Photo by Dexter Bercero

Horn wins close victory

Putting an end to one of the most hotly contested congressional races this year, Congressman Stephen Horn (R- Long Beach) emerged victorious from the 38th Congressional District race that many observers considered too close to call just days before the election.

"It beats losing," Horn said. He added that even if the outcome had differed he would have been happy because he would have returned to teaching. Horn is a tenured professor in political science.

Republicans needed to hold on to this key seat to maintain control of the House. They clearly did; Horn received 52.7 percent of the votes, beating out Democratic challenger Rick Zbur, who received 42.7 percent. Two other candidates received a combined vote of less than five percent. Horn credited his win to the strong campaign he ran against his challengers.

"My victory is a good example for clean politics, not dirty politics," Horn said. "The day I have to run a dirty campaign, I'll resign."

"I appreciate (my consitituents') faith in me," Horn continued. "They are an adult-intelligent thinking group that have never disappointed me."

Horn pledged to his constituents he would work hard for his district which includes Bellflower, Downey, Lakewood, Long Beach, Paramount, San Pedro and Signal Hill. His office pointed out the $20.2 million for earthquake damage prevention construction projects at the Long Beach Veterans' Affairs Medical Center recently authorized by Congress as Horn's commitment to help his district.

Horn, a past Cal State Long Beach president, said his priority is to help students in their educational goals. He said student loans received the highest funding under the last Congress.

"This is invaluable to students in a public university," Horn said. He added that any attempt to demolish the Department of Education, as Bob Dole had proposed, would not get past him. "I take education very seriously," he added.

The other issues that Horn plans to tackle in his new term in office is reforming campaign financing. He said the time has come to revise limits on campaign contributions and spending.

He plans to suggest an independent commission to look into campaign reform and then implement the commission's suggestions without any amendment. This would be a similar process to the one undertaken to recommend military base closings last year.

"We've got to move while the iron is hot," he said.

Horn also wants to preserve parks and forests, continue the Los Angeles River Flood Control Project, bring more jobs to his district and help create a new national tax proposal that "would put more money in people's pockets," he said.

Horn added that cutting Medicare and trimming down the federal government are other top concerns.

Horn urged students not to give up on the democratic process. "Your vote does matter," the Congressman said. Horn added that he would return to CSULB for speaking engagements any time he is asked. Horn returns to Washington in mid-November for a leadership meeting and again in January to retake his oath of office.