Darrell Issa
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Darrell Issa
Darrell E. Issa (pronounced Eye-sa) (born January 1 1954), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing the 49th District of California (map (http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/ca49_109.gif)). He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, was educated at Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, served in the United States Army, and was a businessman before entering the House.
Issa is one of the wealthiest members of the United States Congress. He made his fortune selling car alarms in Vista, California (a city he now represents in the House).
He sought the Republican nomination for United States Senator against incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer in 1998, but lost the primary election to California State Treasurer Matt Fong.
Issa came to national prominence when he personally financed the 2003 California recall effort against California Governor Gray Davis. It was widely assumed that Issa would run on the ballot to replace Davis; in the end, he declined to run, because of several run-ins with the law when he was young. It was alleged that he had stolen cars. Issa said that his mission had been accomplished: to force the recall of Davis. Issa said he wanted to continue representing his district in Congress and work towards Middle East peace. Just before Issa's announcement, popular actor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced he would run for governor.
Issa is an Arab American and has regularly drawn the ire of American Jewish groups for his support of the Middle East peace process and other controversial regional issues. In 2001, Irv Rubin and Earl Krugel of the Jewish Defense League were charged with conspiracy to bomb his office.
External links
- official website (http://www.issa.house.gov/)
- initiative campaign website (http://www.rescuecalifornia.us/)Template:CA-FedRep