Dreier Takes His Record to the Streets
Congressman Visits Upland
UPLAND - Rep. David Dreier, R-Glendora, wasn't exactly entering enemy territory during an hourlong walk in one of the city's neighborhoods on Saturday, though "crossing borders" was the hot topic of the day.
American flags and an occasional Bush-Cheney election sticker greeted the 53-year-old as he knocked on doors north of 14th Street and slightly west of Mountain Avenue.
Dreier, a powerful Republican who has served the 26th District since 1980, said he was prompted to put on his walking shoes to clear up misperceptions of his record - especially regarding illegal immigration.
"You have to go out and meet people," he said, before heading out in the Upland neighborhood. "It's very clear that the issue of illegal immigration and border security has been distorted, and I want to clarify my record."
Dreier faced unusually strong opposition in his election last year after he was targeted by radio hosts John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou of KFI-AM's "The John and Ken Show." The duo led an aggressive campaign to oust Dreier, citing him as soft on illegal immigration.
While Dreier won the race comfortably, it was still closer than some had expected, pushing Dreier to start knocking on doors and talking to voters in his district, which includes communities from Rancho Cucamonga west to La Crescenta.
"It energized me, and I beat everyone back," he said about last year's race.
Next year, he added with a smile, "I'm going to run, and I'm going to win. I wouldn't be sitting here with you on a Saturday morning (if I weren't going to run)."
As the day heated up and sweat began to seep through Dreier's shirt, he kept asking residents how they thought he was doing.
The conversation, either prompted by the congressman or by residents answering their doors, usually started and ended with illegal immigration. David Epperson, standing in his garage where a pro-President Bush sticker and poster hung on the wall, said he had reservations about the president's stance on border security and immigration.
"I think a lot of (legal) immigrants who come here appreciate the country probably more than the people born here," Epperson said. But when it comes to illegal immigration, "I feel we have to protect our country."
Dreier said the president takes a strong stance on border security and that secure borders were not only important to stem the flow of illegal immigration but to offer protection against terrorism.
One way to stop the flow across the border is to make it more difficult to hire illegal immigrants, Dreier told Epperson. That's why he introduced legislation to tighten control on Social Security cards and to penalize employers who hire illegal workers, the congressman added.
While most of the residents Dreier met knew who he was and said they supported him, one resident said if she ran into him on the street, she never would have recognized him. But she was impressed by one thing - Dreier helped her sweep up some grass and leaves in front of her home.
"This just makes it clear that I will do anything for a vote," Dreier said with a chuckle.
