History by Jeff Denham

by: Lucas O'Connor

Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 14:46:25 PM PDT

Cross posted at Courage Campaign

Jeff Denham's first tv ad is up and running, and it's striking a familiar "how dare you" tone, but mixing in a new bit of "you want me on that wall, you NEED me on that wall."  Via Capitol Alert, is the transcript as delivered by former Secretary of State Bill Jones:

The recall was launched against Sen. Jeff Denham for one reason only.

He refused to vote for a budget billions out of balance. But then the non-partisan Legislative Analyst proved him right, forecasting an additional $10 billion in red ink.

Local newspapers label this recall an "Abuse of the ballot box." (The Monterey County Herald 2/17/2008)

-- a "sham." (The Madera Tribune, 3/21/2008)

"Petty politics" (Hollister Freelance 2/19/2008)

And "Unjustified" (Fresno Bee 3/20/2008)

Saying this recall is "Just plain wrong." (Merced Sun-Star 2/11/2008)

I agree. Vote No on the Recall.

At some point between last fall and now, Denham and Republicans forcing their budgetary priorities on the Democratic majority has turned into Republicans standing strong in the face of fiscal irresponsibility. At least in Jeff Denham's head.  If Denham really wants to hold himself up as a paragon of budgetary virtue, he might need to answer a few questions.  Like why he keeps accepting pay raises even though he proudly/loudly opposes them.  He also better start coming up with an actual defense for why he stood in lockstep with his GOP brethren in sacrifice of his (supposed) legislative priorities:

As proposed, this budget contains much of what Denham wants, including full funding of education. He has been a strong advocate for schools, a position that has found favor with the powerful teachers union and with parents. It also has contributed to his reputation as a reasonable moderate and helped him win easy re-election last fall.

The Assembly and Senate Democrats have agreed to the spending plan, as has Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican. The holdup - and holdouts - are the Senate Republicans, including Denham.

That's right- once upon a time Jeff Denham was a champion of education.  Then somewhere along the way he gave up serving the people of his district in favor of party loyalty.  And since the revenue cuts forced last year by Republicans have turned into pink slips for teachers this year, it's a pretty stark contrast of priorities.  What could have inspired such a swing? The same article has a theory:

Because of term limits, he cannot run again for the Senate. He has filed the paperwork to run for lieutenant governor in 2010. It appears he is sticking with his hard-line GOP colleagues in order to curry favor with stalwart Republicans whose approval would be essential in his quest to win his party's nomination for statewide office.

Party over the people.  It's not surprising news from the same folks that birthed the Yacht Party of course, but somehow it's still mindboggling.  Granted it's delusional, but at least the new ad is a half-step away from hollow righteous indignation.  Unfortunately, Denham still can't seem to shake this lame and worthless "I don't deserve it" crap.  If Senator Denham doesn't like being held up as the poster child for Republican legislative failures, he might have wanted to consider not personifying them.