By Michael Powell
Staff Writer
The people of the South Bay have been left underrepresented since Congresswoman Jane Harman resigned last month to accept an executive position at the Woodrow Wilson Center, a Washington think tank and policy center.
However, the 36th District is now presented with an opportunity to elect a representative more invested in the betterment of the constituents; their new congressman should work tirelessly for his or her constituents rather than for themselves.
Quitting 700 days before her term ends shows that Harman, for nearly two decades, has had only her own interests at heart. She is a multi-millionaire conservative in all but party label.
Her votes against civil liberties, in favor of wasteful wars and favorable positions toward shameless corporations show that she is truly indifferent to the constituents that voted her into office.
Voters in the 36th district must take advantage of Harman’s resignation and elect a representative who has their best interests at heart.
Politicians have already begun preparing for the special election. Janice Hahn, former Los Angeles Councilwoman, as well as California Secretary of State Debra Bowen have announced their intentions to run.
Yet, neither are willing to take decisive stands on issues like military spending and the economic decline of the middle class.
The Democrats in Congress need a strong progressive who will fight for the middle class and move the political debate back to what matters: economic prosperity for the average American.
This candidate is Marcy Winograd, a school teacher who has unsuccessfully run against Harman twice.
Winograd, although not as politically experienced as Hahn and Bowen, has a better understanding of the constituents’ needs.
Instead of bowing to military industrial interests like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as Harman has, Winograd’s track record has shown she will make sure jobs in this country center around prosperity and not perpetual war.
Winograd has consistently opposed extended U.S. occupation of foreign nations and was heavily involved in the United Farm Workers Union, showing her support for the working class.
Winograd can fight for these people against exploitative corporations and help the middle class thrive by working toward lowering education costs and cutting down of military waste in favor of rebuilding American industry.
Winograd’s stances on these issues contrast heavily with Harman’s, while Hahn and Bowen have been silent on them.
Ultimately, the people of the 36th District have a choice: vote for a Harman-esque candidate that will support perpetual wars and be controlled by special interests, or support a candidate who will fight for the middle class, social security, peace, and freedom.
I agree with the author 100%. There are already too many corporate democrats and with republicans controlling the House it is absolutely vital that we have someone who is not afraid to stand up and speak for us and our needs. We don’t need another career democrat who will tow the party line.