Candidate for
United States Representative; District 6; Democratic Party

The Issues in the '06 Congress Race

Nearly 10 months ago, I announced my candidacy for Congress. Since that announcement, I have knocked on nearly 12,000 doors and met with countless voters.

The question I'm asked often is: "Why are you running?"

Here's why.

This is my community and my home. This is where my wife and I bought our first home 22 years ago. This is the only community our twin daughters have ever known. And frankly, I am concerned about the world we are creating for all of our children: an education system so burdened with red tape that it cannot perform. An environment threatened by global warming. Health care that is available only to the wealthiest few. A government that increasingly responds only to the highest bidder and "leaders" who do what is expedient or popular rather than what is right. That is not the world I intend to leave to my children and the next generation.

It has been my honor to serve as your representative in the state Assembly. When I first ran, I promised that I would be an effective legislator. In my six years in the legislature, I have written 42 innovative bills dealing with education, health care, the environment, and transportation that have been enacted into law-by Democratic and Republican governors.

I am 100 percent pro-choice, 100 percent pro-environment (as rated by the Sierra Club and the California League of Conservation Voters), and was rated 100 percent by the state's largest senior group. I proudly co-wrote last year's gay marriage bill. Recently, school superintendents and the school boards of both Marin and Sonoma counties nominated me as their "Legislator of the Year."

I have worked hard to get things done.

During my six years, I've written numerous bills that combat climate change and global warming, including co-authoring the first law in the nation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. I'll continue to deliver results on global warming in Congress.

When I ran for Assembly, I promised to make education a top priority. When President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act created problems for California schools, I passed Assembly Joint Resolution 88 to focus on how Congress should fix the federal act. It pushes Congress to make modifications to the act for the flexibility necessary to successfully implement a rigorous, standards-based accountability system at the state level.

Finally, on transportation, I've worked to improve transportation in the district, writing legislation that created the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District. I also passed legislation that integrates bicycling and walking alternatives into local transportation infrastructure. I will continue to fight Sacramento's foolish plans to expand death row at San Quentin State Prison and, instead, to push for establishing a transportation hub there.

Recently, the IJ editorialized: "We believe this race offers a healthy forum for voters to hear and discuss important issues."

I could not agree more.

I appreciate the chance to make my case for Congress, and I look forward to a series of debates with my opponent to discuss these and other issues.

For more information on my campaign, please see http://joenation.com or call 415-453-0388