Courage Campaign progressive activists attempt delivery of 'Hall of Shame' report card to Assemblymember Cooper

Tim Molina, political director with Courage Campaign displays Cooper's report card." |

Saying his legislative votes do not represent the voting patterns of his constituents, several progressive activists today attempted to deliver a so-called "hall of shame" poster report card to the Elk Grove field office of California Assemblymember Jim Cooper.

The activists, who are associated with ACCE and Courage California attempted to deliver the poster that acted as a report card on Cooper's vote. The grade Cooper earned according to standards established by both groups was an F. 

Speaking to the group assembled, Tim Molina of Courage California said the third term Democratic legislator representing the state's 9th assembly district did not reflect votes by constituents on several ballot measures. 

"He is failing, and his district is voting more progressive on ballot measures," Molina said.

Among the issues, Molina cited were the legalization of marijuana, reclassification of certain crimes, and holding big pharma accountable.

Taking a no-prisoners position on their website, Courage California gave Cooper and eight other Democratic assemblymembers and senators Fs for their votes on an array of legislative items ranging from bills to erase prior non-violent cannabis convictions to reinstating net neutrality. The commentary said Cooper was like a Where's Waldo representative given he "opted out of voting 16 times when facing (sic) with the most critical progressive votes during the 2018 session."

Cooper, who served with the Elk Grove City Council for 14 years before his 2014 election to the California Assembly and retired from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department that same year following a 30 career, has regularly advocated for crime victims. Addressing the claims from Molina and Courage California, Cooper's communication director Skyler Wonnacott pushed back saying the assemblymember votes resemble the district.

"Jim votes his district, he votes for the people of his district, and his constituency, not what the courage campaign considers a good record or not," Wonnacott said. "He reflects the will of the voters of the 9th assembly district."

He also noted that Cooper has voted in favor of several progressive measures such as women's reproductive rights, gender pay equality, climate change, and clean air. Cooper has earned a perfect 100 score by Planned Parenthood for his defense of reproductive rights. 

Wonacott said the campaign is being selective in their criticism of Cooper's record and "He stands by his voting record and the bills that he has authored." A summary provided by Cooper's office can be viewed here.

The Courage California campaign is conducted with advocacy groups including Indivisible CA: StateStrong, and ACCE Action. Between today and this Sunday, similar events are planned for 18 California state senators and assemblymembers. 

When the group attempted their noon delivery to Cooper's field office, the activists found a locked entry door. A ring on the door was unanswered.