Democratic Challenger to Bono Mack Expands His 2012 Campaign Website

Dr. Raul Ruiz, the Democratic candidate running to unseat Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, and to represent the San Gorgonio Pass, unveiled his campaign website Monday.

Ruiz and Bono Mack will be seeking election in November in the newly-formed 36th Congressional District, which includes Whitewater, Cabazon, Banning, Beaumont, Cherry Valley and Calimesa.

In an e-mail to supporters, Ruiz' campaign staff urged voters to use the website as a tool to learn more about the Coachella Valley native and emergency room physician.

"Visit us online to get campaign updates, learn more about Dr. Ruiz, find the next listening tour stops, and learn how to help the campaign," the e-mail stated.

The site includes information about Ruiz's next "listening tour" stop on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Coachella Senior Center. He plans to discuss healthcare, medicare and social security, according to the website.

Before today, the website was limited to campaign fundraising and a signup for e-mail updates.

The website also explains more about Ruiz's background, including his success at gathering local support for his studies at Harvard University.

"With each investment for college, he made a promise to come back home and serve the community as a physician," the website states.

Ruiz, who currently serves as a physician in Rancho Mirage, founded the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative, which strives to improve public health and healthcare access in the Coachella Valley.

Bono Mack's campaign website has been active for some time. On her website, Bono Mack, who is the widow of former Palm Springs Mayor and Congressman Sonny Bono, also gives voters the opportunity to get involved and explains her background.

The website praises the congresswoman for her reputation as a "consensus-builder in Congress," and for her work to return authority to local government.

A pdf map of the newly-formed 36th Congressional District is attached to this report.