Defending her seat, Democratic congresswoman says GOP rival is among ‘greedy Sacramento politicians’

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You know your approval ratings are low when you’re being attacked by members of Congress. Congress may have approval ratings in the low-30s, but that’s vastly better than the single-digit approval ratings of the California Legislature.

And in a new ad, Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Lakewood), attacks her Republican opponent, Assemblyman Van Tran (R-Garden Grove), as being one of the typical ‘greedy Sacramento politicians’ who seek promotion.

‘It’s Sacramento’s dirty little secret,’ the ad states. ‘While the state is going bankrupt, legislators are pocketing millions of dollars in living expenses.’

The ad is referencing state lawmakers’ tax-free stipend that they receive in addition to their regular state salary.

‘Assemblyman Van Tran is leading the list, taking over $136,000 in special perks,’ the ad continues. ‘And get this. Van Tran is using that money to buy a home in a gated community in Sacramento.’

‘The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. says Van accepts the normal per diem,’ said Tran spokesman George Andrews. ‘Van’s given his last two legislative pay increases to charity. This just shows Loretta Sanchez knows she’s in trouble. She’s obviously threatened by our campaign.’

Sanchez, who will begin airing the ad on Orange County cable stations this week, is among the Democrats who could be at risk in a big Republican year. Congressional race watcher Charlie Cook recently moved the race from ‘likely Democratic’ to ‘leans Democratic’ in his Cook Political Report.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento