Ten candidates running for California’s 30th Congressional District faced a common quandary when they took to the debate stage in Mid-Wilshire last weekend — how to stand out in a field of largely like-minded, highly qualified competitors.
The candidates with experience in elected office sought to make an impression by touting their unique political achievements, while the newcomers pitched their brand of fresh leadership. Mastering the art of standing out will be essential to clinching the coveted seat, which represents a wealthy base of staunchly Democratic voters and some of the most powerful players in the entertainment industry.
The Feb. 10 debate was hosted by the nonprofit Ebell of Los Angeles and included ten of the 15 candidates running to represent Hollywood, West Hollywood, Hancock Park, Burbank, Glendale, Sunland and Tujunga in Washington, D.C. It touched on hot-button issues dominating the race including immigration, housing, homelessness and the environment.
So, how did each of the candidates try to make a name for themselves?
State Senator Anthony Portantino and state Assemblymember Laura Friedman — who both hold seats in Sacramento — emphasized their record of working across partisan lines to get bills passed.
“You don’t get things done by using the word ‘I’, you get things done by working collaboratively,” said Portantino. “That’s been the hallmark of my career.”
LAUSD Boardmember Nick Melvoin also pitched himself as the candidate most likely to work across lines of difference and bring diverse coalitions together to accomplish goals.
Friedman, one of three women on the stage, pointed to her gender as a unique selling factor. While the number of women serving in the House of Representatives is at a historic high, they still make up just 29% of congress members.
“If elected, I would be the first woman to ever hold this seat,” she said. “At a time when abortion rights are on the table, it’s time that we have…
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