Yeah, I really believe that California would be better served if Republican Congressman David Dreier would take the plunge and run for the senate next year. He would face Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the general election.
There are many reasons why I think that Congressman Dreier would be a formidable candidate for the senate.
Firstly, no serious Republican is mounting a challenge to Sen. Feinstein. If Congressman Dreier were to announce running, no doubt the field would be clear. And Congressman Dreier has a beginning war chest that would have been used to run for reelection in California's 26th congressional district.
Secondly, California is at this point Northern California centric. And overly Democrat represented.
Take a look at our elected officials.
At the federal level is Sen. Feinstein, from San Francisco and Sen. Ma'am Barbara Boxer. She currently lists her primary residence as Palm Springs, but got her start representing the California 6th congressional district. And that is primarily Marin County, one of the most liberal districts in California. So, she is still a No Cal at heart.
Then there are the California constitutional offices.
Gov. Jerry Brown, Democrat No Cal. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democrat No Cal. Treasurer Bill Lockyear, Democrat No Cal. Attorney General Kamala Harris, Democrat No Cal. Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones, Democrat No Cal. The only Southern California representation in Sacramento is the Secretary of State, Debra Bowen and the Controller, John Chiang.
You get the picture.
Congressman Dreier coming from So Cal would bring a different set of priorities to the senate race.
Another plus, usually not good but an exception in this case, is Congressman Dreier's length of service in congress. Congressman Dreier is currently in his 30th year in the People's House. He is important in Republican congressional leadership as chair of the Rules Committee in the House. it is basically how bills weave their way through congress.
But where is Congressman Dreier on the issues?
Congressman Dreier is a solid conservative Republican. Congressman Dreier has a lifetime American Conservative Union rating of 91%. Solid on the issues. To see what latest available votes and how Congressman Dreier voted, see this link.
Congressman Dreier has long supported conservative reform positions on Social Security, education, taxes, and national security issues. Congressman Dreier was elected the same year, 1980, as Ronald Reagan was elected president. While this link is not the most current, it does indicate the solid conservative voting record Congressman Dreier has had.
To some, it is not a perfect record and it will be highlighted.
For instance, on an issue that I will delve into in a bit, Congressman Dreier has a mixed record of homosexual issues. He opposed the Defense of Marriage Act. Opposes job discrimination based on sexual orientation. Yet he opposes same-sex adoptions in the District of Columbia.
And that leads to the elephant in the room. No pun intended.
It has long been rumored that Congressman Dreier is a homosexual. He has never been married. And the rumors are that he and his chief of staff, Brad W. Smith were long time partners.
Congressman Dreier has refused to answer the allegations.
And FTR, I really do not care if Congressman Dreier is or is not a homosexual. He has never made it an issue one way or the other. Thus, it is his business. But, if he were to run for the senate, he would need to deal with the questions. Like it or not.
And let me be clear, if we lived in a different time in our history, maybe it would be an issue to plant the flag on. But we have so many fires out there that whether or not a congressman or senator is gay is not high up on my issues list.
And I believe that Congressman Dreier would make a formidable opponent to the senior senator from California. Something that Sen. Feinstein has not had in a while.
Congressman Dreier would be a great choice for California Republicans to take on Sen. Dianne Feinstein. I am very hopeful that Congressman Dreier is giving it some serious thought. The calendar is running against him. And it would have to make the Democrat party pour millions into what should be a safe seat for them. But, with the right candidate, Congresman Dreier, it would be at best a toss up. And a huge Republican take away. And that much closer to a majority Republican senate.
So, if you are paying attention David Dreier, I think that it is time to move up to the senate and this is the time to make a run.
No comments:
Post a Comment