Itamar Gelbman, an Israeli-American political newcomer, is challenging Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman for his 27th Congressional District seat, which includes a major portion of the San Fernando Valley and Burbank.
Gelbman is running as an independent on a platform of encouraging small business development, providing tax incentives to lure jobs back to the United States and stepping up prosecution of companies that hire illegal aliens. Security issues and U.S.-Israel relations also figure prominently in his campaign.
Although he does not deny holding conservative-friendly views on issues like gun control and capping lawsuits to reduce malpractice insurance premiums, Gelbman does not openly embrace the conservative label. “You can consider me open-minded,” he said.
Gelbman was born in New York City, but his American parents moved the family to Israel when he was 6 to be closer to his grandparents. According to his Web site, Gelbman worked undercover for the Herzliya Police Department at age 16 and was later a decorated soldier in the Israel Defense Forces.
He returned to America as an adult, working first as a security consultant in Los Angeles and then as an entrepreneur in a retail venture. He currently runs a real estate management and investment firm.
The candidate says his “self-made” success and lack of a political background distinguish him from his opponents and from politicians in general.
“I am self-made. Nothing was ever given to me with a silver spoon,” he says on his Web site. “I had to fight for and earn everything I ever accomplished, and I know how it is to deal with real-life situations and hardships.”
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