Lodi News-Sentinel
By Ross Farrow

Editor's note: This is one in a continuing series of introductory profiles of candidates for the 11th Congressional District.

Elizabeth Emken, one of six Republican candidates hoping to unseat Jerry McNerney from Congress this year, says that her experience at helping shape policy at the state and federal level will make her the most effective person to represent the 11th Congressional District.

"First and foremost, I am a new fresh face," Emken said in interview on Tuesday. "I think we need that in the Republican Party."
Emken, 46, a Danville resident, is seeking the Republican nomination against Tony Amador and Robert Beadles, both of Lodi; Brad Goehring, of Clements; David Harmer, of San Ramon; and Jeff Takada, of Manteca. Harmer is a newcomer to the race, having announced his candidacy on Thursday. Candidate Larry Pegram, of San Jose, dropped out of the race on Monday.

Although she hasn't run for public office before, Emken said she has helped shape state and federal policy primarily in financial issues associated with autism for 13 years. One of her sons, now 17, was diagnosed with autism when he was 4 years old.

For example, Emken said she is lobbying for a bill that would allow parents to save money through tax-free accounts for long-term care for children with disabilities who will not be able to make a living as an adult. The bill is pending in Congress.

In another bill that Emken worked on, Congress has appropriated $30 million during a four-year period to help military families with autistic children, she said.

"I know the details of how Washington works," she said.

Additionally, Emken said she wants to incorporate her experience in seeking financial efficiency within different departments and branches at IBM into her work in Congress.

"We need in Congress to hold (federal) agencies accountable for their efficiency," she said. "We should know agencies' business plans."

Emken added that one of America's biggest challenges is to stop borrowing money from countries like China. If Wall Street determines the dollar isn't the dominant money in the world and China decides it doesn't want American currency anymore, the United States could fall into an actual depression with mortgage rates on variable loans driving inflation to 14 or 16 percent, Emken said.

"I think our economy is our national security issue," she added.

The filing deadline is March 12.