Inland Empire Progressive

  The simple math of 4 Dems and 2 Republicans placed the Dems in a statistical disadvantage from the beginning. Of the Dems 1 was a carpetbagger (Rita Ramirez-Dean) but being a female Latina and a strong advocate of education was sure to syphon some votes. Renea Wickman ran for the assembly in 2010 and lost, but wanted a bigger prize in the congressional race. I thought she was the clear frontrunner, but our fundraising was minimal and the candidate was not as inspiring as she was in 2010. Justin Kim was a surprise. He ran a very progressive and grassroots campaign which got the youth vote, Asians, and educated voters very excited. He also has a fundraising base in Loma Linda where he is from. I will most definitely be supporting him if he decides to run in 2014. Pete Aguilar was not ready for prime time. He has a donor base, but it is uncertain if they will return to the fold in 2014. In addition, as I inspected his background more and more I found he was a DINO that had ties...

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 progressi...