During a primary election, however, such as the one coming up this June, an incumbent Democrat is often challenged by another Democrat. Candidates for public office have differences in their personalities and in their approaches to issues, and Democrats then decide which candidates for whom they will campaign and vote.
I have heard that there is a rule in the U.S. House of Representatives that requires Democrats to support their incumbent colleagues. Whether it's true or not, it certainly does not apply to a Representative's constituents. Otherwise, what would be the purpose of a primary election in the case of an incumbent?
This issue has recently come to national prominence in the case of Henry Waxman's (California's 30th CD) support for Jane Harman by writing a letter attacking primary challenger Marcy Winograd (whom this club has endorsed). This development has caused quite a stir because Henry Waxman is a noted supporter of liberal causes and Jane Harman is proud of being a so-called Blue Dog Democrat. Blue Dogs tend to be hawkish on military matters and use the term "fiscally conservative" to mean that they try to inhibit spending for non-military purposes. I have noted in other remarks that the trillion dollars we have spent or committed in the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq could have been used to boost education, health care, space exploration, and environmental protection.
Marcy Winograd published an eloquent open letter of rebuttal to Henry Waxman, which everyone interested in foreign affairs and how to work for world peace should read. Henry Waxman's endorsement of Jane Harman has caused controversey; whether Waxman's actions will have a net effect for or against Marcy Winograd's challenge remains to be seen. There is some speculation that his efforts are backfiring.
Rick Wagner, member
Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 53