Voters in the 49th congressional district, which spans parts of Orange County and San Diego County, have before them two candidates trying to appeal to the middle.
Democratic Rep. Mike Levin has done considerable work on behalf of veterans and figuring out what to do about the waste at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. This editorial board applauds his work on immigration policy. Levin rightly understands that the nation needs both border security and a more modernized immigration system so people can legally come to the United States.
However, this editorial board has long disagreed with his progressive worldview. He voted for the American Rescue Plan Act, which helped aggravate the inflation crisis. He voted for the corporate welfare bill known as the CHIPS Act. He voted for the PRO Act, which would put the thumb of the federal government on the scale in favor of Big Labor.
Accordingly, we take seriously the candidacy of local businessman Matt Gunderson. Socially moderate, fiscally conservative, Gunderson understands the need for fiscal responsibility. “Reducing the national debt is straightforward: stop wasting taxpayer dollars on pet projects and pork-barrel spending that only benefit a select few instead of the broader American population,” he argues.
He also understands the power of the free market, “A free economy thrives when businesses are allowed to operate without government-imposed tariffs and trade regulations that stifle innovation and growth. Government intervention in price control and business trade only slows down progress and adds unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.”
Levin’s campaign has largely tried to attack Gunderson for being insufficiently pro-choice on abortion. Gunderson has made clear he opposes a national abortion ban and has described himself as pro-choice (saying he thinks abortion should be “safe, legal and rare”).
Overall, we think Gunderson’s sensibilities will serve the district well and help moderate, in small part, the GOP. He has our endorsement.
Leave a Reply