Farr retains seat in House



Farr retains seat in House

Farr retains seat in House

By CLAUDIA MELŠNDEZ SALINAS
The Salinas Californian
Photo

Sam Farr

2004 ELECTIONS »
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U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, held onto the seat he's occupied for more than a decade as he comfortably led a pack of six candidates.

With more than 60 percent of precincts counted Tuesday night, Farr had 60 percent of the vote, while his closest challenger, self-employed sports consultant Mark Risley, a Republican, was a distant second with 35 percent.

Green Party candidate Raymond Glock-Grueneich received 1.1 percent of the ballots cast; Libertarian Joel Richard Smolen had 0.9 percent; and Peace and Freedom candidate Joseph Williams had 0.8 percent. Write-in candidate David MuÒoz's results were not immediately available.

"I feel very privileged to represent the most beautiful and most talented congressional district in the United States," Farr said. Farr said, he'll continue to work on reducing violence in Salinas and housing.

"It's time to get people to petition local governments on affordable housing," he said.

Risley sought to win voters with biting campaign TV commercials using the words "knucklehead" and "career politician" in reference to the incumbent.

"I think if there is anything to learn from their campaign is that negative campaigning doesn't work in this area," Farr said.

Risley could not be reached for comment late Tuesday.

Californian staff writer KELLY NIX contributed to this report. Contact Claudia Melendez at cmelendez@salinas.gannett.com.

AT A GLANCE

U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, is heading for two more years in Congress, as early results Tuesday night showed him well ahead. With 60 percent of precincts counted, he had 60 percent of the vote.

Originally published Wednesday, November 3, 2004

When this story was posted in November 2004, this was on the front page of PCOL:

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