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The President’s trip to the Hollywood Hills yesterday kicked off a minor controversy between two local candidates vying for one hotly contested seat. Van Nuys Congressional Representative, Howard Berman was invited by the President to ride in his vehicle for the 15 minute drive from his helicopter pad to actor Clooney’s home. Berman, currently representing the 28th district is in a close fight for the 30th congressional district seat.

One of his opponents, Brad Sherman, is an 8 term Congressman, currently heading California’s 27th district. Congressional Redistricting just completed this year has shifted the boundaries of each candidate’s turf, forcing each out of their incumbent comfort zones. The newly contested seat in the 30th district seat, which includes much of Brad Sherman’s old constituency, has Howard Berman at a disadvantage. The invitation to ride with Obama was too much for Berman to pass up, and he left Washington for the day, garnering criticism from his opponent that he cared more about money than governing.

Meanwhile, often overlooked in the heated contest is third party candidate Michael Powelson, a former professor at Cal State Northridge running on the Green Party ticket. Powelson was recently excluded from a District 30th debate hosted at Cal State Northridge, sparking a protest by students. Powelson holds a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University and has also taught at L.A. Valley College, and Cal State Channel Islands. He is running on a platform that includes a call for free universal health care for all and a withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.

The election is on June 5th, 2012.

GUEST: Michael Powelson, Green Party Candidate for California District 30 in the San Fernando Valley

Visit www.michaelpowelsonforcongress.org for more information about Powelson’s candidacy. Mike can be reached at MikePowelson@yahoo.com.

Mike Powelson will be at the North Hollywood Farmers Market on Saturday.