September 13, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) — Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) named Rep. Darrell Issa (R-San Diego) as a Dishonorable Mention in its Most Corrupt Members of Congress report, an annual, bipartisan look at Washington’s worst. According to CREW, Rep. Issa illegally disclosed information from a sealed wiretap, then hid behind his constitutional protections as a member of Congress to avoid the consequences, earning him a spot in CREW’s latest report.

September 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- The national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund and the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) together announced their endorsement of Scott Peters for the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 52nd district. In backing his congressional bid, LCV Action Fund and CLCV cited Peters’ long and accomplished record of public service in the San Diego community, leading initiatives to strengthen public health standards, protect the environment, and grow the economy by creating thousands of new local jobs. Peters, a Democrat, will face long-time incumbent Rep. Brian Bilbray in the general election.

AB 2212 gives law enforcement new tool; AB 2126 streamlines campus administration

September 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) today announced that Gov. Jerry Brown signed his measure to give law enforcement a new tool to shut down human trafficking, AB 2212, and another bill, AB 2126, which helps the California State University (CSU) system streamline its regulation process.

September 9, 2012 (Alpine) -- California State Assemblyman Brian Jones will host a 2nd Amendment Awareness Event to celebrate “Constitution Week” on September 22 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.  The event will be held at the Lemon Grove Rod & Gun Club, 16232 Sequan Truck Trail, Alpine.

“Ours is a fight to restore the values that built the largest middle class and the strongest economy the world has ever know.” – President Barack Obama

“We believe that `we’re all in this together’ is a far better philosophy than `you’re on your own.’”  --ex-President Bill Clinton, contrasting Democratic and Republican parties

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2012 (Charlotte, North Carolina) -- President Barack Obama, accepting his party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention tonight, said voters have “the clearest choice in a generation…It will be a choice between two different paths for America.”

A nominating speech by former President Bill Clinton laid out arguments for reelecting Obama. Since 1991, Republicans have held the White House for 28 years, Democrats 24 years, yet Democrats have provided more jobs, he noted. 

"Right now, it’s all about finances. It should be our kids’ education." -- Emma Turner

By Janis Mork

Incumbent Emma Turner is up for re-election this November for her spot as a board member in the La Mesa Spring Valley District. The district includes La Mesa, Spring Valley, and El Cajon. View a map of the district.

September 6, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)-Two seats are open in the LMSV.  Emma Turner hopes that she will get re-elected for the board to continue serving the needs of students. She also needs the seat in order to run for Vice President of the California School Board Association later this year. She’s ready to win, insisting she has “all my endorsements ready” for her spot as VP. Other candidates include incumbent William ‘Bill’ Baber, President of the board, and challenger Jay Steiger.

Three incumbents and four challengers are vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council. ECM has requested interviews with each. Below is the first in our series of in-depth candidate profiles.

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2012 (El Cajon)—Earlier this year, when a vacancy opened on the El Cajon Council due to a resignation, the Councilmembers refused to accept applications from the public – including an Iraqi Chaldean immigrant and an African-American woman who wanted the job. Instead, they appointed an insider like themselves--a white male, who served on Planning Commission. 

To Ben Kalasho, that action exemplifies what’s wrong in El Cajon –and why  the Council needs people from diverse backgrounds.

September 6, 2012 (Alpine) – Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) will be the featured guest at the Alpine Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, September 25 from 12-2 p.m. Rep. Hunter will inform Chamber members and guests about current issues in Congress.

September 1, 2012 (San Diego) – Yesterday, entrenched incumbent Brian Bilbray, who has refused several debate requests, challenged Scott Peters to debates that Peters' campaign says they agreed to weeks ago. 

August 31, 2012 (Santee) -- The League of Women Voters will be moderating a Candidates’ Forum on Tuesday, September 18 at the Santee City Hall, Room 7, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. with refreshments served after the forum.

It will be held in the City's Event Hall, Building 7 of the City Complex at 10601 N. Magnolia in Santee.

Ryan speech draws media criticism for factual errors

By Miriam Raftery

August 30, 2012 (Tampa) -- "I am running for president to help create a better future,” Mitt Romney declared, accepting his party’s presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention.  (View speech:  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7419730n&tag=mg;mostpopvideo )

 Delayed a day by Hurricane Isaac,  the convention concluded with Romney assailing President Barack Obama on everything from the economy to global warming policy, then pledging to focus on jobs and family if elected. 

August 30, 2012 (Sacramento)—A bill by Assemblymember Marty Block, AD-78, that requires the California Department of Consumer Affairs to expedite professional licensure for the spouses and domestic partners of active duty military service members, tonight passed the Assembly Floor on a 78-0 vote.

By Miriam Raftery

August 27, 2012 (San Diego)—Democrat Scott Peters’ Congressional campaign has issued a press release blasting his opponent, Republican Brian Bilbray, for a record on women’s rights and choice that “closely mirrors Mr. Akin’s,” Peters’ communications director MaryAnn Pintar said.