Loretta Sanchez Celebrates $485,000 Federal Grant For OC Crime Lab

Loretta Sanchez, right, inspecting DNA equipment

Think what you might about Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's politics, but there is no denying that the Anaheim Democrat continually helps steer important federal grants to Orange County's local government entities, especially law enforcement agencies.

Yesterday, with our Liz Monroy watching, Sanchez visited Sandra Hutchens' Orange County Sheriff's Department and its OC Crime Lab to celebrate a 2011 award of $485,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Federal officials hope the money will speed critical, forensic DNA analysis in the county's criminal cases.

During her visit, the congresswoman--a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Homeland Security--met with Elizabeth Thompson, the crime lab's DNA director, and Bruce Houlihan, director of the entire operation. The two gave Sanchez--who was upbeat and funny--a tour of the lab and explained the process of DNA analysis, according to Monroy.

Liz Monroy

Sanchez at the OCSD Crime Lab yesterday

On Nov. 6, businessman Jerry Hayden is hoping his rookie campaign can wipe the smile off Sanchez's face by doing what Republicans haven't been able to do in eight consecutive elections: defeat Orange County's lone, Energizer Bunny Democrat in Congress.

If you don't know anything about Hayden, go HERE.

For more information about Sanchez, go HERE.

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