This week, candidates for late-Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the U.S. Senate came together to debate policy issues affecting Californians and the nation. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) shared thoughtful responses on some of the toughest challenges facing the country, while all participants contributed to a lively discussion on how to propel California forward.
If you missed the debate, you can watch it here.
Introduction: Setting the Stage
The debate opened with Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) positioning herself as a staunch “consumer protection advocate,” calling for an end to earmarks, a ban on lobbyist and political action committee (PAC) donations, and prohibiting congressional members from trading stocks.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) presented herself as “a progressive who gets things done,” emphasizing her commitment to funneling resources back to deserving community leaders in California.
As the only republican participating in the debate, former Dodgers star Steve Garvey pointed to his experience meeting with voters across the state to gain an understanding of California’s needs.
Schiff, showcasing his leadership skills, highlighted his role in major political battles. As a prosecutor, he took on big oil companies, and as a member of Congress he tackled tough issues such as health care. Schiff also emphasized his role in serving on the January 6 Committee. His message was clear: he’s a leader who can also deliver results.
The Economy: A Central Topic
Each candidate was tasked with giving the economy a rating and discussing what he or she would do to strengthen it. Schiff answered first, rating the economy a 7 out of 10. He acknowledged President Joe Biden’s efforts but noted the need for further action. He said his goal (if elected to the U.S. Senate) is to expand the low-income tax credit and build more affordable housing.
Porter rated it a 5 out of 10, stressing the need to address wealth inequality. Garvey was more critical, giving it a 5 at most, citing that 88 percent of Californians feel financially strained. Lee rated the economy a 6 out of 10 and stressed that many Californians are living paycheck to paycheck
Foreign Affairs, Abortion, Health Care, Immigration, Earmarks
The debate showcased a range of perspectives on key issues facing Californians and the nation, including foreign affairs, abortion, health care, immigration, and congressional earmarks. Schiff distinguished himself as a pragmatist with thoughtful responses tied to specific actions he can take if elected as California’s next U.S. senator.
The California Credit Union League was proud to host a fundraiser for Schiff in December (read more here). His commitment to financial wellbeing for all will drive the credit union movement forward.
If you are interested in learning more about his campaign, please visit here.
