WASHINGTON (AP) – David Valadao is a Republican member of Congress from California, but voters in his agriculture-heavy district won’t necessarily recognize that he’s the incumbent when they cast their vote. Instead, he’ll be listed on the ballot as “farmer/small businessman.”
Farther north, Democratic Rep. Ami Bera is highlighting some of his other credentials – as well as congressman. Bera will be listed as “doctor/teacher/congressman.” Running against him in the Sacramento suburbs, Republican Doug Ose, a former three-term congressman, has chosen not to note that experience on the ballot. He describes himself as “small business owner.”
California is unusual in that it allows candidates to tell voters a little bit – three words or less- about the other work they’ve done in life.
Most of the state’s incumbents describe themselves as a “United States representative” or “member of Congress.” But in some close races, a few are playing down their Washington connections. It’s no mystery why: The public holds Congress in exceedingly low esteem.
“David lives on his farm. He’s been farming his whole life,” said Valadao’s campaign spokesman, Tal Eslick, rejecting the notion that Valadao wanted distance from Washington. “He’s run a small business, still does. We thought that was the best reflection of who he is.”