Nestande Confirms Congressional Challenge in 36th District

Local State Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, has confirmed to Patch that he's taken the first steps in a run for the 36th congressional seat in 2014. 

The seat, won by Democrat Raul Ruiz in November, had long been a Republican stronghold until the emergency room doctor from the Coachella Valley unseated Mary Bono Mack after more than 14 years.

Nestande tells Patch his treasurer opened an account for any possible congressional campaign expenditures; a formality which must be done first and foremost.

"I've got to have an account to take certain steps," Nestande told Patch in a telephone interview Tuesday.  "We'll make an official announcement in a relatively short time...  I’m taking concrete steps towards running by dong this."

The assemblyman said he has received support from Mary Bono Mack for the run, something that was important to him.

"To get Mary's support is very important, not only because she's a good friend, but because she has a lot of supporters out there and it's important for me to get her help," he said.

Nestande, who lives in Palm Desert with his wife and their seven children, says a congressional schedule would be nearly the same for him with "just a longer plane flight" between official meetings and home in the Coachella Valley.

The 36th congressional district stretches from the San Gorgonio Pass through the Coachella Valley, and into the Hemet/San Jacinto valleys.

What do YOU think?  Would you like to see Assemblyman Nestande become Congressman Nestande?  Tell us in the comments section below!