A blog about Politics, News, and Kern County.
|
Tea Partiers rag on Kevin... Fran Florez announces endorsements -- a coincidence? Pete Parra announces endorsements Conservative group releases legislative scorecard A Republican steps into the Parra/Florez contest Jagels' retirement profiled by AP Behind the scenes of the UC Merced deal: Politico Coffeehouse brings Florez, Parras together $500 million for UC Merced: Costa and Cardoza's "ask" in health care bill Costa: "yes" vote begets UC Merced med school May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 Get e-mail updates from this blog, and download a PDF to print on the go with the Politics, Anyone Printcast.
RSS 2.0    Share!
|
|
|
McCarthy called a "Young Gun"
Kevin McCarthy's again making a name for himself.
The “Weekly Standard,” in this week’s cover story, names the Bakersfield congressman one of three “Young Guns of the House GOP.” The prominent conservative magazine calls McCarthy “the strategist” who has one goal — “to retake the House,” including by targeting freshman Democrats. McCarthy’s described as a better campaigner and more of a people person than his powerful predecessor and mentor, Bill Thomas. “The important thing — and the thing I think Republicans lack — is ideas,” McCarthy’s quoted as saying. “We need new ideas, creative ideas, and we shouldn't walk away from being conservative.” You can get the full story here: http://www.weeklystandard.c... 17 comments from 6 users
1
posted by
robbwillis
on Sep 25, 2007 at 12:03 PM
That's great. If you've got a top goal as congressman, let it be something extrordinaryly beneficial to every citizen of the country. McCarthy is the mastermind behind the NRCC's recent campaign against freshman Democrats, which includes radio and television ads and automated phone calls in close to 30 districts. Keep up the good work, Kevin! posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 25, 2007 at 12:23 PM
But will the NRCC be able to pay its phone bill? http://tpmelectioncentral.c... (But beware the Politics of Lowered Expectations.) posted by
robbwillis
on Sep 25, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Do political robo-calls sway you? When I answer the phone at dinner time and I get an electronic pause followed by a candidate's voice, then I know who I am not going to vote for. Prerecorded calls turn me off. I do take note of whom the call is from and subtract points from any standing they may have with me. Even my top choice will lose ground with a precorded call. Yes, they have helped me make up my mind. I did not vote for one single candidate who harassed me on my private phone number. Do they pay for my telephone? What gives them the right to even have my phone number? How many times do I have to break my neck rushing for the phone, only to hear a stupid automated celebrity blabber on about their oh-so-important opinions? It makes me sick. posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 25, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Which is why the Republicans have made such calls ostensibly in favor of their opponents...and you have to sit through the whole thing to find out it's actually for the sleazier candidate.
posted by
robbwillis
on Sep 25, 2007 at 12:42 PM
This should be illegal: Rates are 1 cent per 15-second message delivered to one phone number (minimum of 5,000 phone numbers). Use an automatic dialer; go to jail! posted by
mattloch
on Sep 25, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Only one cent per call? Hmmm.... I think I have a list around here somewhere......I may also be able to put together a 15-second message for them...... And I think I can scrape up the $50 it would cost...... posted by
blognroll
on Sep 25, 2007 at 01:43 PM
About 2 years ago, I predicted he would run for president in 2012. I'm still running with that prediction. If it weren't for the American-born requirement, it would initial be an Arnold/McCarthy ticket, and I believe Arnold may actually have his friends in high places clear the road for him just in time to run, with McCarthy right by his side in 2012. I'm not familiar enough with his voting record or his opinions on the issues to say I would support him as a presidential candidate, but I will say this: I've only met him in person a couple of times, but found him to come across as humble, sincere and friendly. He's also incredibly sharp, savvy, and on top of things. The Democrats may have a lot to complain about in terms of his policies, but they would not be able to accuse him of being an idiot. Even if you're a Democrat, wouldn't you agree that it would be pretty awesome having one of our own "homeboys" in the White House? C'mon, how cool is that?! posted by
TomW
