Eshoo looks ready to dominate
By Justin Jouvenal
STAFF WRITER

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Atherton, has cruised to easy victories in the last three elections, facing opponents with little name recognition and often smaller campaign accounts.

The 2004 election is sizing up in much the same way: The six-term congresswoman is not facing a challenger in the March Democratic primary, and her Republican and Libertarian opponents have never held office before.

Nevertheless, Republican John C. "Chris" Haugen believes he has a striking message that can win out over Eshoo's major advantages of incumbency, deep campaign coffers and being a Democrat in an overwhelmingly liberal district.

Haugen believes California's high tax rates and regulations have forced businesses out of the state. He also would like to cap federal spending with a balanced-budget amendment and keep the nation's health care system private.

"The approach where government is raising taxes and running people's lives doesn't make sense," said Haugen, a teacher from Palo Alto.

Haugen (pronounced how-gun) has raised about $10,400 for his campaign, but currently only has $4,100 on hand. Of the contributions, $8,000 has come from one Cupertino family. Haugen also ran against Eshoo in 1998, winning 27 percent of the vote to Eshoo's 69 percent.

In contrast, Libertarian Brian Holtz has no pretensions about winning. He's running to spread his simple message: personal freedom and responsibility, free and fair markets, and smart environmentalism. He's raised less than $1,000 for his campaign.

"My main goal is not so much votes accrued, but getting my message out," said Holtz, a 38-year old engineer for Yahoo! who lives in San Carlos.

Eshoo said she would continue to hammer on the issues that have kept her in Congress since 1992.

"I think my priorities remain the same," Eshoo said. "We need to ensure the security of the country and improve our economy in ways that will benefit all our residents."

Eshoo has sponsored legislation to expand the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, protect the Arctic Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling and allow for the conversion of farmland into conservation areas.

Eshoo has raised about $333,100 this election cycle. About $202,000 has come from political action committees, while an additional $130,000 has come from individuals.

Eshoo currently sits on the Energy and Commerce and the Permanent Select committee on Intelligence. Staff writer Justin Jouvenal covers politics and transportation. He can be reached at (650) 348-4331 or by e-mail at jjouvenal@... .