrats CAN move to our column.

Help turn this district blue by donating here.

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