How Obama's win is helping another strong African-American candidate in California

[Liberty Belle]

I'm campaign manager for Vickie Butcher, who is taking aim at Duncan Hunter's seat in San Diego's conservative East County. If anyone would like an interview, please let me know! -- Liberty Belle


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January 4, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OBAMA VICTORY IN IOWA SHOWS VOTERS IN CONSERVATIVE COMMUNITIES ARE READY FOR A CHANGE, SAYS 52ND CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE VICKIE BUTCHER

El Cajon – “Barack Obama’s victory in the Iowa primary proves that voters in conservative, rural communities like East County are ready to embrace change,” said Vickie Butcher, Democratic candidate for the 52nd Congressional District which includes East County as well as Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Bonita and Spring Valley.

An African-American whose heritage also includes Blackfoot Indian, Butcher views Obama’s victory as symbolic of Americans’ willingness to embrace strong candidates regardless of ethnic or racial backgrounds. “The strong showings by Barack Obama, Senator John Edwards and Hilary Clinton prove that what Americans want most is change. Candidates who offer hope for a better future--and who will fight to improve the direction of our country as well as the quality of people’s lives--will win the support and trust of voters,” she concluded.

Dan Ortiz, a San Diego political strategist, offered this report from Iowa. “The entrance polls in Iowa showed the number one reason is that the number one reason thing people wanted is change,” he said, adding that 96% of Iowa voters are white and that Democratic turnout was very high, with most independent voters caucusing with Democrats. “Four years ago, the number one issue was electability,” added Ortiz. “This time, it’s change.”

CNN in Iowa reports that Duncan Hunter, incumbent Congressman in the 52nd district, has confirmed he will retire from Congress and remain in the Presidential race despite placing last in the Iowa Republican caucus, where he obtained zero percent of the vote.

“It’s now official – this will be an open seat for the first time in 25 years,” said Butcher, who has held leadership positions at the local, state, national and international levels.

A poll of general election voters in the 52nd Congressional District has been conducted by Brilliant Corners, a company that has done polls for the Obama campaign. “The poll shows that I’m the most viable candidate to win this seat,” Butcher revealed. When shown biographical information, a majority of general and primary election voters polled chose Butcher as the candidate they would likely support.

The poll also asked general election voters which characteristics they would most want to see in a Congressional candidate. The most important trait, named by 39%, was “honest and truthful,” followed by “understands struggles of the middle class,” named by 28%.

“I’m endorsed by the chair of the House committee on Ethics, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones,” Butcher noted. “My integrity cannot be bought. I’ve devoted a lifetime to public service. Voters can trust me to stand up against powerful special interests. I will also fight to help the middle class and working families, who are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of everything is on the rise,” added Butcher, who grew up in a working class family in the grocery industry. “I also understand the needs of businesses, since I’ve owned small businesses and organized business and trade conferences.”

Of characteristics listed as most important among 52nd Congressional District general election voters, military experience was chosen by only 6% . Lack of preference in candidates with military backgrounds may reflect growing sentiment against the Iraq War, the pollster surmised.

The Iraq War was the number one concern listed by 60% of Democratic primary voters and 48% of general election voters in the 52nd Congressional district. Healthcare was the second highest concern, followed by the economy, terrorism, and immigration. “The best way to support our military men and women is to bring them home from the Iraq War, which even our top general now believe is fueling terrorism, not reducing it,” Butcher observed. “It’s time to turn control of Iraq over to the Iraqi people.”

Butcher’s husband, Dr. Richard O. Butcher, is a retired Naval officer. “Being from a military family, I understand the issues facing military families and veterans,” said Butcher. “It is important to voters to elect a balanced candidate with expertise in other areas as well, such as healthcare and education.”

A teacher with legal training, Butcher graduated law school after her fifth child was born. She and her husband, Dr. Richard Butcher, raised five children in East County. Vickie Butcher chaired the El Cajon Planning Commission, also serving on the California Water Quality Control Board and Grossmont Hospital Foundation Board. She taught at the California School for the Deaf and later taught civics and political science at Grossmont College and in the Grossmont High School District. She also ran for the El Cajon City Council, placing second among nine candidates and winning endorsement from the San Diego Union-Tribune. In addition, she has been a leader of civic organizations including Rotary and World Affairs Council.

Past President of the National Medical Association Auxiliary, she has served on FDA medical boards, winning an FDA award for her consumer service. Her husband has headed up national and local medical associations and has been team physician at Granite Hills High School for 35 years. Vickie Butcher received the 2007 NAACP Humanitarian Award for leading efforts to bring clean water and medicines to people in 15 nations as Executive Director and founder of Water for Children Africa, a nonprofit organization. She was named March of Dimes Mother of the Year and also won the Medaille d’Excellence for service on a United Nations peacemaking panel in Geneva.

“It’s time to end this divisive war and stop running our nation into the worst national debt in history,” Butcher concluded. “We must revitalize our economy, reduce the deficit and invest in helping people here at home, starting with access to affordable healthcare for all.” Butcher also supports strong measures to prevent wildfires and training in “green collar” jobs in sustainable energy production.

For more information, visit www.votevickiebutcher.com.

[aquart]

1. Take his seat. Then take his freedom.

That man needs to be in jail. For the good of his immortal soul.