Joy, on a California Ballot
I've spent the last week or so studiously avoiding my absentee ballot for California's June 5 primary election, which, like most political documents in the Golden State, is best consumed with a side of Vicodin.
When I broke down last night and finally cracked the thing, I immediately felt my aversion justified. Despite being home to one of every eight Americans, we Californians will once again have no meaningful say in choosing a presidential nominee; The GOP has failed to find a notable candidate to run against Dianne Feinstein for the U.S. Senate, despite the fact that she is 78 years old, has been in office for 20 years, and has some considerable ethical baggage; My congressional district -- previously represented by the laudable Dana Rohrabacher -- has now been redrawn to make Henry Waxman our new representative (I've already emigrated from Waxman's district once in the past); And our ballot initiatives are the usual pablum: a cosmetic alteration to legislative term limits and a punitive tax aimed at smokers (of which I am one of five remaining in the state).
Amidst this electoral carnage, however, there was one bright spot: Running for one of the judgeships on the Los Angeles County Superior Court is none other than Ricochet's own Joe Escalante.
Hopefully, Joe already assumes that he has earned my support. But he should also know that he's earned my thanks. Filling out this year's ballot just got a lot more tolerable.
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Dec '11
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
Troy, I lived in Nancy Pelosi's district for 20 years, and I now live in Anna Eshoo's district, and I share your despair regarding my Sample Ballot. These people don't even campaign, and they certainly don't ever meet with constituents. They just are. In 2010 we had two excellent self-financed statewide candidates, Fiorina and Whitman, who both lost. It will be awhile before this opportunity presents itself again. I cannot really blame the RNC for not wanting to throw good money after bad.
By every criteria (except Stanford and its spawn), we are the Stupid State. For instance, we have our own stem cell research institute (from which nothing useful will ever come) but we are unable to fund our state parks. God help us all!
Thanks to you and Ricochet for covering California as well as you do. It is very useful to bring attention to this state (and Europe) as the "blue model" crashes and burns with the entire leadership class in denial. It is really the most amazing moment.
Mar '11
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
HVTs
Roberto
Sounds like a plan. I'll meet you outside of Steinberg's office.
Cue the Casablanca tape … shocked, SHOCKED!
What’s this talk of torches and pitchforks!?! You guys have gone to Ted Nugent crazy-land now. If you keep this up, the DNC will be demanding that Romney condemn you both! If that doesn’t ruin your day, the Secret Service will come-a-knockin’. Sheesh, where’s the CoC when you need it!?! {:-) · 13 hours ago
If we vanish off Ricochet feel free to assume the pair of us are being worked over with rubber hoses in the bowels of the Capital Building.
Mar '11
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
It's a bit disturbing how many people suggest that. Makes me feel like the last passenger on the Titanic, get a move on now or go down with the ship.
The real crazy thing is that thought is not crazy.
May '12
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
Troy, I feel your pain. I'm represented by Bobby Rush in Illinois. On the other hand, when was the last time you heard Bobby Rush weighing in on anything? At least we have the good fortune of never hearing any of his opinions.
Apr '11
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
I feel your pain - I have been redrawn into Pete Stark's district...
Mar '11
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
A fate I would not wish on my worst enemy.
Mar '11
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
Go Joe! I sincerely wish you were in Riverside County--almost as much as I wish I lived in another state.
Jun '10
Re: Joy, on a California Ballot
Troy Senik, Ed.:
Amidst this electoral carnage, however, there was one bright spot: Running for one of the judgeships on the Los Angeles County Superior Court is none other than Ricochet's own Joe Escalante.
Hopefully, Joe already assumes that he has earned my support. But he should also know that he's earned my thanks. Filling out this year's ballot just got a lot more tolerable. · · May 11 at 12:43pm
That is so punk rock. I want to send Joe some money.