Lantos wins in a landslide

Lantos, who has represented the 12th Congressional District for 24 years, won by over 40,000 votes or 73.7 percent over Ro Khanna with 14,624 or 19.6 percent. Maad Abu-Ghazalah had just over 5,000 votes or 6.7 percent. Khanna and Abu-Ghazalah criticized Lantos for being out of touch with local Peninsula and San Francisco voters over the war in Iraq and the Patriot Act. But from the large percentage of votes for Lantos, there doesn't seem to be any question.

"Negative campaigning, hype and distortions about Tom Lantos don't fool voters in the district," Lantos' Communications Director Lynne Weil said. "The results of the voting have been that people of the Peninsula and San Francisco realize there are many more issues of concern to them."

Besides being one of the senior congressional representatives, Lantos is concerned about the environment, transportation and education, Weil said.

Greeted by a live band and about 150 supporters, Lantos walked into the Machinists Hall in Burlingame with his wife of 54 years, Annette Lantos and two granddaughters to praise his campaign staff and volunteers for running a lively race. Lantos said his campaign was a community and family effort.

"I had well-financed opponents who ran vigorous campaigns and obviously, I'm delighted with the results," Lantos said.

Khanna, who will return to his private law firm, said he is proud of his campaign and for standing up against the war in Iraq and the Patriot Act. After a debate, Khanna said Lantos recognized that he was not attacking him personally, but trying to illustrate the devastating effects of these issues. Although he was soundly defeated, Khanna vowed that he would stay committed to public service.

"We kept our message and never deviated from it," Khanna said. "This is not the last you'll hear about Ro Khanna."

Maad Abu-Ghazalah agreed: "This campaign is not the end, only the beginning."

Abu-Ghazalah, who offered congratulations to Lantos after Tuesday night's results, said local voters care about the war in Iraq and the Patriot Act and he will continue to rally against both issues. He hopes for on-going dialogue with Lantos, even when he returns to Washington.

For his next project, Abu-Ghazalah will focus on November's general election, where he hopes to help oust President George W. Bush from the White House.

"I'd really like to see all that energy put to use in November," he said.

Former Millbrae mayor and San Mateo County supervisor Mary Griffin said Lantos' win is important to the future of the Peninsula. Lantos' seniority in Congress allows him to be successful on issues surrounding local land conservation, transportation and economic concerns, Griffin said.

"I'm glad San Mateo County has this seniority. Seniority is a very important issue in Washington," she said.

Before returning to Washington D.C. on Friday, Lantos will attend a breakfast Wednesday morning - sponsored by the San Mateo Democratic Party - with other Democratic winners and hopefuls.

"I'm looking forward to being there because only a united Democratic Party can win here and nationally," Lantos said.

In the upcoming general election in November, Lantos will face Republican nominee Mike Garza, Green Party candidate Patricia Gray and Libertarian Harland Harrison.