Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1040159
palletcentral.com PalletCentral • September-October 2018 35 the word 'farmer' from Rep. Jeff Denham's (R) description on November's ballot, arguing it is "false and misleading." Harder "has taken issue not only with Denham's claims to be a farmer, but also with his roots in the district, noting ... that Denham grew up and began his political career in coastal Monterey." This is an important point in the heavily agricultural California 10th District. National Pollsters like Charles E. Cook and National Journal, as of late August, show the race as a 'toss-up' as to who will win. Meanwhile, former president Barack Obama endorsed Josh Harder in his bid to unseat Congressman Denham, shortly after news broke that President Donald Trump's re-election campaign will donate money to Denham's campaign. H Why it Matters Roughly half of the House's 21 committees will have new Republican leadership next year, creating several competitive races among colleagues looking to move up the ranks. The majority of the openings come from retiring GOP chairmen, most of whom have reached the six-year limit Republicans place on their committee leaders. Several members have made their interest in the openings clear, as Republicans await the November results to determine whether the committee races will be for chairmanships or ranking member posts. If Denham wins re-election, he has a shot at becoming Chair of the powerful Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. NWPCA and its members have spent several years building a relationship with the Congressman. Westside Pallet recently hosted Denham for a Congressional Mill Tour at their facility. If Harder wins, and the Democrats take the House, he will be in a strong position as a Member in the majority. Michigan: Debbie Stabenow (D) Recent Strategic National poll shows Debbie Stabenow (D) leading Army veteran John James (R) 50-35 percent. Political newcomer John James told Oakland Press: "Michigan needs a combat veteran and job creator in the U.S. Senate. I don't have a Black message. I don't have a White message. I have a Michigan message. I'm a West Point graduate and a combat veteran who knows how to keep America safe because I have done it before. I am a job-creator who knows how to create economic opportunity because I have done it before." NWPCA reminds you to get out and vote. There are some races to watch and reasons why it matters to the wood packaging industr y.