Darrell Issa

Darrell E. Issa (pronounced Eye-suh) (born November 1 1953), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing the 49th District of California (http://ftp2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd109_gen/cd_based/california/cd109_CA49.pdf). He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, was educated at Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, served in the United States Army, first enlisting, then after attending college on an ROTC scholarship was commissioned an officer and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain, and was a businessman before entering the House.

Related Topics:
November 1 - 1953 - American - Republican - United States House of Representatives - 2001 - California - Cleveland, Ohio - Siena Heights College - Adrian, Michigan - United States Army

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Issa is one of the wealthiest members of the United States Congress. He made his fortune selling car alarms in Vista, California (a city he now represents in the House). Issa's business Directed Electronics Incorporated, noted for its flagship product, "The Viper," (The Viper alarm bears one notable siren which is a recording of Issa's voice, "Warning, you are too close, this vehicle protected by Viper.") As of 2004, Directed Electronics was North America's largest aftermarket automotive electronics manufacturer. Issa divested all personal interest in Directed Electronics Incorporated after being elected to public office.

Related Topics:
United States Congress - Car alarm - Vista, California

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While CEO of Directed Electronics, Issa served as Chairman of the Consumer Electronics Association and was recognized by Inc. Magazine and the San Diego Tribune as San Diego's Entrepreneur of the Year.

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He sought the Republican nomination for United States Senator against incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer in 1998, but lost the primary election to California State Treasurer Matt Fong.

Related Topics:
United States Senator - Democrat - Barbara Boxer - 1998 - Primary election - California State Treasurer - Matt Fong

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Issa came to national prominence when he personally financed the 2003 California recall effort against California Governor Gray Davis. It was widely assumed that Issa would run on the ballot to replace Davis; in the end, he declined to run, because Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to run. Issa later said that his mission had been accomplished since Gray Davis was recalled. Issa said he wanted to continue representing his district in Congress and work towards Middle East peace, a policy area that Issa takes particular interest in.

Related Topics:
2003 California recall - California - Gray Davis - Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Issa is an Arab American of Lebanese descent, and has regularly drawn the ire of conservative organizations, American Jewish groups, and anti-terror advocates and for his vocal support of Hezbollah, and other organizations many governments consider terrorist or terror linked. During a visit to Beirut he once publicly exclaimed "I have a great deal of sympathy for the work that Hezbollah tries to do," to the Beirut Daily Star. In 2001, Irv Rubin and Earl Krugel of the Jewish Defense League were charged with conspiracy to bomb his Vista, California office.

Related Topics:
Arab American - Jew - 2001 - Irv Rubin - Earl Krugel - Jewish Defense League - Conspiracy

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