Joel Anderson

A freshman success with national legs, Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) will bring extra heat to the wide-open race to replace retiring Rep. Duncan Hunter as the 52nd District representative in Congress. That is, if Anderson decides to run.

Already, the Republican primary is loaded with talent and dollars, with the roster of likely candidates including swimming pool magnate Ken King, Santee Councilman Brian Jones, Marine 1st Lt. Duncan Duane Hunter — the incumbent’s son, and Bob Watkins of head hunting, East County school district and Airport Authority fame.

While first-year Assembly members rarely produce smashing legislation, Anderson did just that with his AB 221, which passed unanimously and will end California investments in foreign companies doing business in Iran. Gov. Schwarzenegger announced he would sign it at the United Nations during the visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

An assignment to a committee on public employees retirement spurred the idea. “I was doing due diligence and trying to get caught up when much to my surprise I learned we had $24 billion tied up in foreign companies doing business in Iran.” Citing Iran’s nuclear program and its president’s vow to destroy Israel, Anderson mounted a legislative campaign to halt the investment practice. It takes effect in January and gives companies time to shed their Iranian investments.

Since California’s law passed, 17 other states have moved to cut their financial ties. Anderson supporters expect they would see similar federal legislation if he is elected to Congress.

For now, Anderson says state water issues are his priority. As to the 52nd: “I have a lot of supporters who are really pushing me hard. I have to do some more groundwork before deciding.”