Candidate for
State Senator; District 37

Jim's political philosophy is rooted in real life experiences. The son of a five-term Congressman and U.S. District Court Judge # Jim was introduced to politics at an early age.

The lessons of Jim's youth have carried over into his political philosophy and legislative agenda. Jim believes in a smaller, more efficient government that preserves freedom and opportunity, with limited intrusion into our lives and businesses.

During his 6 years in the Assembly Jim made improving schools, fighting crime and reducing taxes his top priorities.

Jim realizes that California's dilapidated and aging school system must be brought into the 21st century in order for our students to become competitive. To that end Jim has fought to improve the quality and safety of local schools. He authored legislation to reduce class sizes in middle schools and supported the creation of a statewide Violence Prevention and Response Task Force for schools. Jim's earned the "Golden Apple Award" for his efforts to help local schools, and has also worked to give greater control to local school boards and parents.

Jim has tirelessly worked toward the passage of legislation that protects children from abuse, sexual predators, and drunken drivers. Jim will continue to utilize a two-pronged approach to fighting crime # stronger penalties for criminals, combined with effective prevention programs. He authored legislation to create a "two-strikes" law for child molesters and to put the names and addresses of sex offenders on the Internet. In the Senate he will continue to defend California's successful "Three Strikes" and "10-20-Life" laws, and crack down on domestic violence # strengthening enforcement of restraining orders and increasing penalties for those who violate them.

Jim opposes all new or higher taxes and any attempts to weaken Proposition 13, California's landmark property tax initiative. He supports an across the board tax cut to return a fair share of California's record budget surplus to taxpayers. Jim co-authored legislation to reduce California's car tax and supports continuing the Vehicle License Fee reductions.

With his commitment to finding innovative and economical answers to today's problems - Jim Battin will bring proven, common-sense leadership to the 37th Senate District.