Honda is fighting allegations of impropriety in his office.
AB Wire
Ro Khanna, the Indian American democratic candidate vying to upset incumbent US Congressman Mike Honda, from a Silicon Valley congressional district, has got a big boost in his campaign with the San Francisco Chronicle endorsing him.
The Chronicle had endorsed Khanna two years ago also, as he was the better to lead a congressional district defined by “innovation, resourcefulness and a commitment to meritocracy.” Khanna fell just short in a general election between the two Democrats.
This time too the Chronicle has pitches for Khanna, writing in its endorsement: “Among the traits that gave Khanna the edge were the patent lawyer’s connections with and understanding of the tech industry, along with his acumen on economics and trade. He was the better fit for a dynamic district that could use a representative in Washington who was on top of those trends.
Today, the case for Khanna is even stronger, for two main reasons. One is the dedication he has shown to “immersing myself in every corner of the district,” and focusing on local issues from soccer parks in Santa Clara to bringing manufacturing back to the valley.
The other reason for change is the disturbing allegations of impropriety in Honda’s office. The House Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent entity with three Republican and three Democratic members, last year unanimously voted to refer a case against Honda to the House Ethics Committee.”
The chronicle also noted that in a conference call earlier this week, Honda “danced around questions about allegations that his office systematically blurred the line between official business and campaign activity. Among the allegations was that he had a list of top donors, known in the office as “1,000 cranes” who were fast-tracked for VIP treatment for visas and other constituent services.”
“After all that, there is substantial reason for voters in District 17 to make a change in Congress. Ro Khanna gets our endorsement”, the Chronicle said.