We believe in positive inclusive politics in the 37th Assembly District. We believe that there is more than
"my way or the highway" in making solutions.
Since I began teaching American Government and civics classes, about a decade ago, I have found fellow
Americans, who share my concerns regarding voting apathy, fear of government and nonparticipation.
I believe in change and that it is time for me to get involved by being elected to office so I can
become the catalyst for change for self-governance.
Your concerns for our state budget, the educational systems, and preserving a sustainable lifestyle
for the residents of the 37th Assembly District, keep me rejuvenated and steadfast. Giving up is not an
option. I believe there are viable solutions to many of our state's problems. Just like you, I would like
to see results that balance our state budget, increase funding and reform for our children's education,
and solve California's problems and make it an attractive state to live in. We need to work diligently
on our infrastructure. Besides performing long overdue maintenance and upgrades to our aging roads and
aqueducts, I would also like to assist in creating jobs, add to the economy, and stabilize losses in our
middle-class families, who epitomize the hope that makes America a magnet for many citizens of the world.
When I entered this contest, Democrats were not interested in finding, assisting or providing funding
against the wife of a well-known polished Strickland-Republican politician aided by a well-run Republican
money-machine for the 37th Assembly District.
I admit I knew very little about the challenge, dedication and long hours that would eventually be
required to run a political race, however with the support of grassroots activists, the local Democratic
clubs, family, friends and self governance neighbors, I became the highest ranking write-in candidate
California had ever had. The campaign brought about a nation-wide media frenzy due to the novelty of
my being a Saudi- born woman from Mecca. Admittedly, the excitement grew and overwhelmingly, I knew
if I won, this would be a victory for all of us "little people" . And so I ran. Winning the Democratic
primary but, losing in the general race.
The second midterm contest took place during a time of low voter turnout and little money. Along
the way, I met many citizens who welcomed me into their homes. I often would meet residents who were
having their first conversation with a Saudi-American. In spite of our differences, we found commonalities;
I found residents were interested in fair and truthful representation. I won the Democratic primary again
only to lose again to the Strickland Republican machine, albeit this time by a only a few percent points
and even though, I had the editorial support of our local newspapers.
In the third race, I easily won the primary against David Hare by a three to one margin. With the
polling by The California Target book and The Ventura Star in my favor, it still wasn't until the last
two weeks of the election that I ignited the interest of the Democratic Party. In this third race, I
was out- funded by 400 to one.
LACDP Chair Eric C. Bauman
Eric C. Bauman of the LACDP believed my chances were good and provided a much-needed mailer.
Often my little team would reflect on what "could have happened" had the financial backing come earlier
in the race. Mind you, we only had $17K and six part-time volunteer workers to go against the $6 million
Strickland Dynasty and the backing of the Republican machine.
Assembly Speaker Karen Bass led a rally on my behalf in Camarillo in the last two weeks of the race.
As much as I deeply appreciated her assistance, rumors were that the absentee voters had indicated a clear
loss ahead. This time the help came in too late. Number crunching after the fact showed that Obama
running at the top of the ticket didn't affect the overall outcome, but it was a race that required
long hours of waiting on returns, which made it too close to call until several days after the election.
Consequently, I again lost to the Republican machine by a close margin of 4.5%.
Ferial with General Joseph P. Hoar
So this time, the contest will be for an open seat. We are coming out of the gate with a professional
team at the top of the campaign. The economy is the worst it has been since the Great Depression. And
in spite of it all, I am still interested in bringing fresh ideas to the California Legislature by
running for the California 37th Assembly District.
This campaign too will be a challenge. In the primary, we had not one, but two other Democratic
candidates running against me.
Just recently, the other two candidates have dropped out, so I now expect to get full support from
the residence in my area, since there is now absolutely no question about whether or not I'll win
the primary.
Ferial with Assembly Speaker Karen Bass
However, to succeed in this effort, I am asking for 37th Assembly District residents to support my
efforts. This election is about our children's future. I hope to have demonstrated my persistence and
desire to serve you. I hope I have earned your confidence. I hope you see my perseverance. You
taught me to see that whether you are an Independent, Republican or Decline to State, that you see
America as a whole. I am honored to run in the Democratic process and to be able to serve you and
be an agent of change for a better California. As a teacher, I provide guidance and direction for
your children. And as a mother of a soldier, who served in Iraq, I want to see America continue to
follow its principles and be a leader of peace in the world.
I will listen to you and take your points of view to Sacramento and do my best to make sure
you are heard. I have been a dedicated servant and a proud resident of the 37th Assembly District
for almost three decades.. See you on the campaign trail.
Sincerely,
Ferial Masry
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