Abel Maldonado Advances to ‘On the Radar’

Washington — The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced Abel Maldonado as an ‘On the Radar’ candidate, the important first step in the ‘Young Guns’ program. Founded during the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the ‘Young Guns’ program is a Member-driven effort that is the primary method for recruiting strong candidates for both open-seat and challenger races. Maldonado is running for California’s 23rd Congressional District.

“We are looking forward to working with Abel Maldonado, who has already proven himself by meeting rigorous benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Abel Maldonado’s dedication and experience enables him to advocate effectively for pro-growth policies and fight the failed Democrat status quo in Washington. This will stand in stark contrast to Washington’s out-of-control record of spending, borrowing and taxing that California families and small businesses know has failed.”

Specifically, the ‘Young Guns’ program encourages candidates who have proven their ability to meet crucial campaign benchmarks to develop their campaigns further in order to achieve victory on Election Day. In achieving ‘On the Radar’ status, Maldonado has met the first set of these organizational and fundraising benchmarks and has already begun to establish himself as a strong contender. Maldonado will now work toward even higher goals that will help him advance in the ‘Young Guns’ program and build an effective, winning campaign.

Abel Maldonado has a wealth of experience as a farmer, businessman, legislator, mayor and lieutenant governor. As Mayor of Santa Maria, Maldonado guided the city out of a financial crisis with his leadership. This experience brought Abel to Sacramento for the first time in 1998 when he was elected to the State Assembly. As a state legislator, Maldonado made a commitment to his constituents to represent them to the best of his ability. Maldonado was sworn in as California’s 47th Lieutenant Governor on April 27, 2010. Throughout his career, Maldonado has remained committed to the fundamental values he was raised on of family, fiscal responsibility, personal accountability, integrity and a strong work ethic.

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