BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) With Election Day approaching, Rep. David Valadao is making the case that his record and policy priorities fit a district he says is not looking for an “extreme” candidate.
Asked about running against a more progressive opponent in a district that has typically been held by a Republican, Valadao said, “Obviously he’s much more progressive than Jasmeet is. And the fact a lot of more moderate Democrats groups spent so much money attacking him in the primary kind of told us what we needed to know. Is that he is too extreme for this district.”
Valadao also described what he said are steps he is taking to address cost-of-living concerns.
“When we pass the tax bill, lowering taxes for people across the district is helping make it more affordable,” Valadao said.
“Working on a permitting bill so we can get more energy production. All of those are things we can do to make our community more affordable.”
In response to a question about fuel costs going forward, Valadao pointed to state policies.
“What we need to change is a lot of the bad policies that have been pushed in Sacramento,” he said.
“I mean the regulations of our refineries is one that if we continue to shut down refineries. And then have California use a very specific type of special blend of fuel just makes it more expensive.”
On the war with Iran and its impact on costs, Valadao said he wants the war to end but defended his vote against an immediate withdrawal.
“So basically, what we had was a vote that would pull us out immediately,” he said. “That would not solve the Strait of Hormuz. That would not solve any of the problems we got going on in that region. So, do I want it to end? Yes, but I want it to end the right way.”
Valadao was also asked about Immigration and Customs Enforcement and immigration enforcement.
“I’m looking for every opportunity to find an example where the person that they picked up didn’t have a criminal record,” he said.
“So, my ask right now to the people watching this is if you do have a person, you know that has been picked up that doesn’t have a criminal record, please reach out to us we would like to find those examples.”