CAPPS CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION SHOWS HER COMMITMENT TO INCUMBENCY PROTECTION OVER WILL OF THE PEOPLE

SANTA BARBARA -- 

Tom Watson, Republican candidate for Congress in the 23rd District, today noted a contribution by Congresswoman Lois Capps for Yes on Prop 27 is more proof that she is “tone deaf to the will of the people.”

Proposition 27 would overturn the initiative passed by California voters in 2008 that put redistricting in the hands of citizens, not politicians.

“In 2008, the people of California said no to incumbency protection by passing a law which would have a citizen’s panel redraw district lines. Now the entrenched politicians, led by the likes of Congresswoman Capps who also happens to represent the most gerrymandered congressional district in the country, are trying to overturn this reform.

It’s typical out-of-touch Washington and Sacramento politicians putting their self-interest above the will of the people. These political insiders are out for themselves. They rule, not govern. They took that same attitude in passing health care. They took that same attitude in crippling our economy with outrageous spending, and now they are doing it with the most basic political self-preservation - redistricting.

“Watson said it is absolutely critical for California that new district lines be drawn fairly, with impartiality, and by those who redistricting will impact the most – the citizens. “We won’t change the way business is done in Sacramento or in Washington, D.C. if we keep giving these politicians a free pass at the taxpayer’s expense.

“Redistricting should not be another tool for incumbency protection and self-preservation. It is a way to make sure that people’s and communities are fairly represented. The fact that Congresswoman Capps would give $10,000 to overturn the voters’ decision in 2008 and put redistricting back in the hands of the politicians who got us into this mess shows exactly what she thinks of the people and where her loyalties lie.”