Congressional candidates rally support ahead of Tuesday’s polls
It’s the final push for candidates and campaigns across the nation — Election Day is Tuesday, November 6th. Locally, the race to represent California’s 36th district in Congress is expected to be close.
“We’ve had a lot of rallies people just coming out just standing out holding signs in the street…it’s been awesome,” said Emily Langenbahn, working with the Kimberlin Brown Pelzer campaign.
“We’ve been doing some phone banking…we’ve done canvassing,” said John Everett, a volunteer with Congressman Raul Ruiz’s campaign.
Both Congressman Raul Ruiz and opponent Kimberlin Brown Pelzer worked tirelessly this weekend ahead of Tuesday’s polls.
Ruiz and his campaign participated in the Palm Springs Pride Parade and volunteers at his headquarters placed calls all day Sunday encouraging people to vote. Kimberlin Brown Pelzer served coffee at a La Quinta McDonalds Sunday morning, speaking with voters and rallying support on the streets with her supporters.
We asked both candidates what matters to them the most:
“I am most passionate about protecting Medicare and social security for our seniors,” said Congressman Ruiz. He also says he’s focused on providing health care and benefits for veterans, in addition to a tax that he hopes will benefit the middle class.
Pelzer is also proposing a tax plan to help middle-class Californians: “Well I’m very passionate about keeping the taxes going the direction that they are. As a matter of fact, I’d like to make the tax cuts to the middle class permanent,” she said. Pelzer is also hoping to increase manufacturing jobs, to keep the border secure and to repeal the current gas tax.
Both campaigns are encouraging young people to get involved, to vote and to speak up.
“Well this is when it begins. When they’re in high school and they feel passionate about something and they’re taking the time and effort with discipline and consistently showing up…it’s amazing,” said Ruiz.
“I think it’s very important for young people to get out and vote and you know why? Because those that can vote…can make a difference. It’s their future we’re talking about,” said Pelzer.
Young volunteers on both sides said were inspired by what they’ve learned on the campaign trail.
“It’s been really fun actually. We’ve been able to go to different houses and talk to them about difference campaign issues and things like that,” said Michael Higgins, a young volunteer working on the Kimberlin Brown Pelzer campaign.
“It’s fun everyone here is really nice, they’re really inspiring. Immigration is a really big issue right now and I hope congressman Ruiz can do something big about it” said Jennifer Millan, a young volunteer working on Congressman Ruiz’s campaign.
Republicans and Democrats alike — agreeing on one thing:
“If you don’t vote you’re part of the problem. so let’s not be part of the problem any longer. Let’s all get out and vote let’s use our voice,” said Pelzer.
“This is our highest responsibility our solemn duty to come out and vote as citizens of the greatest nation in the world,” said Ruiz.
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