Deddeh Joins Crowded Field in Race for Congressional Seat

Pledging a “crusade of all Americans,” State Sen. Wadie Deddeh has announced his candidacy for a South Bay Congressional seat that will pit him against a crowded field of fellow Democrats.

The 25-year legislator from Bonita kicked off his campaign for the 50th district seat Friday, saying he wants to make the leap to federal office because of his concern over the “direction of our country.”

“Our country is drifting away in a way that worries me,” he told about 250 people in National City’s Granger Music Hall. “When we are not safe in our homes and our property because of drug users and and criminals, that worries me.”

Deddeh also cited inadequate health care, continued budget deficits, the loss of jobs to Japan and the middle class’ disproportionate share of the tax burden as concerns he hopes to address.

“I may not be able to solve the problems of this great land of ours,” the 71-year-old Iraqi-born legislator said, “but I want to make a difference.”

The newly reconfigured district, where Democrats are expected to hold a 15% registration edge over Republicans if no further changes are made in the reapportionment map, has drawn a crowded field of contenders.

Former Congressman Jim Bates, who represented the area for most of the 1980’s, has already announced his candidacy, and San Diego City Councilman Bob Filner is likely to run. Black activist Greg Akili is also in the race.

Noting that he emigrated to the United States in 1947 to escape oppression in Iraq, Deddeh said that he wants to pay back Americans for the freedom he found here.

“This is not Wadie Deddeh’s crusade,” he said.

“This is a crusade of all Americans--the forgotten ones, the helpless, the needy, the poor, the kids in school.”