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| 2024 Election: | Joe Biden's book | Kamala Harris' book | Donald Trump's book | JD Vance's book | 2024 Senate Debates |
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| Book Reviews | |||||||||||||||
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(from Amazon.com) | |||||||||||||||
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(click a book cover for a review or other books by or about the presidency from Amazon.com) |
from Past and present Senate candidates from California (number of quotes indicated): |
| OnTheIssues.org excerpts: (click on issues for details) |
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Abortion Dianne Feinstein: Trump's Supreme Court nominee could end Roe v. Wade. Duf Sundheim: Right to abortion is a gating issues. Duf Sundheim: Pro-life; but don't let some government official decide. Mark Meuser: Against abortion; it's a state's rights issue. Tom Del Beccaro: Criticized raids earlier against anti-abortion activists. Barbara Lee: Pro-choice; shared story of her own pre-Roe abortion . Katie Porter: Voted for legislation to create statutory right to abortion. Laphonza Butler: President of Emily's List, backing pro-choice candidates. Steve Garvey: No nationwide ban; uphold the voice of the people. Laphonza Butler: Defend every woman's right to her own health decisions. |
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Budget & Economy Alex Padilla: These aren't stimulus checks; they're basic survival checks. Duf Sundheim: Government policies played key role in 2007 crash. James Bradley: Use tax incentives to stimulate small businesses. Kamala Harris: Prosecuted fewer foreclosure fraud cases than smaller states. Mark Meuser: The Federal Government needs to start balancing its budget. Michael Eisen: We need to fight together in unison against all budget cuts. Michael Eisen: We need to fight together in unison against all budget cuts. Laphonza Butler: Equitable economy: invest in workforce development. Adam Schiff: Increase housing federal investments and tax credits. Steve Garvey: Oppose new federal spending, stand up to tax increases. Laphonza Butler: Serves on Senate Banking committee. |
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Civil Rights Duf Sundheim: Supports same-sex marriage. Duf Sundheim: Provide economic opportunity for women & minorities. Duf Sundheim: Comfortable with same-sex marriage. Loretta Sanchez: Met with Indian American group leaders upon entering race. Michael Eisen: Study gender bias in scientific publications. Rocky Chavez: Moderate who supports gay marriage. Tom Del Beccaro: Keep Proposition 8; but open to debate on gay marriage. Adam Schiff: Introduced PERIOD Act to protect trans student athletes. Katie Porter: Trump administration tried to erase transgender people . Laphonza Butler: First Black lesbian to represent California in the Senate. Laphonza Butler: Address decades-long racial disparities. |
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Corporations Kamala Harris: Tough stance on mortgage lenders fell short. |
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Crime Duf Sundheim: People who do bad things should be punished. Kamala Harris: Don't require cops to wear body cameras. Kamala Harris: Acknowledge that certain communities distrust police. Kamala Harris: Focus on helping non-violent young offenders. Kevin de Leon: Gang violence plagues our neighborhoods. Mark Meuser: Criminals do not fear any repercussions for their actions. Steve Garvey: The best way to deter crime is to enforce our laws. Steve Garvey: Ensure that those locked up are not immediately freed. Kamala Harris: Defied pressure for death penalty for cop killer. Kamala Harris: Personally opposed to death penalty; as DA, never pursued it. Laphonza Butler: $80 million in federal funds for CA crime victims. |
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Drugs Duf Sundheim: Marijuana can be incredibly destructive. Kamala Harris: Recognize the war on drugs was a failure. Kevin de Leon: Not his issue, but supportive of legal pot. Barbara Lee: Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. Gail Lightfoot: Legalize marijuana and abolish the DEA. Adam Schiff: End criminalization of marijuana; expunge convictions. Barbara Lee: Rated A+ by NORML: Legalize marijuana and tax it. Katie Porter: Rated A by NORML: Legalize marijuana and tax it. |
