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Van Tran wins Republican Nomination, will face Loretta Sanchez in November

Van Tran challenges Sanchez’s lack of leadership and ineffectiveness in Congress

Garden Grove – Van Tran, California State Assemblyman and candidate for Congress in California’s 47th Congressional District celebrated a resounding Republican Primary Victory tonight over Katherine Smith and Tan Nguyen.

“I’d like to first thank my family, my friends and all my wonderful supporters across the district for their hard work and encouragement during the last year,” said Van Tran. “The hard work has just begun and I am honored by your support and your vote.

“Tonight I make a pledge: That I will work for the people of Orange County, not only in the campaign the next 5 months, but when I go to Congress. I will always represent the values and interests of Orange County and, unlike Loretta Sanchez, will never become a tool for Washington special interests and lobbyists. ”

“The people of California deserve to be proud of their member of Congress, and right now they are not,” said Van Tran. “Loretta Sanchez has done little for Orange County in her 14 years in Washington. In fact, Loretta Sanchez’s singular legislative achievement in 14 years in Washington is one bill, HR 1366, that renamed a post office in Santa Ana. For her 1 bill she was paid nearly $2.4 million over her 14 years as our member of Congress. Her ineffectiveness is embarrassing and offensive; the people of Orange County deserve better.”

“There are clear distinctions between Loretta Sanchez and I,” said Van Tran. “She supports Cap and Trade, I oppose it because it will increase utility rates on our families; she supports increased spending and debt, I oppose it; She supports bringing terrorists to our U.S. prisons and I oppose bringing our enemies to our cities. Over the next 5 months I look forward to debating Loretta Sanchez on her record in Congress and the issues important to the people of Orange County.”

Van Tran is a California State Assemblyman in the 68th District in Orange County. Van and his wife, Cyndi, have two children, Sophie and Alex. To learn more about Van Tran’s campaign please visit www.joinvantran.com.

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Quang Pham Endorses Van Tran for the 47th Congressional District Seat

Santa Ana – Today, Assemblyman Van Tran is proud to announce receiving an endorsement from Quang Pham, a former opponent in the Republican primary for the race for the 47th Congressional District seat held by Loretta Sanchez.

“I am honored and humbled to receive Quang Pham’s endorsement for my race against Loretta Sanchez,” said Assemblyman Van Tran. “As a long-time friend and Republican team player, Quang’s endorsement shows that collectively, we are committed to defeat Loretta Sanchez. He understands the opportunity we have this year. I cannot understate how important it is for us to come together at this time, and I am really looking forward to working with Quang as we focus on taking back the 47th District.”

Quang Pham is a successful business owner, decorated Marine veteran, and author of “A Sense of Duty: Our Journey from Vietnam to America.” Pham, like Tran, escaped from Vietnam as Saigon fell. Pham and his family came to the United States when he was a child. After graduating from UCLA, Pham joined the Marine Corp, serving as helicopter pilot in both the Persian Gulf and Somalia. Pham returned home and is now founder and CEO of a pharmaceutical data and marketing services company. He has received numerous civic, business and military awards, and was a strong candidate for Congress. Local and national leaders praised Pham for his decision to withdraw from the race in March.

“I am happy to support Van Tran in his race for Congress,” said Quang Pham. “Van’s focus on creating jobs and balancing the federal budget is exactly what we need in Congress. Van has been an historic leader in the local Vietnamese community, working for over twenty years to register voters, educate them about the importance of voting and making sure their voices are heard. I wish him well.”

It is clear that Loretta Sanchez is feeling vulnerable this year. At last month’s Democratic Party convention in California, Nancy Pelosi called for all Democrats to help Loretta this election cycle. In the past decade, the voters from the 47th Congressional District voted for both George W. Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger twice, as well in favor of Proposition 8 in 2008.

With Quang’s endorsement and having raised well over $600,000 Tran’s campaign is building great momentum to face Loretta Sanchez. In addition to Pham, Assemblyman Tran has been endorsed by Senator John McCain, all five Republican Congressmen representing Orange County, the California Republican Assembly and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association.

Van Tran has a proven record of voting against government waste and overspending. During his tenure as a State Legislator, Tran authored a bill to cut spending on wasteful boards and commissions and has twice donated his unrequested pay raises to charities in his district. He has voted against all of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s overspending budgets. For his commitment to creating jobs, Tran was awarded perfect scores by the National Federation of Independent Business and the California Small Business Association.

