I have been a lifelong community activist and frankly did not dream of being in public office.

I guess it's about free speech but it's extremely unfair. As the next-highest-ranking Democrat in the Assembly Bass was well-positioned to take the post. However Congresswoman Karen Bass has supported the H Amendment 16 for Reducing Navy and Air Force Appropriations.

From 2008 to 2010 Karen Bass served as Speaker of the California State Assembly becoming the second woman and third African American to serve in that post. She is a member of the Democratic Party.