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Education Alex Padilla: Expanded after school programs; reduced class sizes. Duf Sundheim: Strong proponent of school choice. James Bradley: Pro school choice including charters schools, homeschooling. Kamala Harris: Ensure access to a high quality public education. Mark Meuser: Schools are failing children. Mark Meuser: Funding should follow the student rather than fund systems. Rocky Chavez: Supports charter schools, and founded one in Oceanside. Steve Garvey: Provide parents with more choices; reward great teachers. Laphonza Butler: Address teacher shortage & early childhood education. |
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Energy & Oil Alex Padilla: Got state agency to increase use of renewable energy. Alex Padilla: 2006: for solar power, modernizing electrical grid. Duf Sundheim: Prioritize sustainable, cost effective energy. James Bradley: Short term oil exploration; alternative energy incentives. Kamala Harris: Innovate smart solutions to climate change. Mark Meuser: Grant drilling permits; encourage domestic oil production. Mark Meuser: I can't get a straight definition on what climate change is. Michael Eisen: Base climate change policy on science, not politics. Adam Schiff: I was an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. Steve Garvey: State ban on sale of gas-powered cars by 2035 not realistic. Laphonza Butler: Affordable clean energy with high efficiency standards. |
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Environment Duf Sundheim: Americans are crushed by EPA regulations. Kamala Harris: Prosecuted polluters for illegal dumping and air pollution. Michael Eisen: EPA needs to be more transparent and avoid using hidden data. Michael Eisen: EPA needs to be more transparent and avoid using hidden data. Tom Del Beccaro: Increase water supplies rather than fining citizens. Tom Del Beccaro: Farmers bear the brunt of a plethora of regulations. Laphonza Butler: Ensure access to clean water& recreation in our public parks. |
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Families & Children Kamala Harris: Punish parents of chronically truant kids. |
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Foreign Policy Duf Sundheim: Trying to control trade doesn't work. Duf Sundheim: Very lucky to have been born in such an exceptional place. James Bradley: Bolster Israel; cut off funds to terrorists. Kamala Harris: The way to keep us safe is NOT to keep outsiders out. Steve Garvey: Important to work close with our allies against threats. Kamala Harris: Distinguish Islamic religion from terrorism. |
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Free Trade Alex Padilla: Urge China to lift tariffs on U.S. wines. Duf Sundheim: Inclined to support Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. James Bradley: Negotiate trade agreements that put America first. Kamala Harris: TPP doesn't offer sufficient worker protections. Loretta Sanchez: Opposes TPP; joined union protests against it. Mark Meuser: Encourage US manufacturing, don't rely on foreign industry. |
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Government Reform Alex Padilla: Implemented same-day voter registration. Alex Padilla: Gave voter outreach money to consulting firm, not counties. Alex Padilla: Has focused on lowering barriers to voting. Alex Padilla: Supported allowing let 17-year-olds vote in primaries. Alex Padilla: Reducing city council districts an assault on voting rights. Alex Padilla: Vote by mail works in blue states and red states. Alex Padilla: Yes to expanding Supreme Court; not sure on term limits. Duf Sundheim: Every citizen who wants to vote should be able to do so. James Bradley: Pro voter ID to eliminate documented rampant fraud. James Bradley: Party to suit challenging state election laws. Mark Meuser: Time to start reining in the unelected bureaucrats. Mark Meuser: Can't have confidence in the results of 2020 election. Katie Porter: End Citizens United: campaign finance reform first. Mark Meuser: So many irregularities about the 2020 election. Adam Schiff: Need to pass historic voting rights protection legislation. Katie Porter: Only House Democrat to oppose return of earmarks. Steve Garvey: Get government out of the way of small businesses. Laphonza Butler: Fight voter suppression; combat misinformation. |
