WOODLAND HILLS—During the evening of Thursday, January 5, Brad J. Sherman and Howard L. Berman, who are vying for California’s new 30th congressional district created by a redistricting process, criticized each other’s records as House representatives during a town hall meeting at the Westfield Promenade Mall, Warner Center attended by more than 300 people.
Sherman criticized Berman’s Iraq War vote, a decision the latter candidate has said was based on a lack of skepticism and on Saddam Hussein’s established past with weapons of mass destruction. In turn, Berman characterized his opponent’s war stance as, “I was against it before I was for it before I was against it.” Sherman explained that he had made a mistake at a time when all the middle ground approaches were rejected.
The only difference between the two representative’s Iraq War voting record is that Sherman in May 2007 supported a failed resolution to withdraw troops from the country within 180 days. Berman did not.
During the conversation, Sherman presented a large poster board with a pledge he suggested they both sign to give the U.S. Treasury the money ultimately spent on their campaign’s behalf by “Super Pacs.” He joked that the money could help reduce the U.S. deficit in reference to three such independent committees that recently formed to support Berman. They include the Committee to Elect and Effective Valley Congressman, the Valley-Israel Alliance, and Rebuilding America.
Both San Fernando Valley Democrats, who have many similar views, are trying to distinguish themselves to their constituents. Sherman, who represents California’s 27th district, has portrayed himself as accessible and someone they recognize as regularly attending local events. Whereas Berman has emphasized his record of getting bills passed on the hill and securing federal funds for 28th district projects. He has not been able to say the same for his opponent.
Congressman Sherman claims he secured federal funds for the Valley Performing Arts Center and for the Sepulveda VA, accelerated construction of the I-405 and I-5 freeways, not to mention having prevented interest rate hikes for home owners and secured tax credits for singles and couples. Berman touts foreign policy accomplishments, having secured funds for more police officers, Hansen Dam and the widening of the I-405 Freeway.
Also in the race for the congressional seat is actor/businessman Mark Reed and author Susan Shelley, both Republicans. These two candidates are not expected to put up much of a challenge because of the valley’s largely Democratic Party base. But Reed could affect the vote in a runoff election, as he has distinguished himself from his Democratic opponents by advocating for the U.S. to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities before Israel does. Sherman and Berman have instead supported legislation that places economic sanctions on Iran as deterrents.