The primary election will take place on June 8, 2010 and Assembly Van Tran currently leads all Republican candidates with fundraising and support from community and elected leaders.

Orange County Register: Van Tran and Gov. Pataki Hold Rally To Repeal Obamacare Mandate

FOUNTAIN VALLEY – A former New York governor stopped in Orange County on Tuesday as part of his 50-state tour to collect 1 million signatures in favor of overturning health care reform legislation.

George Pataki, who held office from 1995 to 2006, (along with Congressional candidate and Assemblyman, Van Tran) collected 54 signatures in a Fountain Valley shopping center parking lot but encouraged the small gathering to take petitions home with them. He hopes a grassroots mobilization will persuade Congress to “repeal and replace” the sweeping legislation passed in March. So far, Pataki said, more than 80,000 signatures have been collected at rallies and revereamerica.org.

“We are not going to let Obamacare stand,” Pataki said. “We need your help.”

Pataki recently started Revere America, which plays off Paul Revere’s warning that the British were coming. More than 230 years later, Pataki said, Americans need to heed the warning that their freedom is in danger. He supports limiting medical malpractice suits and stimulating competition by allowing consumers to buy insurance across state lines.

Terri Bohannan of Fountain Valley had just finished shopping at Albertson’s when she saw a stage and large repeal sign. She drove home so her ice cream wouldn’t melt and returned to sign the petition.

“I’m fired up about this,” said Bohannan, 55, who is insured through her husband’s employer. “I have no one to talk to except screaming at the TV. I feel like everything the government takes away from us; the government fails at.”

A nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation poll conducted last month found that more than half of Americans are confused about the law and don’t know how they will be personally affected. But when asked about 11 provisions of the law taking effect this year, including allowing adult children to remain on their parents’ insurance until age 26, a majority of respondents were supportive.

In 2014, all Americans will be required to carry health insurance and health plans will no longer be allowed to reject anyone based on pre-existing conditions. Government subsidies will be available to those who can’t afford premiums.

James Sivils, 55, said he plans to defy the requirement for coverage. He is unemployed but said he has declined employer-based coverage at previous jobs.

“I pay for my food. I pay for my rent,” said Sivils, who lives in Long Beach. “I certainly don’t like any kind of bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., telling me I have to do this.”

Linda Pasarilla of Placentia said she has attended Tea Party events and wanted to meet like-minded residents.

“I will certainly encourage my friends to sign the petition,” said Pasarilla, 55.

For the OC Register article, click here.

OC Register: Van Tran Has Raised More Money Than Primary Opponents

Orange County Register: “Tran’s Fundraising Has Dwarfed His Remaining Primary Opponents Through The First Quarter of 2010.”Termed-out state Assemblyman Van Tran was recruited by the Republican Party to take on seven-term incumbent Rep. Loretta Sanchez in the 47th Congressional District…

…At the beginning of the election season, Tran was facing a more formidable opponent – Mission Viejo businessman Quang Pham. Pham had raised $83,753 and put in $212,500 of his own money into his primary bid. But citing personal business concerns, he dropped out of the primary just before the March filing deadline.

Tran’s fundraising has dwarfed his remaining primary opponents through the first quarter of 2010….”

For the complete article CLICK HERE.

Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association PAC Endorses Van Tran

Contact: Rory Luepton
(760) 500-9930

Santa Ana – Today, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC – California’s oldest and largest taxpayer group – endorsed Assemblyman Van Tran in his run to unseat Loretta Sanchez from the 47th Congressional District.

“Van Tran is an aggressive tax fighter. He has a consistent record of voting to cut government waste and higher taxes in Sacramento,” said HowardJarvis Taxpayer’s Association President Jon Coupal. “He is just the person we need in Washington to bring jobs back to our state and continue the fight for taxpayers.”

“Van Tran will also work to protect Proposition 13 taxpayer protections,” added Coupal. “He is the right choice for the 47th Congressional seat.”

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC joins a growing list of Van Tran supporters, including Senator John McCain and all five Republican Congressmen from Orange County.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of California’s most tireless taxpayer advocates, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association,” said Tran. “I look forward to fighting with them to protect hard working citizens from the burden created by too much regulation and not enough discipline.”

In 1978, Howard Jarvis led the campaign for Proposition 13, the single-most important taxpayer protection ever passed in California. The HJTA was formed in 1978 to protect Proposition 13 and to fight against higher taxes.