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Gun Control Alex Padilla: 2006: Stopped felons from possessing body armor. Duf Sundheim: I believe in the 2nd Amendment. James Bradley: Citizens have moral, Constitutional right to self-protect. Kamala Harris: No gun ownership for dangerous convicts or mentally ill. Mark Meuser: On universal background checks, Congress shall not infringe. Michael Eisen: Why are politicians reluctant to regulate guns? Michael Eisen: Shine light on politician's reluctance to regulate guns. Adam Schiff: Better & faster data tracking gun trafficking. Barbara Lee: Banning assault weapons a crucial and long-overdue action. Katie Porter: Ban assault weapons, strengthen background checks. Steve Garvey: Supports very stringent background checks on gun sales. |
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Health Care Alex Padilla: 2006: Fought for universal health care. Alex Padilla: We've got to better support our health care infrastructure. Duf Sundheim: Some aspects of ObamaCare ok, but rest is a boondoggle. Duf Sundheim: Healthcare doesn't need a new 1930s-era bureaucracy. James Bradley: Remove excess red tape; price controls on Big Pharma. James Bradley: Opposes taxpayer funding for transgender minors. Kamala Harris: Require pharmaceutical companies to allow generics. Kamala Harris: Companies should provide contraception under ObamaCare. Kevin de Leon: For health care to be accessible, it must be affordable. Mark Meuser: COVID isolation policy caused poor job market & inflation. Mark Meuser: Won't comment on publicly was his vaccination status. Michael Eisen: Gutting Obamacare leaves those in need without healthcare. Michael Eisen: Gutting ObamaCare leaves people without health insurance. Tom Del Beccaro: More taxes & regulations loom with ObamaCare. Xavier Becerra: 133M people with pre-existing conditions rely on ObamaCare. Katie Porter: Replace Affordable Care Act with something like Medicare. Laphonza Butler: Affordable & just health care with equitable access. Steve Garvey: Medicare for All will be a strain on our economy. |
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Homeland Security Alex Padilla: Maintain San Diego's Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Duf Sundheim: We need a strong national defense, plus cyber security. James Bradley: Strive to guarantee healthcare and housing for all veterans. James Bradley: Protect American citizens from threats known or unknown. Kamala Harris: Champion a robust VA for our Veterans. Michael Eisen: No need for more military, stop taking from what we do need. Michael Eisen: No need for more military nor a border wall. Rocky Chavez: Focus on national security: prepared to deal with ISIS. Rocky Chavez: Block Syrian refugees until we upgrade our intel and vetting. Tom Del Beccaro: Terrorists believe in terrorism; we can't persuade them. Barbara Lee: We need to cut defense budget by at least $100 billion. Katie Porter: Voted against defense budget higher than what was requested. Steve Garvey: Modernize our military; achieve peace through strength. Laphonza Butler: Jobs & healthcare for 1.6 million veterans. Laphonza Butler: Serves on Senate Homeland Security committee. |
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Immigration Alex Padilla: Battle over Prop. 187 led to involvement in politics. Alex Padilla: Undocumented immigrants shouldn't have to fear deportation. Duf Sundheim: Path to legal status without executive action. Duf Sundheim: Pathway to legal status. James Bradley: Opposes California's sanctuary state laws. Kamala Harris: An undocumented immigrant is not a criminal. Kevin de Leon: Abolish ICE at "Abolish Ice Cream Social". Loretta Sanchez: Refugees are not the enemy, today nor in our history. Mark Meuser: Don't defund the border patrol. Mark Meuser: Strengthen law enforcement's ability to protect the border. Michael Eisen: Differentiate dangerous immigrants from those who integrate. Rocky Chavez: We are home for the tired and oppressed, even Syrians. Tom Del Beccaro: Expose crime and danger at the US-Mexico border. Steve Garvey: Wants to complete the wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Laphonza Butler: Fair Day for Kids in Court: lawyers for unaccompanied kids. |
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Jobs Tom Del Beccaro: $15 mandated wages results in lower employment. Laphonza Butler: Was labor organizer; led fight for $15 minimum wage in CA. |
