SANTA MONICA, Calif. – From the tragically shortened careers of uncles John and Bobby to his brother-in-law Arnold's recent election as California governor, his family tree reads like a who's who of American politics. And now Sargent Shriver's (search) oldest son Bobby is following in their footsteps by running for the Santa Monica City Council.
Campaigning in this liberal beach town, Shriver is saying he wants to solve the city's homeless problem, provide more funding for local schools and build affordable housing.
But ask the 17-year Santa Monica (search) resident why he's getting into politics now, and he'll tell you it's all about the bushes. Earlier this year, the city threatened to fine him $25,000 a day for having hedges that violated the city's strict height restrictions. Shriver says the city went too far.
"I didn't like being bullied," Shriver said.
Known in some circles as the "People's Republic of Santa Monica," the town is notorious for far-left public policy. Shriver isn't abandoning his liberal roots, but says he wants to bring common sense to city hall and build a government responsive to the needs and priorities of all residents.
Shriver's neighbors go to the polls along with the rest of America on Nov. 2.
Click on the video box at the top of this story to watch a report by FOX News' Anita Vogel.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox