Audra Strickland After replacing her husband as the 37th District assemblymember two years ago, Audra Strickland is up for reelection Nov. 7. And her challenger, Ferial Masry, is looking not only to take her spot, but to make history as well.

The small-business owner turned history teacher is hoping to become the first SaudiAmerican elected to U.S. office.

Masry said her background growing up in Saudi Arabia and Egypt gives her a unique perspective. One priority is resolving the immigration debate.

"As an immigrant, I believe that it is incumbent upon Democrats and Republicans to reach a fair . . . solution," Masry said. "Of course, I'm against illegal immigration. There are a lot of jobs that would be difficult to fill, but we need to fill them in a way that's legal.

"But the reality is, this is a federal issue, and California is paying the price for the government's failing."

Strickland is the co-chair of the Task Force on Illegal Immigration and recently held a hearing to identify its impact on California.

"We will be continuing our work with the task force," Strickland said. "There will be additional hearings over the next several months. . . . After they have concluded, we'll formulate some proposals for legislation, and put together some things we can introduce in the beginning of the year."

Ferial Masry Strickland said she'll continue to fight bills that would award illegal immigrants driver's licenses or free college tuition.

"That kind of generosity isn't even extended to our own children who are out of state, trying to pay their tuition," Strickland said. "And driver's licenses, things like that, that's an issue of national security, and I've advocated in the legislature against it."

Another of Strickland's passions is supporting law enforcement.

"Here in Ventura County, public safety is something we esteem most, to feel safe," Strickland said. "I've been a tireless advocate on behalf of public safety and that we continue to be sure Ventura County is the safest and our cities continue to be ranked amongst the highest in the state.

"That's become a finer point in my mind since I've become a mom. Those issues are more real in my mind."

Masry's son recently returned from a 11/2-year tour in Iraq. Although Masry is against the war in Iraq, she's vocal about strengthening veterans' benefits.

As a high school teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Masry said, she's disappointed in the lack of funding for public schools in California. She's against private school vouchers and supports reducing class size and creating incentives to keep teachers and students in the classroom.

Strickland, a former junior high teacher, agreed that the education system is "broken."

In an effort to restore what's in need of fixing, Strickland is pushing legislation that strengthens career-technical programs, exit-exam assistance programs and daycare facilities. She also supports AB-1857, which reduces the time it takes to get new teachers started in the classrooms, and SB-687, which requires schools to submit report cards including spending details.

Although education is Masry's No. 1 priority, healthcare is a close second.

"I think our healthcare system is the biggest problem our country is facing and is going to face in the future," Masry said. "Making sure that healthcare is affordable and accessible to everybody is a big issue for me, and one of my greatest priorities."

Masry also cited major issues like protecting open space and the environment as well as addressing increasing freeway congestion and expanding Metrolink services.

She was born and raised in Mecca, Saudi Arabia until age 10, when Masry's family moved to Egypt for its schools.

Masry graduated from college in Cairo with a bachelor's degree in journalism before marrying Waleed, a civil engineer, and moving to the United States in 1979.

Masry attended California Lutheran University, where she received her teaching credential and master's degree. She teaches government and history at Cleveland High School in Los Angeles.

Before being elected in 2004, Strickland taught junior high school students American history and language arts.

She lives in Moorpark with her husband, Tony, and their daughter.