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Principles & Values Alex Padilla: Son of Mexican immigrants; taught him value of education. Alex Padilla: Became a teenage activist on crime, environmental racism. Alex Padilla: Dedicated to having as an inclusive democracy as possible. Alex Padilla: What drives my public service passion are issues of equity. Dianne Feinstein: Asked state Dems to not endorse, but they endorsed opponent. Duf Sundheim: Showing respect for God ok, if not imposed by religious test. James Bradley: Cardi B's "WAP" made me want to pour holy water in my ears. Kamala Harris: First Indian-American to serve in the U.S. Senate. Mark Meuser: Vote twice: short-term and long-term Senate on same ballot. Mark Meuser: Compared seized Trump documents to raid on Obama. Mark Meuser: Calls those saying he can't win "uncircumcised Philistines". Michael Eisen: Ran and lost for Student Council and Genetics Board. Xavier Becerra: Appointed as California's first Latino attorney general. Steve Garvey: Holds MLB NL record for consecutive games played (1,207). Steve Garvey: Politicians need to take a more civil approach to politics. Laphonza Butler: After two weeks in office: not running for re-election. |
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Social Security Duf Sundheim: Don't privatize Social Security. James Bradley: Increase funding for programs and care for the elderly. Kamala Harris: Oppose entitlement cuts; strengthen these safety nets. Tom Del Beccaro: Eliminate cap on the payroll tax. Katie Porter: Increase benefits, improve adjustments for inflation. Steve Garvey: Let's cut back on these entitlements; stop printing money. |
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Tax Reform Duf Sundheim: Get rid of gimmicks and tax breaks the wealthy have. Kamala Harris: Expand EITC, Child Tax Credit, and R&D Tax Credit. Tom Del Beccaro: Personal & corporate flat tax: 15.5% federal and 6% state. Adam Schiff: We need to ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share. Steve Garvey: Career politicians increased taxes and fees, raised costs. |
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Technology Alex Padilla: Bill created statewide Earthquake Early Warning System. Alex Padilla: Election security is ongoing effort, not once a generation. James Bradley: Phase out Federal transit program; repeal Davis-Bacon. James Bradley: Protect individual sovereignty and capitalism of content. Michael Eisen: Patents are destroying the soul of academic science. Michael Eisen: Government should be a partner, not just a funding source. Alex Padilla: States run elections; Feds can standardize administration. Laphonza Butler: Largest investment in infrastructure in nearly a century. |
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War & Peace Duf Sundheim: Avoid foreign entanglements. Mark Meuser: Foreign policy weakness allowed Russian invasion of Ukraine. Tom Del Beccaro: Nuke deal solidifies Iran conventional military gains. Tom Del Beccaro: Mideast was more stable with U.S. troops in Iraq. Steve Garvey: I stand with Israel yesterday, today, and tomorrow. |
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Welfare & Poverty Duf Sundheim: Address the 8.9 million Californians living in poverty. James Bradley: Funds for working families for affordable housing. Barbara Lee: Ending poverty is a moral and economic imperative . Katie Porter: 2012: Sounded alarm about predatory practices on homeowners. Laphonza Butler: Address housing shortage & decades-long racial disparities. |
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Senatorial winners and losers in each state: AK - AL - AR - AZ - CA - CO - CT - DE - FL - GA - HI - IA - ID - IL - IN - KS - KY - LA - MA - MD - ME - MI - MN - MO - MS - MT - NC - ND - NE - NH - NJ - NM - NV - NY - OH - OK - OR - PA - RI - SC - SD - TN - TX - UT - VA - VT - WA - WI - WV - WY - U.S. House of Representatives winners and losers in each state: AK - AL - AR - AZ - CA - CO - CT - DE - FL - GA - HI - IA - ID - IL - IN - KS - KY - LA - MA - MD - ME - MI - MN - MO - MS - MT - NC - ND - NE - NH - NJ - NM - NV - NY - OH - OK - OR - PA - RI - SC - SD - TN - TX - UT - VA - VT - WA - WI - WV - WY - Gubernatorial winners and losers in each state: AK - AL - AR - AZ - CA - CO - CT - DE - FL - GA - HI - IA - ID - IL - IN - KS - KY - LA - MA - MD - ME - MI - MN - MO - MS - MT - NC - ND - NE - NH - NJ - NM - NV - NY - OH - OK - OR - PA - RI - SC - SD - TN - TX - UT - VA - VT - WA - WI - WV - WY - |
All material copyright 1999-2022 by Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org Reprinting by permission only. |
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