Our national debt of over $9 trillion, and growing by over $1.5 billion per day, has weakened our economy and created a monumental tax burden for future generations. While the Bush administration has squandered billions on an unnecessary war and government mismanagement, Congress continues to be controlled by special interests.

I am beholden to no special interests and am strongly committed to putting our fiscal house in order. I will reach across the aisle in an honest effort to cut unnecessary spending and will pursue a “pay-go“ policy that requires new programs to be paid for by other cuts in spending.

Our world is being challenged as never before by escalating demand for energy, food and other vital commodities. Of particular concern is the urgent need to develop alternatives to high priced oil. The Bush administration and my opponent Darrell Issa continue to call for more oil drilling to solve our energy problems while Germany, Brazil and other nations develop better solutions.

During the last seven years, our government has disengaged from programs to reduce global warming, ridiculed the need for conservation, undermined attempts to reduce oil consumption, and paid huge subsidies to oil companies while cutting subsidies for development of alternative sources of energy. I will work to reverse these misguided policies.  

It is time to invest in the repair and replacement of our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Our aging bridges, dams, water supply conduits, power generation and distribution systems all threaten us with catastrophic loss of money and lives when they fail. Dealing with these problems before disaster strikes saves money in the long run and produces jobs during an economic downturn . 

We must also repair and expand our overburdened national rail freight transport system and encourage public/private investment in our rail passenger system as a viable alternative to air travel. Recent overwhelming bi-partisan Congressional support (opposed by my opponent Darrell Issa) for the renewal of Amtrak funding is a step in the right direction.

Our economy can never be sound when individuals cannot afford health care.  It is imperative that we provide portable health insurance for all Americans, regardless of preexisting conditions, and ensure that no person is vulnerable to catastrophic loss from an unexpected illness or hospitalization. Here, also, I will reach across the aisle to find a foundation on which we can build a solution over time to our current health care dilemma.

Small businesses account for the majority of employment and the transfer of goods and services, yet have been short-changed by the Bush administration and my opponent in favor of large corporations. For example, the offices of the U.S. Trade Representative do not have a single person dedicated to serving the needs of small businesses in respect to international trade despite the fact that those firms make up 97 percent of America’s exporters. I will work to ensure that the interests of small businesses are supported in Washington. 

August 6th, 2008 6:30 PM

The Rainbow Grange on Rainbow Valley Blvd., Rainbow, CA

Dr. Matthew Rahn of San Diego Sate University will explain about the important research being done at the Santa Margarita River Preserve and the detrimental effects of placing “Liberty Quarry” near the Preserve.

Grey Frandsen, Democratic candidate for 66th Assembly seat, and Robert Hamilton, Democratic Candidate for the California 49th Congressional District seat, will speak to the issue.

Robert J. Hamilton addressing an overflow crowd of supporters at June 8th barbecue fundraiser in the courtyard of hosts Cynthia and James Meketa’s home in Bonsall. 
The event was co-hosted by the Democratic Clubs of Fallbrook, Escondido, Carlsbad-Oceanside and SW Riverside County, along with the Progressive Democratic Club of North County.

Write up from the Village News, here.

Betty T. Yee, member of the California State Board of Equalization, endorses Robert Hamilton for the California 49th Congressional district seat. Ms. Yee, Vice Chairwoman of the Board, represents the First Equalization District and its 21 counties in northern and central California.  Ms. Yee served as Chairwoman of the Board from January 2007 to January 2008.  Ms. Yee has over 20 years of experience in public service, specializing in state and local finance.  Ms. Yee previously served as Chief Deputy Director for Budget with the California Department of Finance where she led the development of the Governor’s Budget, negotiations with the Legislature and key budget stakeholders, and fiscal analyses of legislation on behalf of the Administration. 

Throughout her career, Ms. Yee has been an advocate for underserved and underrepresented communities, including the Asian Pacific Islander American community where she secured state funding for projects in San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and Los Angeles and ensured the establishment of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs.

Noted for her work on state and local finance issues, Ms. Yee received the 2002 Distinguished Service Award from the California State Association of Counties and an award of recognition from the California Assessors’ Association for her work in establishing the State-County Property Tax Administration Program.

What I’d like the people in your district to know is that you’re the kind of person of honor and character that they want and need representing them. I want them to know that you will make your decisions on the policies you’ll support not on which party the person who introduces them is from, but on their merits and their importance to the people in the district and the country as a whole.

Robert Hamilton, past president of the Fallbrook Democratic Club, is running for the 49th California Congressional District against Darrell Issa. At last month’s Fallbrook meeting, Bob gave an eloquent and passionate talk about the need to replace Issa, the goals he has set for his campaign, and his aims when in office. Watch Bob outlining his vision.

Long time educational reformer and international feminist activist Gracia Molina de Pick endorsed Robert Hamilton in the race for the California 49th Congressional District.

Gracia was the founding Faculty of the Third College (Now named Thurgood Marshalll Studies) at UCSD where she developed the undergraduate sequence for Third World Studies and is a former Commissioner of California Post-Sec. Education Commission 1976-80.

State Senator Leland Yee, California State Senate district 8, following receipt of a special recognition Asian Heritage Award, yesterday endorsed Robert Hamilton for the California 49th Congressional District. Senator Lee represents much of San Francisco and  San Mateo County. Senator Yee, a child psychiatrist, has been recognized for his is work on behalf of children, working families, seniors, civil rights, healthcare, open government, the environment, and other important issues. He is the first Chinese American elected to the California State Senate. Senator Yee was named “Legislator of the Year” by the California Association of School Psychologists.

Bob Filner, Chaiman of the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs and seven term Congressman for the California 51st district, endorsed Bob Hamilton in his race for the 49th Congressional district.  He is widely recognized for his outstanding work on behalf of veterans. Filner’s district includes much of San Diego’s southern part, the cities of Chula Vista and National City and all of Imperial County. It includes California’s entire length of the border with Mexico.

The United Auto Workers, Region 5, endorsed Robert Hamilton’s candidacy for the California 49th congressional district. UAW, Region 5 represents International Union, United Automobile,Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America.