Orange County Republican Congressional Delegation Unites Around Van Tran

Contact: Rory Luepton
(760) 500-9930

Santa Ana – Today, Assemblyman Van Tran announced the endorsements of all five Republican Congressmen who represent portions of Orange County.

“Assemblyman Van Tran is the ideal candidate for the 47th Congressional district. We have waited 13 years to field a candidate as strong as Van,” said Representative Ed Royce. “I have known Van since he was a student at UC Irvine. I can tell you there isn’t a harder working, more dedicated leader in central Orange County than Van. He knows the 47th district better than anyone, and is the best candidate to take on Loretta Sanchez. He has our full endorsement and support.”

“We are all united in our support for Van Tran. Van has been fighting for small businesses and jobs in Sacramento. In Washington, he will be a leader to get our economy back on track,” said Congressman Ken Calvert. “Van understands the obstacles the people of the 47th district face and he is ready to cut the red tape off the backs of hard working Americans.”

“Assemblyman Van Tran encompasses everything that is possible in out great nation,” said Representative Gary Miller. “A true conservative, ready to stand up to big government Democrats and a fighter for individual rights, Van has the ability and wherewithal to help defeat the ultraliberal policies swirling around Washington.”

“I wholeheartedly support Assemblyman Van Tran’s bid for Congress. He is a true conservative leader and, in my opinion, the only candidate with the experience and strong moral compass to defend the American Dream,” Miller added.

“Van’s got the ideas and experience and integrity. I can’t think of a better person to represent Orange County in the U.S. Congress,” said Representative Dana Rohrabacher.

Representative John Campbell added, “Van is a fighter. And with whats going on today in Congress, we need fighters.”

These endorsments come as Tran’s campaign has been picking up momentum leading to June’s primary. Tran’s campaign recently launched a district-wide announcement tour, hosting events in Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana on President’s Day. The campaign is now organizing weekly neighborhood walks to talk directly with voters throughout the 47th district.

Assemblyman Van Tran has also received support from Senator John McCain, House Minority Leader Eric Cantor (VA), Chief Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA), Congressman David Drier (CA) and Congressman Joseph Cao (LA).

Sanchez cast her vote in favor of the controversial health care bill

Contact: Rory Luepton
(760) 500-9930

(Santa Ana) – Today, Loretta Sanchez (D-47) cast her vote in favor of the controversial health care bill. After many months of debate, backroom negotiations and sweetheart deals, Democratic Representatives were able to force the bill through the House on a strictly partisan vote.

The health care bill was passed by the House on a count of 219 votes in favor to 212 votes opposed. The bill is expected to be signed into law either tomorrow or Tuesday by President Obama. Sanchez was a vocal supporter of the version of the health care bill the House passed in December.

Loretta Sanchez voted to pass a bill that is deeply unpopular around the country and in the district she represents. Polls have consistently shown that majority of Americans disapprove of the current legislation. Polls also show that majority of the American people disapprove of the process the Democratic leaders of Congress and President Obama have taken to gain enough votes necessary to pass the bill.

With sweetheart deals like the ‘Cornhusker Kickback,’ ‘Louisiana Purchase,’ ‘Gator-Aid,’ it is hard for the American people to believe this bill will have their best interests in mind.

“I agree that our health care system needs reform. But what we do not need is a series of bribes and deals to pass more legislation that continues to spend,” said Assemblyman Van Tran, candidate for the 47th Congressional district seat. “Coming from Sacramento, I know what overspending can do. I know the effect it has on our citizens. I know that spending more is not the way to get our economy back on track. Unfortunately, Washington has not been paying attention. I am running for Congress to put creating jobs and fixing the economy first.”

Assemblyman Van Tran is opposed to the health care legislation that was passed. Assemblyman Tran feels the American people should retain the right to make decisions for what is best for them, without any penalties from the government.

“Many of our small businesses are closing their doors, yet Loretta Sanchez and her Democratic colleagues have passed a bill that increases the burden on the backs of hard-working Americans. The American dream is about choosing your own future. Today, thanks to Representative Sanchez and her Democratic colleagues, the American Dream is a bit more difficult to grasp.”

Loretta Sanchez Blames Snow for Lack of Job Creation, Claims Temporary Government Jobs Are the Answer

New unemployment numbers released on Friday confirmed that Loretta Sanchez’s plan to spend hundreds of billions we do not have is not stimulating the economy. Rather than note the obvious, Sanchez instead blamed it on the record snow that happened during the survey.

