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United States Representative, District 9

In the 10 years Barbara Lee has served as California's ninth Congressional District representative, the ninth probably couldn't have asked for a better voice in the House of Representatives. With accumulated experience from working on the Hill and receptiveness to constituent concerns, supporting Lee for another term in Congress is almost a no-brainer.

The city of Berkeley is known for its progressiveness, and Lee undoubtedly embodies that line of thought. For example, her Darfur divestment bill was recently signed into law, and she's been a long-time advocate of stopping the genocide.

But that isn't to say Lee is simply fueled by symbolic liberal ideals. Rather, she has a sense of pragmatism and demonstrates she can get things done in Washington D.C. By sitting on the House Appropriations Committee, which controls the power of the purse, Lee was able to fight on behalf of labor, education and health services.

It's also clear that Lee isn't afraid to express the opinions of her district despite risks of political backlash. Lee is perhaps best known for her single dissenting vote among all other members of Congress who authorized the use of force after the 9/11 attacks.

Continue to ensure the ninth district's strong stance and sway in Congress. Reelect Barbara Lee for U.S. Representative.

California State Senator, District 9

From serving as the first woman mayor of Berkeley to heading the Western Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Education to currently representing California's 14th Assembly District, Loni Hancock touts an impressive record of public service. And if her effectiveness in those positions is any indication of how she plans to operate in the State Senate, the ninth district can rest easy knowing the seat will be filled by a well-qualified candidate. But note that she is a product of the Berkeley political machine.

Hancock's dedication to supporting the right causes reinstates faith in the government. In the past, she persistently pushed for campaign finance reforms, promoting the importance of running elections on "clean money." Hancock is also aware of major worries on citizens' minds today. With the looming climate crisis, Hancock has a strong grasp on the necessity of going green, authoring numerous pieces of legislation to protect the environment. In light of the economic downturn, Hancock has continued to support working families, proposing laws to expand career technical education and tackle healthcare issues.

Feel reassured with someone who knows the ins and outs of California politics. Vote for Loni Hancock for State Senate.

California State Assembly Member, District 14

While Nancy Skinner is the shoo-in candidate for this spot (after all, she is running unopposed), voters should keep a few points in mind while checking Skinner's name on the ballot.

Like Loni Hancock, who currently occupies the seat that she hopes to succeed, Skinner has close ties with this city. She was the first UC Berkeley student elected to the city council in 1984.

While the Berkeley community can rely on Skinner to respond to its needs, other concerns in the district have been forced to cower in its shadow. A successful 14th District representative must be able to grapple with more pressing issues in surrounding areas, namely the prevalence of crime in Richmond. Otherwise, problems stemming from at-risk youth go unaddressed, and a spillover of violence into Berkeley is not surprising.

Certainly, Skinner understands the general issues. Based on her experience on the East Bay Regional Parks Board, she can be counted on to preserve the environment. Education is also a priority, as she's campaigned to reduce class sizes.

But encourage an inclusive approach to representing the 14th District. Vote for Nancy Skinner for State Assembly.

Tags: ELECTIONS 2008 COMMENTARY, DAILY CAL ENDORSEMENTS