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Candidate Profile from Congressional Quarterly
Grace Flores Napolitano (D) of Norwalk
Open Seat
- Born: December 4, 1936, Brownsville, Texas
- Education: Brownsville H.S., graduated,
1954.
- Military Service: None.
- Occupation: Regional transportation
claims agent.
- Family: Husband, Frank; five children.
- Religion: Roman Catholic.
- Political Career: Norwalk City
Council, 1986-92, mayor, 1989-90; Calif.
Assembly, 1993-present.
Napolitano had an extra tough challenge to overcome in this majority Hispanic, predominantly Democratic district: nepotism. Retiring veteran Democratic Rep. Esteban E. Torres tapped his top aide and son-in-law to take the helm, but his effort was unsuccessful.
In Sacramento, Napolitano developed a reputation as a thoughtful, diligent lawmaker who focused the bulk of her attention on her chairmanship of the International Trade and Development Committee. She has participated in several overseas excursions to promote California's economic interests in countries such as China, Thailand and Mexico.
She also has experience on Assembly committees dealing with transportation, crime, consumer protection, environmental and local-government issues. She takes credit for securing more than 1,400 acres of open land in her district for one of the largest new parks and wilderness areas in Southern California. She also was active in consumer issues.
Reflecting her interest in economic development issues, Napolitano has requested a seat on the Commerce Committee. She also has requested slots on the Transportation and Infrastructure and Resources committees, citing her district's need for highway improvements and her interest in environmental issues.
Napolitano is blunt in her opposition to impeaching President Clinton. "He is a person who just didn't know how to keep it in his pants," she said. "The fact that they are trying to impeach him for it is wrong."
Napolitano says one of her ways to maintain cooperation in the raucous state Assembly was to feed her colleagues, a practice she would like to continue in Washington. Her green chili enchiladas, tacos, rice and refried beans were favorites.
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