A Primary as Early as April

Yes, according to my exploratory committee, if Jerry Brown puts the 36th Congressional District seat on the ballot, the primary can be as soon as April.

So what have I been doing?  Well, researching the possible contenders, whom all seem to be women on the Democratic side, and I haven't seen many Republicans step forward and claim to want the seat, let alone want to run for it.  I have also been looking at my potential supporters... I have ties to unions in addition to the other industries in the district. 

What I really need to be doing is to gather finances.  To reach a district of more that 600,000 people I need to be able to get known, fast.  I don't have a record of public office so people know who I am, nor do I come from a lineage of previous mayors, district attorneys, or county supervisors.

Social Security and Why I Am Not Feeling Secure

I recently got a flyer in the mail from the Social Security Administration, and having recently entered my 30's, to get any correspondence from this entity seems a bit premature, although I have technically been receiving one ever since I entered the workforce.  Currently, I see so much of my earnings go into the following categories -

• Federal Income Tax
• Social Security Tax
• Medicare Tax
• CA State Income Tax
• CA SUI/SDI Tax

I also have two other VERY important deductions from my earnings -

• Life Insurance
• 401 - K

Now, in the mail that the Social Security Administration decideis obligated to send to me, via US Mail, included a four page item titled "Your Social Security Statement", and a two-sided newsletter "What young workers should know about Social Security and saving".  My "Statement" which they refer to as being mine, only seems personalized upon looking to page 3... but then again, they did pay for six pages of printing, paper, envelopes, and postage. 

I have larger concern about the two-sided newletter... It contains a section in green-scale with the headline "Will Social Security still be around when I retire?"  The short answer according to the author is "Yes" but as one reads there is the following -

The Social Security Board of Trustees now estimates that based on current law, in 2037, the Trust Funds will be depleted...the taxes that are paid by workers will not be enough to pay the full benefit amounts scheduled.

I am sorry, but "Yes" actually doesn't seem like the right answer after I read further.  Should I feel like I was just lied to by the author or that the author doesn't know what he/she is talking about?  I am going with the former.  I am tired of feeling like I am lied to and mislead by our own government - our elected officials, and their appointed officials are disappointing at this point. 

So, is my Social Security flyer fuel to the fire for how I want to help protect my fellow Americans?  It sure is.  I am a planner, and I am being told by my government to not plan on Social Security which I pay into with every pay check... it doesn't seem right that I am funding something that I will not have the ability to use.  I believe that the voteers in the 36th District feel the same.  It is about time that we all get what we pay for.

The Competition for the 36th District

The website swingstateproject.com is reporting the following-

 CA-36: Has anyone of any stature endorsed Debra Bowen yet? I have no idea, because her website is still just a freakin' splash page. And I ask because two more members of Congress just endorsed Janice Hahn: Loretta Sanchez and Laura Richardson. Endorsements don't typically mean a lot, but in this case, Hahn has really piled together an impressive roster in a very short time, which indicates her level of influence is quite strong. Meanwhile, I'm not even sure what Bowen is up to - search for her name on Google News (be sure to sort by date) and you won't find much about her, but you'll see plenty of stories about Hahn.

 I want folks to really be reminded of Janice Hahn... political family, running on the family name...  Do you really think she represents you?  A resident, voter, and taxpayer of the 36th District?  I don't think she represents me.  She saw an opportunity at a political job and is making the necessary adjustments in order to qualify.  Anyone endorsed by Loretta Sanchez does not represent my values and beliefs.

Harmon's Resignation Delayed to End of Feb.

Incase you haven't seen it, check this article... The Buzz: Jerry Brown asks Jane Harman to delay resignation ... for the state budget 

In the above listed article, it is said the delay will allow the seat for the 36th congressional district to be on the same ballot as Jerry Brown's proposed tax increase.  The thinking is that if Brown can get additional democratic voters to the polls in the 36th district for the election regarding Harmon's vacated seat, then maybe Brown will get more democratic voters to pass his tax increases (if he can even get them on the ballot).

NO JERRY!  The voters/taxpayers of the 36th Congressional District will NOT allow you to take more of their money.  Go negotiate with the unions that contributed to your campaign... it's a different economy now and they need to understand that.

Another Californian Waiting on Jerry Brown

I keep checking the State of California elections page... waiting.  I'm waiting for the election to be called in our district for the 36th Congressional Seat... to represent this area on a federal level.  As soon as the election is called, I can go through the requirements and submit my paperwork to be added to the ballot. 

At this point I am unsure if I will need to get signatures in order to appear on the ballot, but I am strongly considering a campaign manager to run the show (but not my opinions or values) to make sure I get the necessary press coverage in the area that the 36th District covers.

Jane Harman to Step Down From Congress, Vacate 36th District Seat

Earlier today news broke that Jane Harman is stepping down from her congressional position to take a job in the private sector, president and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson Center.  I wish Jane the best of success in the next career of her life.

I drive by Jane Harman's congressional office quite often, it is on Rosecrans in El Segundo, and every time I have thought that I would like to represent my district in Congress... well, here is my opportunity.  A little bit about me, I grew up in Los Angeles County, attended public school, and received my B.A. from Purdue University.  In my time since college, I have worked in what I consider the two largest industries in Los Angeles, the entertainment industry and the shipping industry. 

In the upcoming, I am going to use this as a main forum for you to get in touch with me.  I am a resident of the 36th District, who thinks of herself as an American first. 


If you would like to read what actual journalists have to say about Harman's newfound career please see all of the below, or just google it-

Jane Harman Resigning From Congress
Rep. Jane Harman set to resign from House
Rep. Jane Harman of California to resign