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Democrat’s Claims of Community Service Challenged by Attendance Data
In a revealing development that could impact the highly contested 45th Congressional District race in California, Democratic candidate Derek Tran’s attendance record as a City of Orange Traffic Commissioner has come under intense scrutiny. Records show that Tran missed approximately 40% of all commission meetings, directly contradicting his campaign’s emphasis on community service and local governance experience.
Attendance Records Paint Concerning Picture
The controversy centers around Tran’s role on the City of Orange Traffic Commission, where official records indicate he was absent from nearly half of all scheduled meetings. This revelation becomes particularly striking given that the commission’s commitment is relatively modest – meeting twice monthly, with some sessions lasting as brief as seven minutes.
Campaign materials and public statements from Tran have heavily emphasized his community service. In a recent interview, Tran stated,
I find time in my schedule to continue to give back to the community as a City Commissioner.
His campaign further promoted this narrative, declaring that
As a small business owner and city commissioner, Derek knows first hand the challenges that our local economies face.
Stark Contrast with Incumbent’s Record
The attendance controversy has drawn particularly sharp criticism when contrasted with incumbent Representative Michelle Steel’s congressional voting record. Documentation shows that Steel (R-CA) has maintained an impressive 99% attendance rate for roll call votes in Congress during her tenure.
Race Dynamics and Recent Polling
The 45th District race has seen significant volatility in recent months:
- May 2024: Steel held early lead
- July 2024: Race tied at 47% each
- September 2024: Tran gained slight lead
- October 2024: Steel leads 45% to 41%
Series of Campaign Setbacks
This latest revelation adds to a series of controversies surrounding Tran’s campaign, including:
- Questions about language skills: Allegations of misrepresenting Vietnamese language fluency
- Military record disputes: Concerns about accuracy of claimed service history
- Legal career scrutiny: Criticism over controversial client representation
- Commission attendance: Latest revelation of 40% absence rate
Voter and Political Response
The attendance record revelation has resonated with voters in the district. Local voter Trey, who works with undecided voters for a polling organization, observed,
If he doesn’t show up now will he really show up in Washington… Tran’s 60% record really pales to Steel’s 99% record. If you gave 60% in college, you wouldn’t graduate. If you did 60% as a Doctor, you’d be fired and sued.
The National Republican Congressional Committee has seized on the revelation. Spokesman Ben Petersen stated,
Derek Tran demanded voters give him a promotion while refusing to do his current job. Southern California voters can’t trust a deadbeat like Tran who lied about his record and abandoned his basic responsibilities.
Campaign Response and Looking Forward
As of the latest reporting, Tran’s campaign has not issued a formal response to the attendance record revelations. The timing is particularly challenging for the campaign, coming just days before the election and amid efforts to reverse recent polling deficits.
The revelation raises questions about commitment to public service and reliability in elected office – factors that could influence voters in this closely watched race. With Election Day approaching, this latest controversy adds another dimension to voters’ decision-making process in what has already proven to be a contentious campaign.
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