FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2016
Contact: Noralee Bauthues Stewart; Bauthues@comcast.net; 916.502.1793
DEMOCRAT BOB DERLET, CHALLENGER TO CD04 GOP INCUMBENT TOM MCCLINTOCK FOR CONGRESS, ENDORSED BY CALIFORNIA STATE PARTY
Voters see in Derlet a representative who lives in and cares for the magnificence of the 4th Congressional District and is willing to act to protect its people and environment.
SONORA, CA, March 9, 2016– Democrat Robert W. Derlet, MD, who is running for Congress in California Congressional District 4 (CD04) against Rep. Tom McClintock, was endorsed by the California Democratic Party (CDP) at the State Convention in San Jose, Feb. 28. Voters express enthusiasm in backing a candidate with a diverse background in healthcare, conservationism, education, and leadership.
“I support Bob Derlet for Congress as I feel he possesses many skill sets that will enable him to be a proactive member of congress,” said South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County resident Susan Chandler. “As an avid environmentalist, college professor, and medical doctor, he will contribute to policies related to education, healthcare, and climate change. He lives in our Congressional District, knows the people, and understands their individual needs. I know Bob will be an advocate for our district and represent it with pride.”
Dr. Derlet, a longtime emergency room physician, author, and professor, is challenging Rep. Tom McClintock for Congressional District 4, a district larger than the state of Massachusetts. The district includes seven Sierra Foothill counties and parts of Nevada, Madera, and Fresno counties. National treasures Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Park are within the district. Derlet and his pediatrician wife, Mikla, moved to Sonora after spending careers at UC Davis Medical Center where he had assignments ranging from Chief of the ER to Chief of Staff at UCD Medical Center.
After moving to Sonora, both Derlets continued serving their community, with Bob taking on the role of primary care doctor and Mikla pediatrician at the Me-Wuk Indian Health Center, experiencing firsthand the needs of the land and people of the region. They also hike, backpack, and mountain bike through the Sierra Nevadas, appreciating the beauty, strength, and fragileness of the area. Derlet speaks passionately of the importance of the region’s watersheds, having spent many years analyzing water from lakes and streams as part of scientific research he conducted while at UCD.
“We absolutely must protect the watershed and forests of District 4, as water is the life line of the state,” Derlet said, “Make no mistake, protecting and preserving our forests from catastrophic wildfires is of vital importance, now and for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on.”
Included in Derlet’s platform is his support of legislation reducing the cost of education, increasing the minimum wage, returning American jobs lost overseas, helping small businesses succeed, and increasing consumer protection to counter deceptive Wall Street practices.
“I hear from vast numbers of people—about their struggles to make ends meet and how they live paycheck to paycheck,” Derlet says. “Healthcare costs are outrageous, and I know Congress can fix this. Too many residents of this district are fearful of losing Social Security or Medicare, worried about their water supply, fighting for a decent wage, unable to pay for college, and much more. The people of CD04 need a Representative in Congress who listens to all voices then takes action on their behalf. The underserved should never be forgotten; they matter. The environment and water sources matter; this is our future. As Congressman for CD04, I plan to ensure that all people are heard and that Congress takes firm steps to help them.”
