Campaign photo Kevin Feldman Â
Campaign photo Henry Waxman
By Crystal Betz
Daily Bruin Contributor
Though November is still far away, the election season has begun
for UCLA alumnus Kevin Feldman, who looks to be up against some
pretty tall odds.
With the March 5 primary elections fast approaching, the
Democratic runoff for the U.S. congressional district includes
Feldman, a young entrepreneur, and another former Bruin, Henry
Waxman, a 28-year incumbent.
Representing Republicans in the primary is writer and bartender
Tony D. Goss. But since the 30th District has historically rewarded
democratic candidates ““ usually with more than 60 percent of
the vote ““ it is most likely that one of the former Bruins
will win the house seat in early November.
Though they have different objectives and goals, both Feldman
and Waxman are hoping to lead California’s 30th District.
Waxman holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from
UCLA and a J.D. from UCLA Law School.
Currently the ranking member of the House Government Reform
Committee, Waxman has been a leader on health and environment
issues since before Woodstock, in 1969, when Feldman, 33, was one
year old.
In Congress, Waxman has sponsored a long list of health and
environment bills that have been enacted into law, including the
Ryan White CARE Act, Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, and the
1990 Clean Air Act.
“He takes a particular interest in local
conditions,” said Phil Schiliro, chief of staff for Henry
Waxman. “He is very active in issues that effect his
congressional district.”
Waxman is endorsed by the California Federation of Teachers, the
Sierra Club, and NARAL, which is a pro-choice group.
“Mr. Waxman … has always had the best interest of
students and teachers at heart, from K-12 through the
University,” said Fred Glass, communication director for the
CFT.
If re-elected, Waxman would like to pass legislation to ensure
quality health care for all Americans, affordable prescription
drugs for senior citizens, and protection from abuse for the
elderly in nursing homes.
Waxman won the 2000 election with 78 percent of the vote and was
not even challenged by a fellow Democrat in the primary.
Though Waxman has been the area’s congressman for more
than a quarter of a century and last year’s vote wasn’t
close, the representative’s march back to Washington
won’t be easy if Feldman has anything to say about it.
“Waxman and I have very different views,” Feldman
said. “The issues that I am talking about right now is what
people I have gone out and talked to want.”
Feldman received his Bachelor’s degree in linguistics and
computer science from UCLA in 1993, graduating magna cum laude. He
further earned a Master of Public Administration degree in June
2000 from Harvard University.
A fourth generation Angeleno, Feldman’s drive to run for
Congress stems from his experience of working in the private
sector, maintaining an active role in the Democratic party and
contributing to various local community service organizations, such
as CARE, Project 10, the Human Rights Campaign, and LYRIC ““
Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center.
Feldman’s grassroot campaign has led him to venture
door-to-door to the homes of citizens from the 30th District, while
also speaking to the Chamber of Commerce and various Democratic
groups to gain support for his campaign.
A former vice president for the Charles Schwab Corporation,
Feldman said his campaign primarily focuses on local issues,
including a return to regional economic stability post-Sept. 11,
promoting safe public schools, extending the L.A. rail system to
where more people live and work, and working to ensure affordable
prescription drugs.
“I really believe in innovation and
experimentation,” Feldman said.
If elected, he said, he will bring a different style of
leadership to congress ““ one focused more on action and
results and less on political rhetoric.
What Feldman believes sets him apart from opponent Waxman is his
extensive business training.
“Business-trained professionals approach problems
differently than professional politicians; we know how to size up
problems and evaluate solutions quickly in order to get
results,” Feldman said.