Pass Assemblyman Announces Campaign Co-Chairs for Congress Run

The state assemblyman for the San Gorgonio Pass has the backing of Rep. Mary Bono Mack and retired San Bernardino County Sheriff Gary Penrod for his election bid in the newly-drawn 8th Congressional District, his staff announced Thursday.

Assemblyman Paul Cook, R-Yucca Valley, is termed out in the State Assembly. He to run in the 8th District in February.

Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs and Penrod have been named co-chairs for Cook's campaign, along with former San Bernardino County state legislator Bill Leonard, current State Sen.  Bill Emmerson, R-Hemet, and former San Bernardino County Supervisor Dennis Hansberger.

The new 8th Congressional District contains the community Pass-area community of Yucaipa, the Morongo Valley, the high desert of San Bernardino County, and stretches north to include Mono and Inyo counties.

"We face three major challenges in this country: jobs, the national debt, and government's inability to control spending and to balance the budget," Cook said in Frebruary when he announced his run for Congress.

"I've worked hard to lower taxes and make California a better place for business, and I've been a tireless advocate for veterans. Military and veterans seem to be a low priority with this administration, but I won't let Washington replicate the past, where they forgot about veterans returning from Vietnam. . . .

"In Congress, we need to lower the debt and clean things up," Cook said. "People have lost faith in government, especially folks in San Bernardino County. With all of the scandal and corruption, I want to help restore integrity and honesty. We need someone who isn't afraid to take on difficult issues."

Cook is a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and current Chairman of the Assembly Committee in the California Legislature.

Cook served 26 years in the Marine Corps, ending his military career as an infantry officer stationed at Twentynine Palms Marine Base. His military decorations include a Bronze Star for combat bravery and two Purple Hearts while serving in Vietnam.