FranPAC Favorite: Jim Costa

By BRIAN DIGGELMANN According to the International Franchise Association, FranPAC “creates an opportunity for IFA members to provide financial support to candidates for federal office, and a robust PAC means more contributions to candidates who understand franchising and who will promote a legislative and regulatory climate favorable to franchising.” Although the vast majority of candidates who receive contributions from FranPAC are Republicans, select Democrats have also received funding when their views align with the goals and causes of the franchising community. Jim Costa is one such Democrat. Currently representing California’s 20th Congressional District, Costa is a lifelong Democrat who leans towards the center. As a child, he grew up on a dairy farm where he was instilled with a great respect for the agriculture industry and difficulties faced by farmers. Today, agriculture remains a central focus of his work as he sits on a variety of committees overseeing natural resources, water and power, conservation and rural development. Costa is an experienced politician at the state level but relatively new to the national stage. He served in the California State Assembly from 1978 to 1994 before winning a seat in the California State Senate in 1994. In 2004, he successfully ran for the 20th Congressional District seat vacated by fellow Democrat Cal Dooley, which he holds to this day. Earlier this month, Costa ran in the election for the newly-created 16th District in California, which he also won. Key Votes Costa is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of Democratic fiscally-conservative congressmen, but has voted with his party on important legislation such as the $800 billion economic stimulus package in 2009 and the healthcare reform bill in 2010. Here’s how Costa voted on other key IFA-backed legislation:

H.R. 3630: Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011	Nay	HR3630. On Passage
H.R. 4: The Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011	Yea	HR0004. On Passage
H.R. 10: Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011	Nay	HR0010. On Passage
H.R. 9: Small Business Tax Cut Act	Nay	HR0009. On Passage
H.R. 2: Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act	Nay	HR0002. On Passage
H.R. 2433: Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011	Yea	HR2433. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
H.R. 3094 Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act	Nay	HR3094. On Passage

  Overall, FranPAC gives Costa a 28.6 percent rating for voting with the IFA and contributed $5,000 in the 2011-2012 election cycle. For more information and details on what each of these amendments and resolutions, visit the IFA’s Federal Vote Scorecard website by clicking here.