Illegal Immigration Top Issue in CA-50

Amid a backdrop of escalating protests and polarization, residents in the 50th congressional district prepare for a special election on April 11. Illegal immigration is the top concern of voters in the district, edging out restoring ethics to government by a slight margin and overwhelming other critical issues included federal spending, health care and the war on terror.

On March 14, San Diego-based Competitive Edge Research & Communication released the results of a poll paid for by the Sycuan tribe and conducted with a sample of 802 likely voters in the 50th District. The poll, according to the company, had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.5 percent. It showed that when it comes to the issue on which voters wanted to see their congressional representative work hardest, illegal immigration topped the list. The breakdown of answers was reported as follows:

- Stemming illegal immigration ---- 21.8 percent.

- Restoring ethics and integrity to government ---- 21.6 percent.

- Improving health care and prescription drugs ---- 15.6 percent.

- Holding the line on federal spending ---- 15.2 percent.

- Fighting the war on terror ---- 14.8 percent.

- Improving local transportation and roads ---- 6.7 percent.

Candidates for convicted felon Randy "Duke" Cunningham's old seat in congress are working hard to stay ahead of the daily news cycle in the North County, where thousands are taking the streets to protest what they see as attacks not just on illegal immigration, but immigrants.