Growing Pains
Since this election season ended, I have been thinking a lot about the role San Joaquin County plays in our state and national politics. With David Harmer having conceded his race to Rep. Jerry McNerney over the weekend, all of our federal and state Democratic incumbents won re-election (Cardoza, McNerney, Galgiani, Huber, and Buchanan). Not bad for a county and region that is considered a conservative stronghold by some political pundits and media players. Yet, the recent “blue” streak in San Joaquin County is causing growing pains and an increased level of concern from progressives who feel that San Joaquin legislators vote too conservatively for them to continue to support. (Example: Rep. McNerney’s recent vote opposing ending Bush-era tax cuts.)
Recent ROV data show Dems enjoying an estimated 10K registration advantage in San Joaquin County (115,082 registered Democrats, 105,115 Republicans and 39,167 who decline to state). Obviously these stats are taken into consideration when our legislators decide their votes. After all, they are elected to represent their entire districts and not a particular political movement. So the question I pose today is: as a Dem activist in San Joaquin County, what expectations do you have for our local legislators when it comes to voting?
As an aside, how does the recent defeat of progressive champions Russ Feingold and Alan Grayson factor into the progressive movement’s future? If vocal leaders such as Feingold and Grayson cannot hold onto their seats, does that make it harder for Democratic legislators, such as those who represent San Joaquin County, to vote progressive?
Nicholas Hatten
Chair, San Joaquin County Democratic Central Committee
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