I was impressed with Justin Kim as he was campaigning for the 31st Congressional District. While some may disparage him because they say he cost Mayor Pete Aguilar votes. I knew differently that people were looking for an alternate voice because Pete Aguilar was just too conservative for the tastes of activists. While the other candidates did well, Justin Kim stood out because he was young and articulate unlike a certain President that we all know. More than anything, he fired up the base. I hope he stays active and runs again. Here are some of his highlights:
Ran on Progressive Values
Mr. Kim ran on Progressive values and could explain them in simple terms that ordinary folks could understand. He ran on including the Public Option in health care, immigration reform, cutting wasteful defense spending, cleaner air, and financial reform. As he said on his ballot statement: “I will be an active progressive voice for the Inland Empire in Congress.” No other candidate mentions progressives.
Grassroots Spirit
From out of nowhere, Justin Kim galvanized and organized grassroots volunteers. Every day he was on the campaign trail, knocking on doors and talking to voters. This is what helped him place above those who might have had name recognition but did not do the necessary ground game.
Solid Donor Base
Justin Kim has a small donor base that he can tap into made up of small businesses, friends, and family. This will help him keep his competitive edge should he decide to run again in the future.
Public Servant
Graduating from Yale Law School, Justin Kim devoted his life to giving back to the community by becoming a public servant. He worked for a federal judge in Riverside, served as a trial attorney for the Justice Dept. confronting tax shelters (I would love to see him go after Mitt Romney’s tax shelters), and worked for both Houses of Congress.
Judging from his resume, I would say that even though he is soft-spoken he has never run from a fight. This is what we need now in the Inland Empire: A fighter for Progressive Values, A Progressive Champion. We need Justin Kim.
Comments
Post a Comment