Lois Capps	52%
Tom Bordonaro	47%

The defeat of state assemblyman Tom Bordonaro for the second time in one year speaks strongly to the fact that environmental issues matter significantly in California's 22nd District, the birthplace of the modern environmental movement. In addition, LCV's ability to elevate the importance of the environment in the race was apparent by Tom Bordonaro's sudden flip-flop on the key issue of offshore drilling following his Dirty Dozen designation. Finally, the aggressive earned media campaign and the presence of a senior LCV staff member in the Capps' campaign field operation during the final days of the campaign successfully reminded voters of the importance of the environment in their lives - and demonstrated the hands-on political role LCV plays in all its Dirty Dozen races.

Dirty Dozen Campaign Activities: 

Tom Bordonaro was named to the Dirty Dozen for his record of consistently opposing clean water and air protections while serving in California's state assembly. LCV Action Fund coordinated with the Capps campaign to help provide the necessary margin of victory in this race.

LCV President Deb Callahan visited the district in mid-September, days after Tom Bordonaro was named to the Dirty Dozen. She conducted an extensive "fly-around" tour of all major district media, highlighting Bordonaro's anti-environment record. Callahan also appeared on a popular Santa Barbara radio program with Bordonaro for an impromptu debate and used Bordonaro's voting record in the state assembly to demonstrate his opposition to environmental protections:

• Bordonaro voted against legislation to set toxic air contaminant and drinking water quality standards at levels which protect infants and children. He also opposed legislation setting standards to prevent lead poisoning of children.
  
• Bordonaro opposed legislation to expand oil spill laws to inland waters such as rivers and lakes, and voted for a bill to shield water polluters from prosecution for oil and chemical spills.

• Bordonaro supported a bill backed by the major oil companies to weaken the California Safe Drinking Water Act.

Callahan's visit prompted Bordonaro to begin defending his environmental record, in recognition that public knowledge of his anti-environment record would cost him votes in this historically pro-environment district.

A senior LCV staff member was sent to the district during the last week of the campaign to organize students on campus and to remind voters of Bordonaro's anti-environment record.