Fmr Pres. Clinton Endorses Ruiz for Congress

Former President Bill Clinton is getting involved in the 36th Congressional district race, endorsing Dr. Raul Ruiz.

The democrat is challenging Republican incumbent Mary Bono Mack for the Coachella Valley.

“I like him for a lot of reasons,” said former President Bill Clinton at UC Irvine Tuesday evening.

Thousands waited hours to see the former president endorse five Congressional Candidates including Dr. Raul Ruiz.

“I meet Dr. Ruiz about a year ago when he started his long campaign, when a lot of people thought what a long shot he was and now most polls show he is ahead,” said Clinton.

Clinton says Ruiz is one of two doctors running for Congress and that experience is important to the country.

“They understand that people die because they don’t have health insurance,” explained Clinton.

Dr. Raul Ruiz says, “Its an honor to have the endorsement of President Clinton and I really respect his views on fiscal responsibility and making sure that we revive the middle class.”

This is a big endorsement for Ruiz. He was just recently criticized by several area police officers associations for comments he made in college. This endorsement by the former president brings a positive momentum to the campaign with just two weeks to go until Election Day.

In fact its Ruiz’s past, that voters at the event responded too.

Wendy Orellana, a Ruiz supporter, says, “Seeing somebody go through so much and accomplish so much is very inspirational to me.”

Frank Sallas, also a Ruiz support, says, “He shows there is hope for everyone trying to make it up there coming from a real rough beginning. There is hope.”

“This is a very humbling experience for me to be standing before all of you,” said Ruiz during Tuesday’s event.

“You need to send this man to Congress,” urged Clinton.

Clinton also endorsed Julia Brownley from the 26th in Ventura, Alan Lowenthal from the 47th in Long Beach, Scott Peters from the 52th in San Diego and Mark Takano from the 41th District in Riverside.