I grew up in San Diego County.  My father was an immigrant from Lebanon

who fought in World War II in the U.S. Army and was one of the most

patriotic men I ever knew.  My heroes as a child were Martin Luther King Jr.

and Robert Kennedy, who stood up for the values of our Constitution. 

Today, we need Kennedy’s understanding that human rights and law and

order cannot exist without each other. 

There has never been a more important time to have judges who will defend our

Constitution and our rights.  I have worked 18 years as a California Deputy

Attorney General, prosecuting crimes and defending our state from civil

lawsuits.  I have also served as Mayor of Chula Vista and on the Southwestern

Community College Board, where I am proud to have been recognized as a

defender of the First Amendment.  My unique combination of legal experience

and community experience gives me a strong appreciation of the need for judges

who put a high priority on public safety and respect the rights of all citizens.