Local Democrats use Labor Day to garner support

Posted: Sep 6, 2010 4:50 PM by Courtney Meznarich
Updated: Sep 6, 2010 8:47 PM

The Labor Day holiday is taking on a more serious tone for many this year, and politicians are taking full advantage.

Here on the Central Coast, local politicians turned out to kick off their campaigns ahead of the November midterm elections. Their main focus this Labor Day-- creating jobs so people actually have something to celebrate. But to get to a place where politicians can help create jobs, they first need to be elected, and experts say Democrats are heading into a tough election year.

"Do we want to give the car keys back to the folks that drove us into the ditch? No. We know what the choices are," said Rep. Lois Capps, (D) 23rd District, kicking off a Democratic Labor Day picnic in San Luis Obispo Monday. Those choices themed the picnic this year, and Congresswoman Capps hopes voters choose her and her party this November. "We're offering choices and plans," she said. "We don't hear anything from the other side. They're very good at saying no. I have seen that in all the years I've been in congress now."

However experts predict a losing year for Democrats. With President Obama's low approval rating, the GOP could take control. But if Democrats are any less confident this year, they aren't showing it.

"Here on the Central Coast we're building a strong Democratic party and going to turn out a strong vote in November," said Kory Black, 33rd Assembly District Democratic Committee chair.

Capps hopes her party's success with healthcare and financial reform, and now local stimulus projects like the Santa Maria Levee and Los Osos sewer funding, will steer people in the right direction.

"I am with progress," said Capps. "And even though it's much slower than I'm content to have, we are moving in the right direction we need to be going."

Local 33rd Assembly District candidate Hilda Zacarias agrees. "It took us time to get here. It's going to take us time to get back."

Democrats we spoke with say they are ready for whatever November brings.

"Democrats historically take care of people, and I think that's what people need and want right now."