OC Weekly: In the race to replace Cox, Dems need to support Brewer

[question everything]

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2005

Man Bites Dogma: Democratic Realpolitik

In the race to replace Cox, Dems need to support Brewer

by MARK P. PETRACCA

(snip)

Brewer is a former state Assembly member, now running in the Oct. 4 election to fill the congressional seat vacated by Chris Cox. She is, as Smith went on to explain from the podium, a friend of the environment and historical preservation. Smith didn’t explain that Brewer is also a pro-choice moderate.

That puts Brewer at odds with state Senator John Campbell, her leading opponent on a ballot that looks more like a phone book. Campbell was at the gathering too, though no one could say why—unless it was to fish for votes in unlikely waters. Campbell is more at home in the rabid right wing of his party. He’s opposed to gay marriage and stem-cell research, for more war and guns, for less health care, and regards environmental protection as needless regulation. It’s safe to say that if it’s for death, Campbell is for it.

(snip)

It’s all about mathematics. Under no reasonable circumstances can a Democrat win this district, which includes the Republican strongholds of Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, El Toro, Tustin, Newport Beach and Irvine. In the 48th, Republicans outnumber Democrats by about two to one; the district has more registered Republicans than any other California congressional district and the lowest percentage of registered Democrats in any state congressional district.

So the choice for Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans is easy: knowing that a Republican is going to win, would you rather have Marilyn Brewer — an unpretentious, pro-choice, small-business owner — or John Campbell, an ostentatious, pro-life, wealthy car salesman?

I’ve known Brewer for more than a decade. We have differences of opinion on many policy issues, but I know a few things that make it easy for me to vote for her — as I did three times when she was a member of the state Assembly. Marilyn is not a conservative; she’s not beholden to corporate or political interest groups; she knows how to listen; and unlike so many local conservative politicos, she’ll let good evidence triumph over raw ideology.

(snip)

http://www.ocweekly.com/ink/06/04/man-petracca.php

[rpannier]

1. This is a good example

Of choosing the lesser of two evils. She seems reasonable enough at least.

[Pithy Cherub]

2. Put me down for Steve Young til the bitter end.

:P

[mitchtv]

3. moderate on choice?

Wtf is that? you are pro choice or anti. You can never trust a puke yech

[question everything]

4. Moderate, pro-choice

two distinct characterization. She still is a Republican, was a member of the Assembly as a Republican but is pro-choice.

I really think that all the old timers GOP would be considered today as moderate. Even Barry Goldwater was pro-choice. All stems from their belief that a small government certainly means a government that does not intrude on people's private lives.

[mitchtv]

5. My local puke rep (Bono) claims

to be the same, but you might as well have Newt in the seat the way she votes in the long run. They cannot be trusted, a leopard cannot change his spots.

[question everything]

6. Yes, but Orange County is the most Republican county

in the nation, I think.

And if you visit their blog, they already are on the break of a burst clot at her, constantly throwing the books at her (ethics violation) and call her RINO, telling her to change party registration. And, of course, they are scared of the minuteman Gilchirst.

So if she does beat the anointed one - John Campbell - oh wouldn't that be wonderful? Just to hear their screams?

[jackbourassa]

7. Brewer may help Young

If all the DLC types vote for a republican and we all stick with Steve Young - he will definitely make it to the end.

In the end, moderate Republicans don't win primaries in CA. Then we'll run against a fundy or something.