Kevin de Leon Endorsement
Opinions Editor
In an era of feminism, selecting a woman to represent women seems like the obvious choice, but there are men who are fighting for women’s rights as well.
Senator President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) has proven as a California State Assembly member and member of the California State Senate that he can represent women, Latinos, students, and all his constituents.
In 2014, De Leon passed a bill, Senate Bill No. 967, that requires each community college, California State University, University of California, and any other independent post-secondary institutions to improve their policies, protocols, and programs to better address and help student victims of sexual assault.
De Leon has also supported and advocated for women’s right to choose what is in their best interest when it comes to their bodies. He stands with Planned Parenthood and ensuring that government does not interfere women’s access to safe abortions.
“I stand with Planned Parenthood every day. Women’s health should never be a pawn in political budget debates and men should not be making health decisions for women,” said De Leon in 2015 after an attack at a Planned Parenthood center in Thousand Oaks.
De Leon is a true feminist and will continue to fight for women’s rights.
De Leon, like others in California, is the son of a single immigrant mother. His mother worked in housekeeping and other jobs she could find. Understanding the value of education, he was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. De Leon recognizes that education is important and has called out President Donald Trump when he rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
De Leon worked alongside with other legislative leaders and Governor Jerry Brown to provide funding of $30 million to assist Dreamers in legal services and financial aid through the Dream Loan Program.
Until recently, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has been more vocal of immigrant rights, but it wasn’t always like that. In 1994, there is video of Feinstein on national television discussing her beliefs on to handle illegal immigration.
“To have a situation where 40 percent of the babies born on Medicaid in California today are born of illegal immigrants creates a very real problem for the state which is in deficit,” said Feinstein. I don’t see her being an advocate for this community.
To progress in our government and make changes, we need to change the people in those positions of power, especially those who have been there for far too long.
De Leon has the experience to represent the voices of California. He has several endorsements by significant organizations like The California Democratic Party.
As a woman, Latina, college student, democrat, and a daughter of two immigrant parents, my vote will go to De Leon because he has the capabilities, passion, and experience to advocate for issues that pertain to me and many Californians.
Dianne Feinstein Endorsement
By Hana Ayoub
Reporter
California Senator Dianne Feinstein has been in office since 1992, and has since made effective changes to many different aspects of California’s important issues.
She has an impressive resume as well, with issues ranging from agriculture to education to foreign affairs.
Senator Feinstein should be re-elected based on her statements regarding national issues, as well as her actions on those issues. She stays true and consistent to her stances on subjects, and has the best interests of the country in mind.
Enrique Olivas, a freshman criminal justice major, believes that agriculture should be one of the main focuses of any Californian politician.
“It is one of the main sources of income of our valley,” said Olivas.
One of Feinstein’s major focuses is on agriculture, which is demonstrated through her support of Agricultural Worker Program provisions.
Feinstein encouraged the use of domestically cut flowers to be used for White House events, which are mostly supplied by California.
Gabriela Fernandez, a junior nursing major, believes that education is a major issue to be addressed.
“Being a student, I would push access for education and simplify it for students who are first generation or who have economic barriers towards education.” said Fernandez, who is a first generation American herself.
Feinstein believes that education is vital to any citizen. She has released multiple statements about her proposals.
Senator Feinstein supports “proposals to allow student loan borrowers to refinance both their federal and private student loans at lower interest rates.”
Fernandez believes that good politicians value “honesty and being genuine about your intentions, and just being up front as to your motives and why you want to push for certain things. We’re so quick to send tanks and soldiers everywhere, but there’s kids and families being separated and killed, but were not exposed to that as much.”
Senator Feinstein has released her statements about separation at the borders upholding bills that “ensures children may only be separated from their parents in the event they are being trafficked or abused by their parents.”
Senator Feinstein has been in office for 26 years and has made effective strides in her years of service. As a long term senator, she has proven that she will make progress.
Aly Diaz, a liberal studies freshman, believes that those who are in office longer can have a bigger impact.“Long term change is what’s going to carry us,” said Diaz.
Senator Feinstein will continue to take stances that benefit our citizens and country as a whole.
She will make a much better candidate than her runner-up, Senator Kevin De Leon. She has proven that she is a senator for the people.
