Final push for Congressional candidates

UPDATE 11/7/2016 5:40 PM:

In just hours, voters across the country and here on the Central Coast will make some very important decisions. One of those is who will represent the Central Coast in Washington D.C.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the 20th Congressional District seat, covering parts of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties, is open because longtime Representative Sam Farr is retiring. The two candidates vying for his position spent Monday reaching out to voters.

Farr has endorsed fellow Democrat Jimmy Panetta, a veteran, prosecutor and son of former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The younger Panetta spent election eve meeting with middle school students and veterans.

“We know this area and this area knows me,” Panetta said. “They gotten to know me throughout this campaign. I’ve been to every nook and cranny in this district from Parkfield to Pajaro to Tres Pinos and Santa Cruz, you name it. We’ve been there, we’ve met people, and they’ve met me.”

His opponent is Pacific Grove Council Member Casey Lucius, who is also a veteran and once was a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School. Despite being on the Republican ticket, she’s asking voters to avoid party lines.

“I’ve really worked hard to separate myself from the presidential politics and really focus here locally and focus on my positions and not be ideological but offering reasonable, thoughtful positions and really encouraging people to be open-minded in this election,” Lucius said. “I think if there’s anything I want to tell voters it’s to not vote party line, to really look at the ballot and vote for who they think the best candidate is.”

On Monday, Lucius volunteers called voters while she and others met with neighbors in Monterey.

Lucius said if elected, she wants to address water and affordable housing issues. However both she and Panetta agree immigration reform is a top priority.

Political analyst Dr. David Anderson said the Central Coast has been historically liberal, and that works in Panetta’s favor. But he thinks Lucius could draw in more independents and undecided voters, because she’s the strongest candidate the party has put forward.

The election may end on Tuesday, but the hard work begins when the candidate actually gets into office.

“The first order of business is congress needs to mend fences internally and with the American people,” Anderson said. “The public is obviously very displeased with the device hey are getting from Washington these days.”

ORIGINAL POST:

With one day to go, both candidates for the Central Coast’s 20th Congressional seat are busy with last-minute campaigning.

Casey Lucius (R) and Jimmy Panetta (D) are seeking to replace the retiring Democrat Sam Farr in Congress.

Lucius spent Monday morning making calls to voters and knocking on doors, while Panetta attended an event in south Monterey County before having lunch with a veterans group.

Tonight at 5 and 6, KION’s Mariana Hicks takes a look at the race as it nears its Election Day finish line. KION political analyst Dr. David Anderson will share his thoughts on the district and where the votes are likely to fall.