Nestande Touts Endorsements for His Run to Unseat Ruiz in Congress

Campaign staff for State Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, on Friday touted endorsements from other California Republicans for Nestande's quest to unseat Congressman Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert, in the 36th District.

Here's the full statement from Nestande's campaign:

Momentum continues to build for Brian Nestande’s race for Congress against liberal Raul Ruiz with the announcement of endorsements from some of the most influential and effective members of Congress.

An overwhelming majority of the California Republican delegation joins Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Majority Whip and #3 ranking Republican in Congress and Congressman Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee in endorsing Brian Nestande for Congress.

“Brian will stand with me in Congress in our fight to protect the taxpayers and relieve the stranglehold that the Federal government has placed on small business owners who provide the jobs we need for our families.

It is critical that we return this Congressional District to Republicans because Democrats need to win a majority in Congress to further the Obama agenda, and we cannot let that happen.” – Rep. Kevin McCarthy

“Brian is the type of partner I want in Washington working with me to fight the big-government waste.” – Rep. Darrell Issa

U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Whip, also served as Assembly Republican Leader and is currently the 3rd ranking member of the House Republican Leadership, who has led the fight against Obamacare.

U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee, has been a leader in learning what happened at the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, as well as the notorious “Fast & Furious” program, in which the U.S. government helped smuggle assault weapons to Mexican drug lords.

U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is one of the most important congressional leaders in shaping   U.S. foreign policy.  He continues to ask tough questions about Benghazi and Syria.

U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert is chairman of the California Republican Congressional Delegation and serves on the Budget Committee and the Appropriations Committee, with positions on subcommittees very important to Riverside County, including Defense, Interior and the Environment, and Energy and Water.

U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, is Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services and serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce

Also endorsing Brian Nestande for Congress…

U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham, a second-term member who won one of the toughest seats in California.  Rep. Denham on the House Transportation & Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

U.S. Rep. Paul Cook, a first-term member and decorated Vietnam War veteran.   Cook serves on the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, a Marine combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hunter serves on the House Armed Services, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Education & Workforce Committees

U.S. Rep. Gary Miller, is Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and serves on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes, serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

U.S. Rep. David Valadao, serves on the House Committee on Appropriations

“I am proud to count these leaders as my supporters,” said Nestande.  “No delegation in Congress has more clout than California’s and I look forward to joining them so we can work together to find common-sense solutions to the challenges facing Californians.  My agenda: Repeal Obamacare and replace it with real health care reform that will, let my constituents keep their doctors, cost our families less, not more, as Obamacare does; reforming taxes and regulations so small businesses can create new jobs and put folks to work; and balance the budget so that our kids and grandkids are not saddled with the burden of today’s out-of-control spending.  That’s why I’m running.”

Ruiz and his staff, asked for their response, designated campaign consultant Roy Behr, who said Friday afternoon in an email:

"It's not surprising that Brian Nestande is being supported by the Republican leaders who were responsible for shutting down the government last year. He has already vowed publicly that he would support their future efforts to create gridlock. But voters want elected officials who put the needs of the Coachella Valley ahead of partisan gridlock. That's why Brian Nestande is unsuited to represent this district."

Nestande currently represents the 42nd Assembly District, which includes Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Hemet, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Mentone, Morongo Valley, Oak Glen, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, San Jacinto, Twentynine Palms, Yucaipa and Yucca Valley.

Nestande announced his run for the 36th Congressional District in May 2013. Here's the Patch report:

Nestande Confirms Congressional Challenge in 36th District

For more info about the 42nd Assembly District visit http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/AD42.