Full Biography for Mike Dismukes

Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 9

Statement by The Committee to Elect Mike Dismukes:

Mike is the product of Sacramento public schools, was diagnosed early in life with dyslexia, benefitted from extensive "home" teaching, and was reading at a college level by sixth grade. He persevered through some difficult childhood years, maintaining an adult role by the age of 11 0 with the care of his new baby sister, Lisa. In his teen years, he saw an advertisement on television for exchange students. He wrote the promoters, was awarded a position, and went to school in Gunma Ken, Japan, where he developed special and lasting friendships. He came home, graduated C.K. McClatchy High School, and went to work as a waiter for Chevy's on the river while attending C.S.U.S., earning double-major degrees in Government and Philosophy. He has returned to Japan several times, most recently as a teacher of English. He has received renewed invitations to teach English in Japan. Mike then applied to law school and received an academic scholarship from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he has spent the last three years.
During his law school career, Mike became the first foreign exchange student from Drake University to Dublin, Ireland, where he attended Trinity Law School. He made friends, studied international law, and visited family in Northern Ireland. He has personal knowledge of the turmoil and dangers that Ireland must live with. He applauds and appreciates America's tolerance for diversity, calling diversity one of our greatest strengths.
Mike has traveled extensively and has a keen awareness of world issues. As a consequence, he feels quite strongly about our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and individual freedoms. He has written some wisely amusing editorials for the C.S.U.S. campus newspaper regarding "bull detectors" and "munchie cops"--in response to unnecessary bureaucracy and foolish expenses. His commitment is to the people and he rarely takes the road traveled by others. He is certainly not a traditional politician.
If you ask him why he ran for office, he will likely answer with one of the following two truths: I) It was the last day to apply, I was working temporary construction, and I made a personal bet at 3 :00 pm. that I could figure out how, when, where, and what to do by 5 :00 pm. If I did, my betting partner would back me up in the campaign. Here I am. 2) There are three real reasons: the California people voted for 11-campaign reform, the 2-open primary, and 3-term limits. They have sent a message suggesting that they are ready for a non-politician. Here I am.
During his last year of law school, Mike worked for the Polk County prosecutor's office as a litigator of misdemeanor crimes and drug offenses. He has a strong commitment to the difference between right and wrong. He enjoys the academic challenge of litigation and contemplates a corresponding career, absent a public service calling. He was recently accepted into a Masters Program in San Diego for his works in Political Science. Clearly, if elected, he will be in Sacramento for a while. He is also very realistic about being a Republican in a Democratic jurisdiction, being branded a "sacrificial lamb" by the News & Review, and enduring repeated reporter, editing, typographical, and negligent error by the Sacramento Bee. He probably would have deferred to Robert Pernell, had Mr. Pernell won the primary elections.
Mike is a moderate candidate and believes the current opposing Democrat, Mr. Darrell Steinberg is too far left of center to represent the 9th Assembly District well. Mike believes that Sacramento is, increasingly, a moderate and savvy community that understands both the far left and the far right. Contrary to his opponent, he does not believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to subsidize big business or big labor. (. ..including the Sacramento Kings...including light rail project "labor agreements.") Taxes should be tied to the services provided and "General Fund" monies should be carefully scrutinized. As a consequence of that very strong belief, Mike remains available to serve the people, if they so choose.
Mike feels strongly that the legislative function is to serve, not to direct or rule, the people. He is committed to upholding the will of the people, even if his personal opinions are contrary: The public vote needs renewed respect and representatives should not substitute their personal opinions for any clear direction expressed by the people. Mike currently continues to reject special-interest campaign offerings, making the David vs. Goliath battle of Assembly District 9 a 1998, political reality.
Mike does not speak much of his philanthropic work. We know he has organized events and served the para-athletes of the Mid-West, on a big-events (and very successful) basis. He also raised funds for the life-saving operation of a young boy. He called that a very rewarding experience. We do not know more. Mike is doer, not a talker.
Biographically, you now know Mike Dismukes almost as well as we do. He has his Grandfather's Montana values in his soul, his Grandmother's respect for needed Irish tolerance in his heart, and his ancestor's Kentucky and Virginia respect for the Constitution of the United States in his blood. He is the new American: French (DesMeaux), English (William of Orange), Irish (Londonderry), Scottish (a true Highlander), Bosnian (with missing family), German,