What They’re Seeing: Steyer Pushes Progressive Vision in San Diego
SAN DIEGO — In case you missed it, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer joined NBC 7 and FOX 5 on his recent trip to San Diego, drawing a clear line positioning himself as the only real progressive in the race with the experience and the vision to address the biggest challenges Californians are facing right now, including cost of living.
On the core issues defining this race:
On the campaign trail, Steyer has run on issues such as single-payer health care, breaking up electric companies like PG&E and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Additionally, Steyer has advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy — including himself — and increasing investments in Home Supportive Services. (FOX5)
On why he’ll be able to effectively represent California — because he can’t be bought:
“I may be the only billionaire on the ballot, but I'm not the only billionaire in the election. All of these other people are taking money from billionaires. The truth is, I'm the person who has no conflicts and only represents the people of California. They're coming after me because I want to represent… the working people of California.” (NBC7)
On using his “Shared Prosperity” town hall series to connect with voters:
Steyer said his goal with his “[Shared] Prosperity Tour” was to connect with people across the state. He added that his campaign strategy was not to speak with the other candidates, but to the voters.
“The way we’re going to win this, honestly, is people are going to start to focus,” Steyer said. “And when they focus, they’re going to want the most progressive candidate in this race—which I think is me across the board.” (FOX5)
Assemblymember Chris Ward on his endorsement of Tom for Governor:
“I endorsed Tom Steyer because this is personal for him, as it is for me, as it is for each and every one of you,” Ward said as he introduced Steyer at the town hall. “We have a sincere vision for a better future, and we know that future is possible here in California.”(FOX5)
On his transition from businessman to a life of service:
“What I was doing was not what I wanted to do with my life. There’s a reason I walked away from a huge business that I had built from scratch. There’s a reason I left all that money on the table. There’s a reason my wife and I are giving our money away. Because running that fund gave a value system I don’t agree with.” (FOX5)
On why he’ll be able to break up the electric monopolies:
“Experts believe that monopolies work. That's pie in the sky: believing that an electric monopoly is going to deliver low rates. We pay double the rates of everyone else in the United States, the idea that we would drop it by a quarter means we'd be paying 50% more than everybody else in the United States. Not what I would consider a great outcome…” (NBC7)