“Where is John Campbell? asked Debra, a thirty-something Mission Viejo soccer mom. “Why is he not here?”
That was the first question asked by the audience at the Fall Campaign Debate between Sukhee Kang and the noticeably absent John Campbell. The debate was held at the Norman P. Murray Center on September 27th. John Campbell chose not to attend the debate, instead he sent a political staffer named Luigi Penrose to answer constituents’ questions.
“John Campbell could not be here today because he is currently out in the district working on business.” answered Luigi.
“What kind of business? Where?” the lady proceeded, “Why wouldn’t he want to be here to engage voters?”
John Campbell was nowhere to be seen. The hour long debate proceeded without him.
“It’s my business to listen, learn and respond to constituents,” said Sukhee Kang to a crowd of about fifty engaged voters. “I’m happy to meet and talk to constituents and I’m happy to be here today.”
The debate was hosted and moderated by Bob Hayes as part of a non partisan lecture series on the Constitution. Previous lectures covered Articles I and II of the Constitution, the powers of the President and Congress. Both candidates were invited to the debate and were prompted to introduce themselves and explain why they are the best choice for Congress.
Sukhee Kang used the debate as an opportunity to present himself as a candidate capable of solving the problems that John Campbell created in Congress. Kang highlighted his record of balancing his city budget with a $20 million dollar surplus without raising taxes or laying off employees.
Kang also demonstrated his record of competence in Irvine as the FBI’s Safest City in America and the 6th Best City in the Nation according to Money Magazine.
“Extreme partisanship is crippling our government, said Sukhee Kang, “John Campbell is too extreme to be effective. I’m not here to play politics, I’m here to deliver results.”
Sukhee Kang has demonstrated that he is willing to come to the table, meet with constituents and work hard for their interests. During his Fall Campaign Tour, Sukhee Kang is traveling the district, letting voters know they have a choice to elect a true public servant to Congress.
Campbell’s absence at this debate is not a rare occurrence. Republicans are upset over John Campbell’s inability to represent the community. The OC Republican Party even denied John Campbell their endorsement.
Republican leaders expressed their frustration with Campbell in an Orange County Register and OC Weekly Interviews:
“We have been asking him to speak to the Irvine Republican Council for three years,” said Bartlett, chairman of the Irvine Republican Council. “People really haven’t gotten much face time with him.” - OC Register
“Lots of party members believe he’s aloof. We see Dana Rohrabacher and Ed Royce all the time at party events. We never see John. Other members say he won’t ever return their phone calls. He just blows us off.“ -OC Weekly
Even Social Media is abuzz with John Campbell’s lack luster reputation as a Representative.
Clearly, John Campbell is the wrong choice for Republicans, Democrats and all voters.
On November 6th, vote for a candidate who will show up, represent you well and work hard to get results. Click here to find your polling place and cast your vote for Sukhee Kang.
Excellent article. Well written. Tells it like it is.
It’s time to remove Campbell.
Sukhee Kang is the answer. He shows up. He works hard for his constituents.
I continue to be impressed with Mayor Sukhee Kang and disappointed with Mr. Campbell. I believe Mr. Kang will represent both Republicans and Democrats fairly as he seems to have a sincere interest in understanding the issues and is a solution oriented person.