In the last days before the election, Republican, Democratic and undecided constituents are showing up to support and learn about their respective candidates.
Republican support
A group of 35 individuals waved signs on the corner of Valencia Boulevard and Bouquet Canyon Road on Friday afternoon to urge voters to select Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, and Assemblyman Dante Acosta, R-Santa Clarita, for re-election.
Knight and Acosta were not present, but their supporters were nevertheless enthusiastic, waving signs encouraging others to support the candidates.
The members of the 38th Assembly District Republican Party Central Committee had been phone-banking all month, but now they wanted to come out on the street to show their support, said treasurer Carlo Basail.
“This is one of the many things we do every election, and part of it is we are tired of just making phone calls,” he said. “It energizes our base. People drive by quietly if they disagree or honk if they agree. This is all work, work, work, work.”
Diana Smith, who was waving a Knight sign, said Knight was the kind of candidate she supported.
“Steve’s proven he’s who we are looking for,” she said. “He is for all people regardless of party. He has proven his past history of being for the people. Being a veteran, all veterans are here to protect all Americans. I’m a Marine mom, so I would know.”
City Council candidate Jason Gibbs and Saugus Union School District board candidate Jesus Henao were also present to promote their local campaigns.
Katie Hill
Katie Hill, Knight’s challenger in the 25th Congressional District race, hosted a town hall at the Bridgeport Clubhouse on Oct. 28.
Hill was read questions submitted by residents before answering questions covering the topics of health care, use of the military, and how she would stabilize the middle class in California.
She said the G.I. bill needed to be reinstated on a larger scale, a solution was needed for temporary protected status for illegal immigration and legislation to invest in cybersecurity needed to be introduced.
As the town hall closed, audience member Jon Stone said after hearing from her at the town hall, he felt pleased with Hill’s answers. An independent, he has yet to make his final decision on the ballot. He submitted a question asking if she would abolish party affiliation.
“Somebody needs to bring it up,” he said. “Somebody needs to start that conversation because I bet you — and she’s right, it will be a huge uphill battle because the parties and money are so entrenched in the status quo. And that’s exactly what we need to break apart.”
