Capps is effective 

Before moving to California, I spent nearly 20 years in Washington, mostly working for congressmen from Iowa and South Dakota. One thing I learned was the importance of knowing whether or not a member of Congress is truly effective.

Effective representatives are not the flashy ones who make lots of speeches. Instead, effective representatives are the ones who work behind the scenes in quiet, bipartisan ways to do their jobs.

By that standard, Lois Capps is an extremely effective, influential and respected member of Congress.

Mrs. Capps has used her years in the House of Representatives to build strong relationships that benefit our area and our nation. One example is her work with Republican Elton Gallegly on issues such as rental car safety and adequate funding for highways and bridges in this part of California.

She has also joined with both Republicans and Democrats in sponsoring many other constructive measures, including a bill to assist returning veterans who want to serve as emergency medical technicians, as well as legislation to improve research on childhood diseases.

We would be wise to keep Lois Capps working for us. She is a genuinely effective member of Congress.