Democratic congressional challenger Raul Ruiz was campaigning in Indio this afternoon, holding a small roundtable with local veterans.
Ruiz mostly listened during the event as the nine attendees expressed frustration with health care and offered ideas of how to better serve those who have served the country.
“The quality of life for the people here in this district is my number one priority,” Ruiz told the group in explaining why he had set aside his medical practice to run for Congress.
“But when we already come at each other with polarizing, confrontational, personal attacks — because you have a D or you have an R in front of you – then we’re not going to get anywhere. We’re not going to get anywhere. “
No one mentioned the details of the mudslinging that is playing out between Ruiz and Republican Rep. Mary Bono Mack, who are campaigning for the new 36th Congressional seat.
But one man did question why so much money was being spent on television spots that did little to outline policy differences.
“I don’t care what your personal opinion of Mary Bono is and I don’t care what her personal opinion is of you is, “ he told Ruiz.
“I’m glad you say that you want to talk about the issues,” Ruiz responded.”I do too. Trust me, I do too.”