Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on October 14, 2014

Elan Carr, candidate for 33rd Congressional District seat. File photo

University Synagogue was the host Oct. 12 for debates in two races for the Nov. 4 election one between Elan Carr and Ted Lieu, running for the 33rd Congressional District seat, and another between Sandra Fluke and Ben Allen, who are vying for the California 26th state Senate seat. In addition, representing one side of the race for Los Angeles Countys 3rd District supervisor, candidate Bobby Shriver delivered remarks, while his opponent, Sheila Kuehl, appeared via a pre-recorded video message.

The triple-header featured the candidates discussing a range of issues both national and local, from Israels national security to Los Angeles transportation system, as well as reforming the United States immigration system and ensuring there is no asbestos in Santa Monica and Malibu schools.

Mirror Media Group, whose holdings include the Santa Monica Mirror, Brentwood News and Century City News, sponsored the event, which drew upward of 200 people.

The winners of at least two of the races will have big Jewish shoes to fill. Carr and Lieu are vying to succeed Rep. Henry Waxman, who has served 40 years in the seat, while Shriver and Kuehl are squaring off to succeed Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who is currently in his fifth term, the maximum allowed.

The debate between Carr and Lieu kicked off the afternoon, Brentwood News Editor Jeff Hall serving as moderator. The candidates discussed national security, immigration, education, employment and a range of other issues, seeking to distinguish themselves from one another.

The candidates belong to opposing parties Carr, who is Jewish, is a Republican; and Lieu (who is not Jewish) is a Democrat but, last week, the two mens remarks underscored what they have in common: Both are pro-Israel and both are frustrated by the partisan politics in the House of Representatives, among other grievances.

Carr has family ties to Israel. He also served in Iraq in 2003 as a member of the U.S. military. He said he would be more than a reliable vote in Congress on Israel issues: When I see the exposure to danger that Israel is facing today it terrifies me, Carr said. He described himself as someone who has background experience with Israel and is familiar with threats facing the country today.

Lieu promised to fight against existential threats to Israel and the United States. He set himself apart from Carrs pro-military credentials by saying he is skeptical of American military intervention, adding that the situation in Libya today is more precarious than it was prior to the deployment of troops there by the United States and its allies following the Arab Spring uprisings. He also cited how American intervention in Iraq under the George W. Bush administration has left the country worse off than it was before.

During the Q-and-A portion, an audience member question about the legalization of marijuana spotlighted another difference between the two congressional candidates.

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Congressional and Senate candidates debate at University Synagogue

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