Spirited supporters, former Congressman Join Mai Vang in CA-07 Campaign Office Opening
"The only way to beat money is to have organized people," Vang said to her supporters
A former U.S. Congressman, a current Congressional candidate, along with a throng of supporters and campaign volunteers, gathered in Sacramento this morning to formally open Mai Vang's campaign office. A Democratic Sacramento City Councilmember, Ms. Vang, is challenging longtime Congresswoman Doris Matsui for California's 7th Congressional District.
Joining the event were former Congressman Jamaal Bowman and New York District 17 Congressional Democratic Primary candidate Effie Phillips-Staley. The Democratic nominee in that race is expected to run against incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Lawler, a race Cook Political Report rates as a toss-up.
During her presentation, Vang reiterated some of the main points that she has emphasized since joining the race last September. Among them was the fact that her campaign was not beholden to corporate interests, unlike her Democratic opponent, Matsui.
"The only way to beat money is to have organized people," Vang said to her supporters.
Interestingly, one piece of campaign media Vang had available was a sticker that reads "Not a Paid Canvasser." Long-term members of Congress, regardless of party, rarely face a legitimate challenge, and when they do, they usually turn to paid canvassers to help their campaign.
Should Vang and Matsui both advance to the November general election, that campaign sticker could sum up the race - Vang's spirited volunteers versus Matsui's money and establishment Democratic influence.
Listen to comments from Mr. Bowman in the audio clip below. See the video from this morning's campaign rally below.
