Kinde Durkee is accused of stealing funds from dozens of Democratic candidates  including Congresswoman Susan Davis, as well as many charitable organizations

"I left my job to run for Congress - to fight for you - the working men and women who are the true heart and soul of America. Like you, I have known what it is to stand in the unemployment line. I've been without health insurance...Like you, I will not give up. I will not be invisible...All of us, employed and unemployed must make our voices heard, because we have become the new "Silent Majority."

- David Secor, who aims to run against Congressman Duncan Hunter and represent East County

Reprinted with permission from OB Rag; Secor comments added by ECM

September 6, 2011 (San Diego)--Under gray skies, over 350 people gathered along Broadway yesterday in downtown San Diego at a Labor Day “Rally for the Jobless.” Organized by MoveOn and Rebuild the American Dream, the noon event was designed to gather unemployed San Diegans and put pressure on the White House and Congress for jobs.

By Miriam Raftery
 

August 21, 2011 (Spring Valley) – “What I’ve been working on is jobs and everything that I can do to strengthen the middle class,” Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) told constituents at a meeting of the Spring Valley Citizens Association Thursday evening.

 
The Congresswoman fielded questions from a audience members reflecting a broad spectrum of views and provided updates from Washington. She also discussed two upcoming events: a home mortgage clinic on August 27 and a boot camp for job seekers August 30. (Get event details.) 

By Miriam Raftery
 

July 22, 2011 (San Diego) –Just how tough is it to balance the federal budget? While Congress wrestles with the issue on Capitol Hill, a roomful of ordinary citizens got the chance to find out on Tuesday, when Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office sponsored a workshop at San Diego State University to get constituents’ inputs on budgetary priorities.

I planned to go as a neutral observer. But since our table was short one participant, i found myself recruited for a lively and enlightening session. Creative minds proved adept at thinking outside the box—challenging conventional wisdoms, expanding the choices presented for cutting costs and raising revenues, plus citizens came up with some innovative ideas of their own.

July 14, 2011 – A new education bill, championed by Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine), is making its way to the floor of the House of Representatives. The bill is a part of a series of education reform bills looking to overhaul current elementary and secondary school laws.

June 19, 2011 (San Diego) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), whose district may soon extend to include La Mesa, part of El Cajon and other areas in East County with reapportionment, has joined several other legislators in sending a letter asking Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct an investigation into oil speculation.  The legislators seek to “determine whether illegal practices may be artificially inflating oil and gas prices” and also ask for “common sense limits" on the  trading of oil futures.

 “It's infuriating that major oil companies continue to profit from tax exemptions while American families struggle with rising gas prices," Davis said in a letter to constituents. "I joined in sending a letter to Vice President Biden asking him to make sure that cutting unnecessary tax subsidies for major oil companies is part of a deal to reduce the deficit.”

June 3, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) last week introduced legislation to spark innovation within San Diego’s biotech and medical device industry. The Therapeutic Tax Credit Act would provide federal assistance through tax credits and grants to develop promising new lifesaving medications or medical devices.

May 18, 2011 (San Diego) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) invites constituents to a town-hall style public meeting on Wednesday, May 18 from 6-7 p.m. in the Normal Heights Community Center at 4649 Hawley Blvd., San Diego 92116.

“Please come share your ideas, ask a question, and get an update about what’s happening in Congress at my Mid-City/Uptown Neighborhood Day this Wednesday evening,” the Congresswoman said.

March 31, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – In recognition of her leadership on animal protection issues and for receiving a perfect score on the 2010 Humane Scorecard, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) was named a Humane Champion. It is the highest award given by the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

The organizations also singled out Davis’s bill that would designate National Link Awareness Month to raise awareness about the link between domestic violence and cruelty to animals.

Women’s rights supporters plan protest at Rep. Hunter’s office today at noon

February 2, 2011 (San Diego) – “Learn how my office can help you,” says Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego). Davis invites the public to join her and staff members at the grand opening of a new community office this Saturday, February 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

By Jeremy Los and Miriam Raftery

January 6, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – The red Republican wave that swept through the nation in November has officially begun its reign in the United States House of Representatives yesterday as the 112th Congress commenced. The change elevates the positions and influence of local Republican representatives, while reducing the power of San Diego’s Democratic delegation in Congress.

Highlighted by the election of Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, as Speaker of the House, yesterday today marked the beginning of what House Republicans see as a chance to move the conservative agenda forward. The Republican leadership has announced its intent to repeal President Obama’s health care bill and begin to cut government spending in their first three weeks. Democrats in Congress now are on the defensive as they are now hoping to impede the destruction of what they pushed for since 2006.

September 24, 2010 (Washington, DC) –Several important consumer protection features of health reform went into effect yesterday, six months after the Affordable Care Act (also know as the Patient's Bill of Rights) was signed into law. While even supporters contend the bill is no panacea, it does contain some key reforms that may affect you and your family.

“The Patient’s Bill of Right makes sure that health care is available to you when you need it most and outlaws the most egregious abuses by the insurance industry,” said Congressman Filner (D-San Diego). For plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010, all privately-insured Americans now have the following protections:

By Buck Shott

May11, 2010 – This week, we bring you a ringside seat for the latest political knock-down, drag-out fights in state and local races.

MISSING IN ACTION: Ballot statements have been published for the June primary—but one local candidate’s statement is conspicuously absent.