I mean, it's easy to say this when his commute is paid for by the taxpayers!

Earlier this month, my opponent bragged online about commuting from his Tahoe home to Sacramento for session. "From the lake to the swamp in one morning" he said. As if we're supposed to take pity on him for having to endure "the swamp" to represent us.

We called him out of course. I mean, it's easy to say this when his commute is paid for by the taxpayers! Legislators get a Member's Per Diem meant to offset living expenses for those who live too far to commute to the capital every day. California is big. And I don't have to tell anyone how expensive it can be. So for those members who live far away, it makes sense that they should receive something to help offset the costs of setting up another home. Most legislators who live locally, however, have traditionally chosen not to accept it. Of our most recent representatives from this area, Kevin Kiley, Beth Gaines, Ted Gaines - when he was in the Senate - all chose not to receive per diem. But not Joe. In the time he's been in the legislature, my opponent has received on average $45,000 a year above and beyond his salary. Money that is meant for members to set up a separate home away from home. Not for local legislators to brag about driving from Tahoe to Sacramento out of one side of their mouth, while trying to relate to voters by complaining about gas prices from the other.

Well, I guess we hit a nerve, because he had a meltdown. Posting and commenting about it not one time, not two times, not even three times, but four times! He doubled down on his decision to accept it. Even adding the hash tag "NoApologies" to his post about buying frozen yogurt with his per diem for his kids.

When elected I'll opt out of receiving the allotted money given to legislators for living and travel expenses. It's a simple thing that signifies my commitment to be responsible with your tax dollars.

You don't work hard every day to make certain I'm subsidized for having the same commute as you.