on Sep 25, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Doc, first of all, the President and Vice President can't be from the same state. That's why Cheney had to pull his "moving" to Wyoming stunt. Secondly, Schwarzenegger would never pass the vetting for a federal office. He only got in because of the Grey Davis circus and he's already below 50% approval in CA.As for McCarthy, I think he's got about 4 more years before he gets defeated by a Democrat. He's stepping on too many locals trying to climb the ladder and the 22nd is changing dramatically. posted by
blognroll
on Sep 25, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Doc, first of all, the President and Vice President can't be from the same state. That's why Cheney had to pull his "moving" to Wyoming stunt. I stand corrected. I wasn't aware of that requirement. Thanks for enlightening me. What if one of them pulled a Dick Cheney? Would there be any potential scenarios in which they could pull it off? Secondly, Schwarzenegger would never pass the vetting for a federal office. He only got in because of the Grey Davis circus and he's already below 50% approval in CA. I'm not so sure about that, Tom. He's seems to be positioning himself for a move to something bigger and better. What do you suppose that might be, if not a run for president? He got in because of the Grey Davis circus and because he is Arnold. Wouldn't you admit that Arnold's celeb rity status was also a major factor? As for McCarthy, I think he's got about 4 more years before he gets defeated by a Democrat. He's stepping on too many locals trying to climb the ladder and the 22nd is changing dramatically. Time will tell. posted by
dusty1215
on Sep 25, 2007 at 02:19 PM
The politics of lower expectations, as RF mentions, is hitting people from both sides of the aisle. Neither party is beloved by their followers...except maybe those 29%ers still drinking the BushCo koolaid.
posted by
TomW
on Sep 25, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Doc, one of them could move, but it would kill them. Here's the problem: Schwarzenegger can't move to another state because his value is tied to California. McCarthy is the actual Californian but if he moves, he'd have no structural support. If McCarthy is eying the White House, he's probably gunning for the governor's seat since the jump from Congress to President is hard. He also has no executive experience.My gut feeling is that he's looking to be the next Tom Delay. posted by
blognroll
on Sep 25, 2007 at 04:15 PM
You could be right, Tom, but what about Arnold? There is no end to his ambition, so where do you see it going once his term is up? I think he wants to be President. What do you think? Given the insight you have shed on the situation, I'm now convinced that they will probably never end up on the same ticket, but do you think either has a chance of becoming President someday?
posted by
TomW
on Sep 25, 2007 at 04:37 PM
BLT, I think there is a better chance of McCarthy becoming President than Schwarzenegger. A Constitutional change requires 67 votes and there are too many people who wouldn't do it for political reasons.McCarthy could make it, but he'll need to move into the Governor's seat within 8 years to do it and then spend two terms there. If he could pull it off, he'd be set. My guess is that he'll be like Tom McClintock in that he can't get the statewide traction despite local popularity. I just see him doing his 6-12 years in Congress and then going the lobbyist route. He's also not going to be nearly as popular if there is a real challenge to him locally. I'm not going to speak ill of Sharon Beery, but you can't run an election in the 22nd from the coast. There are something like half a million eligible voters in the 22nd, and about half of those live in Kern. posted by
blognroll
on Sep 25, 2007 at 04:47 PM
He is a rising star, no doubt about it. How far he rises, or whether he will fall or fade, remains to be seen. I picture him going all the way. I may not agree with all of his decisions heretofore, but I do believe he is a force to be reckoned with. posted by
mattloch
on Sep 26, 2007 at 09:34 AM
What was McCarthy's vote on SCHIP? Anybody know?
posted by
mattloch
on Sep 27, 2007 at 08:25 AM
Found it: McCarthy voted against health care for poor children. Interesting strategery to "retake the House". Are you sure it'll work? 
posted by
TomW
on Sep 27, 2007 at 10:41 AM
McCarthy also voted against lower healthcare costs for seniors, voted to give tax breaks to oil companies, voted against implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and against the minimum wage. And all that without playing "gotcha" on stuff he voted against in omnibus bills like money for domestic violence programs, rules forcing the government to stop awarding no-bid contracts etc.
1
 Loading Stories
Advertisement |
