Francine Busby, Democratic challenger seeking the 50th Congressional District seat now held by Rep. Brian Bilbray, has called for an investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics of Bilbray’s sponsorship of the Congressional Cigar Association. In a press conference August 12, Busby said Bilbray “appears to have violated the ethical standards” of Congress by facilitating [...]

Congressman Brian Bilbray says he did not realize that the Congressional Cigar Association, which he sponsored, is composed mostly of lobbyists and, rather than being a social group, has become a way the lobbyists could gain access to lawmakers and their staff members. Challenger Francine Busby is among those calling for an ethics investigation into [...]

Big news! Candidates and members of Congress in six states have signed the MoveOn.org “Fight Washington Corruption Pledge!” The pledge calls on Congress to overturn the Citizens United decision to remove unlimited corporate money from politics and to pass the Fair Elections Now Act to publicly finance elections. It also asks passage of a lobbyist [...]

North County Times reports (June 23, 2010) that incumbent Republican 50th District Congressman Brian Bilbray has asked Democratic challenger Francine Busby to participate in three debates, dates yet to be decided, during the campaign. Read Bilbray’s letter (a PDF posted by the North County Times) Read the story to get observers’ theories on why Bilbray [...]

A group of activists, including members of EDC, rallied outside the Solana Beach offices of Congressman Brian Bilbray Friday, June 4 to protest his televised comments that illegal immigrants can be identified by their clothing or the shoes they wear. A large number of old shoes were dropped at Bilbray’s office. “We want to match [...]

by Chris Nava, VP for Political Action Brian Bilbray’s racist colors are showing. And once again his ignorance is there for the world to see. See Rep. Bilbray’s comments on MSNBC. You can tell an illegal immigrant by the “different type of attire…right down to the shoes…” is an outrageous and offensive statement coming from [...]

50th District Representative Brian Bilbray has become famous for his remark that authorities will be able to spot illegal immigrants in Arizona by their clothing. Escondidan Jenifer Leiendecker couldn’t resist the opportunity to write the following humorous commentary… See Rep. Bilbray’s comments Bilbray’s Gift of Garb by Jenifer Leiendecker I read a North County Times [...]

Campaign fundraising reports for the first quarter (ending March 31) have been posted at the Federal Election Commission. Here are reports for candidates in the 50th Congressional District. Bilbray: Incumbent Republican Brian Bilbray reports $492,858 cash on hand after total fundraising of $710,911 and spending of $273,003. He reports no debt. Busby: Francine Busby reports [...]