With Democrats poised to take back Congress (and Nancy Pelosi likely to become Speaker), Republicans are trying to scare middle-America with the scepter of "San Francisco Values." Ironically, however, the Republicans have
injected themselves into local San Francisco politics by promoting Rob Black -- who is running against progressive Supervisor Chris Daly.
The local Republican Party sent out a mailer claiming that Chris Daly is "clearly out of touch with the people of San Francisco." The piece highlights Daly's support for four San Francisco ballot measures -- Proposition E (the Parking Tax that will help pay for Muni), Proposition F (Paid Sick Leave for S.F. Workers), Proposition G (Public Hearing Requirement for Chain Stores) and Proposition H (Relocation Assistance for Evicted Tenants.) The mailer presents an easy-to-read grid showing that Black, Drake and the San Francisco Republican Party all "oppose" these four measures. The implication is clear - Republicans want their voters to choose Rob Black or Matt Drake.
Now here's the real irony. While they try to claim that Daly is "out of touch with San Francisco," even their own local Congressional candidate goes on Fox News to deride "San Francisco values"
In a brief interview on "Hannity and Colmes," DeNunzio explained that "San Francisco values" are "not American values," as he parroted the Republican Party line on the War on Terror and chided San Franciscans for supporting the impeachment of George Bush. This finally led a baffled Alan Colmes to ask Denunzio - why do you want to represent San Francisco in the U.S. Congress if you don't agree with "San Francisco values?"
Meanwhile, local Planning Commissioner Mike Antonini -- and elected Republican County Central Committee member -- sent out a fundraising e-mail supporting Rob Black for Supervisor. The recipients? Real estate attorneys who do business in front of the Planning Commission. Ouch.