Why I'm Running for Congress

Thank you so much for being on FM, its great to meet you!

I wanted to ask you how being younger than most of the (much) older representatives helps you view issues in a unique way

Emanuel-

Your campaign sounds really exciting. I wish you the best.

My question is- what advice would you give younger potential candidates who are considering jumping into electoral politics? Do you feel you've framed your relative youth into an asset on the campaign trail? Do you think you've made it irrelevant? How would you suggest younger candidates frame the issue?

Thanks,
James

Emanuel,

Thanks so much for taking time to answer our questions. I'm wondering a couple things about your campaign. As someone who worked for the Obama campaign, what lessons do you take about engaging young voters and how is that going to shape your campaign?

I, too, am not in your district. I would bet that young people around the country would be willing to make calls to other young voters in your district. I know I would be willing!!!

Often times, young candidates are attacked for lack of experience. What experiences have you had that have properly prepared you for Congress? I personally feel that being an every day citizen SHOULD qualify one for congress, but hey, that is just me! :)

Thanks for being available through FM!

Thanks for joining us on FM!

Unemployment and debt is making it difficult for young people to get ahead, especially those without any college education. What policies do you think will best help a generation that is more progressive, tolerant, and diverse than any that has come before it?

- kbm

In two weeks, 10,000 young climate and energy activists are going to descend on Washington for Power Shift, a conference on climate change and green issues, and a national day of lobbying.

What would you say to those students and young activists? What are your thoughts on the best way to produce green jobs and shift to a green energy economy?

I just want to commend you on your drive to stand up and take responsibility for your community. People are going to say things about your age, but the bottom line is that a large percentage of Americans are under the age of 50 (including our new President and First Lady), a large number still are under 45, and so too are those if us under 35. It is time that our governing bodies reflect the shift in the American demographic on every level. That is the true meaning of progress. How will your platform speak to that demographic? I am a young, professional, I work in public policy, but I know that some of what I hear from policymakers and others who have been in leadership positions is not reaching me, a well-qualified, and well-educated individual so I KNOW they aren't reaching the masses my age and younger. How will you encourage others in Washington, D.C. to really speak to this demographic?

Emanuel,

I was in your district just before Election Day and ate at a Chinese restaurant called ABC. This restaurant had place-mats that pushed for 'Yes on 8'. Older immigrant communities seem to be less tolerant about civil rights. How do you propose to persuade these communities that they should be more tolerant?

- kbm

Emanuel, I understand you worked for a while in the financial services industry. What exactly did you do there, and what did you learn? Are there lessons you hope to apply to your work in Congress?

Are you a vegetarian? If not, why? As a 26 year old running for a seat, you must be aware of the cruelty that takes place in slaughter houses. Chickens, cows, and pigs are torture for meat. The Latino population is one of the biggest meat eating groups. But forgetting about the rights of animals, let’s talk about health. In your campign you mention health issues. Eating meat is one of the major causes of heart problems and obesity. What do you plan on doing being that you are young and you are aware of the problem? Latinos are the highest population being obese. What do you propose to do about this?

A big issue in California in the past few months is Prop 8, the measure banning gay marriage. Young voters were the only age demographic to vote against the measure.

What's your position on this issue and what, as a member of congress, will you do for the LGBT community?

Immigration has fallen off as a major issue of late, but it affects people everyday...getting a job, driving a car, applying for student loans, etc. On your website, immigration is not listed as a top issue. Will you try to resurface this issue or do you think the economy and health care are bigger priorities?

- kbm

First, I would like to commend all of your hard work, dedication, and all that you have accomplished thus far; you are a true inspiration to our Latino youth. I wish you and your team the best of luck during the campaign.

Here are a couple of issues that I hope you can address:

1. Education. How do you propose to decrease high school drop-out rates in your district? How could you ensure that the students in your district have greater access to resources that will prepare them for college? In terms of the No Child Left Behind Act, what should be the federal government’s role in funding its mandates?

2. Housing. Due to rising costs and reduced government subsidies and incentives there is a dire shortage of decent affordable housing for low-income people. How do you plan to deal with this issue in your district? What would you do to assist the development of affordable housing for low-income households?

Again, I wish you best and I thank you for taking the time to address some of these issues.