“The purpose of the monthly hearing is to discern and analyze trends. Going into this one, though, record levels of snow and rain make February’s headline a foregone conclusion. ‘The numbers are going to be bad,’ warns Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., ‘because as the survey was being done, businesses were shut down.” (Capitol News Connection, March 5, 2010).

More troubling though might have been Sanchez’s lack of understanding of how badly Californians are hurting for jobs. The most recent data available shows the state’s unemployment rate at 12.3%, the fifth highest in the country. The total number of unemployed individuals in California was 2,266,000, which doesn’t include people who have stopped looking for work. Sanchez thinks more big government is the solution.

“We also know that this coming month, we’ll have about 40k jobs that the census will provide,” said Sanchez.

The Census Bureau expects that most of its employees will be out of their jobs after six weeks of employment, having worked only 19 hours each week.

“Real economic growth is not dependent on the weather or part-time jobs from a once-a-decade census count,” said Van Tran, who is running for Congress on a job creation platform. “We need to reduce the taxation and regulations that are holding back our small business and entrepreneurs. Loretta Sanchez is out of ideas and out of touch.”

Democrats’ Obama bounce in California disappearing

By: The Associated Press | 28 Feb 2010

CERES, Calif. - Kent Hancock can’t remember tougher economic times in the two decades he’s sold used cars in California’s Central Valley …

Hancock’s frustration is evident throughout the nation’s most populous state. Just a year ago, the Democratic Party looked at California as a base for adding to its majorities in Congress. Now, it could be a the place where it loses them.

Even Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, widely viewed just six weeks ago as a shoo-in for re-election to a fourth term, now faces the toughest race in her 28 years representing California in Congress.

That was before Republican Scott Brown’s upset last month in Massachusetts took from Democrats the seat held for nearly five decades by Edward M. Kennedy, who died last year. Kennedy, like Boxer, was one of the Senate’s most stalwart liberals.

“Every state is now in play,” Boxer warned fellow Democrats after Brown’s victory …

Republicans, meanwhile, have expanded their takeover list.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who’s recruiting Republicans to challenge incumbent California Democrats, said he has no worries that the GOP will lose any of the House seats it now holds in the state. Democrats, he said, will have to focus on keeping seats in perennially competitive districts in other states …

McCarthy named four California House Democrats on the GOP’s target list: Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton, who represents a district in which Republicans are a majority; Loretta Sanchez of Garden Grove, who faces a Republican challenger seeking to motivate the district’s growing Vietnamese population; and Jim Costa of Fresno and Dennis Cardoza of Atwater, who represent agriculture-dependent districts decimated by high unemployment …

Sanchez’s district is in a part of Orange County that leans Democratic but voted for former President George W. Bush in 2004 and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. It has a large Vietnamese-American population. “They come out and vote in large numbers, and they’re 2-to-1 Republican,” says her opponent, state Assemblyman Van Tran …

“Things aren’t going well. Regardless of whether it’s a Democrat or Republican, they better be worried because they are doing their jobs and failing,” Avilla said.

For complete article click here.

Assemblyman Tran Responds to Stimulus Bill Anniversary

Contact: Rory Luepton (760) 500-9930

(Santa Ana) – On the one year anniversary of President Obama’s coveted stimulus bill, it seems as if more questions remain than jobs. Assemblyman Van Tran, candidate for the 47th Congressional district seat held by Loretta Sanchez, agrees with President Obama’s assertion that we must work to keep Americans employed, but does not agree with the President’s solution of excessive regulation and over taxation.

When the President passed the stimulus bill he said unemployment would not pass 8%. Today, unemployment in California stands at 12.4% – that’s 17% worse than when the stimulus passed. Since spending nearly $800 billion of taxpayer’s dollars on the stimulus bill, the economy has gotten worse, not better.

“I agree with President Obama’s point that we must do something to help our economy get back on track, and get people back to work. That being said, I don’t think spending more and taxing more helps the job market, as evidence suggests.” said Assemblyman Tran. “What we need to do, and I think the President missed this point, is to reduce the red tape and regulations small businesses are facing today. Small business owners are having to compensate for the government’s failures by laying people off and reducing their pay. These things should not be happening. I am running to ensure that this will be history, and not a recurring theme.”