San Gabriel : GOP Puts Ramirez on TV

Ralph Ramirez of San Gabriel, the Republican candidate in the 30th Congressional District, addressed the Republican convention in New Orleans on Tuesday. Although he appeared in a morning session televised only by the C-SPAN cable network, his supporters said the invitation to speak shows the party’s commitment to his election.

“It shows that the party believes Ralph can win,” said campaign aide Debra Jasgur. “It has helped to create enthusiasm. It’s a real boost to the campaign.” Ramirez was the only non-incumbent congressional candidate from the West Coast invited to speak.

Ramirez, who is seeking to unseat Rep. Matthew G. Martinez (D-Monterey Park), used the three minutes allotted for his speech to tell the convention that the residents of his multiracial district are concerned about drugs and jobs and oppose big government. “We don’t want government handouts; we want opportunity,” he said.