What makes for a good Congressional candidate? This is one of the questions that we are challenged to answer when endorsing one.
Quite simply, a good candidate must first have more to offer than the candidate that he or she is running against. A good candidate preferably will have a set of unique characteristics which will add to the experience base needed in Washington to return us to a day when we can look with pride to those whom we have elected to office. A good candidate should be able to demonstrate that he or she is trustworthy and will act to strengthen our country, the state and the district that has elected them rather than feathering their own nest.
I have known Bob Hamilton for more than fifty years. And I endorse his Democratic candidacy for California’s 49th Congressional seat because I know that Bob Hamilton meets all of the criteria described above.
Much can be said about Bob’s background and how it prepares him to serve with distinction in the United States House of Representatives. His strength is to be found in the combination of a strong military background, a strong business background, a unique international experience, and a balanced approach to the issues we face as a nation today. Others can speak to his strengths and experience in the military and business communities. And these are indeed very important strengths which he would bring to Congress. But to me it is his international experience and balanced approach that make him a very unique candidate.
Bob and I grew up together in Havana, Cuba. We were privileged to share an experience and indeed an opportunity to absorb two languages, two cultures, and an understanding of the strengths and challenges of two countries at one time. This experience will prove to be of incalculable value when Bob sits in the US Congress and takes on one of the biggest challenges that our nation faces – that of devising an effective immigration policy at a time when few have the skills required to listen to all sides and to craft a policy that reflects all concerns fairly.
Chris BakerRuston AcademyClass of 1959
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