The primary for this race hasn't been held yet, but I wanted to take a look at the candidates, since they're hoping to be my representative and all. It's not that easy of a choice, as I can't say I know all that much about any of the candidates yet. There's also the factor of electability. This is a very conservative district, it went it went for Bush by about 61% in 2004, and in 2006, John Rinaldi got slaughtered by incumbent Duncan Hunter. But this year is a little different, Duncan's retiring, and it looks like his son, who shares the same name, wants to have the seat bequeathed to him. Fortunately, he'll also have a primary, so we'll see what happens with that. Regardless, an open seat is an open seat, and there are three Democratic challengers who want it. So here's a little look, and what thoughts I can offer on each of the three. Before I go into any detail, these are all accomplished individuals, as well as very different from one another. I'd be more than happy to vote for, and volunteer for, any of them.
First up is Mike Lumpkin, a retired Navy SEAL. He is also by far the most conservative of the three, at least judging by his issues page, and some of his endorsements, though some of those names will be familiar to people around here. On the issues front, he comes across as a very conservative Democrat, from what little is said about his policy stances (The site is definitely scant on the details.) Being pro-choice yet personally opposed to abortion, as well as framing same sex marriage as a states rights issue. To be completely fair, that's probably the only way to sell those issues to people in this district. Or at least enough of them to get elected. As for website design, though not really that important, he definitely has the nicest.
Next up is Vickie Butcher, a career educator, and definitely to the left of Mike Lumpkin, her issues page is also a little light on details, though nowhere near as minimalist as Lumpkin's. Her site doesn't seem to mention that she's a Democrat at all though, which might just be an oversight, but not even the donkey logo? Her background isn't the most exciting of the three, but there are some interesting highlights. For example, in 2007 she received the NAACP's Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Award, as well as being a guest panelist for the United Nations Roundtable on the Art of Making Peace in 1999.
And finally, we have Jim Hester, he's a bit harder to describe, as it seems he's worn a few different hats in his lifetime. He spent some time in the Army as active duty, serving in Germany, then to the reserves, in a Special Forces unit. Earned a couple of Master's degrees, one in International Relations and another in Law, the latter of which seems to be his primary profession. He's also written quite a bit, as well as taught. His issues page also went into the most depth of the three. Enough to satisfy even the wonkiest among us (At least I thought so.) One of the things that struck me, was not just his views, but how a reader can actually get an idea of why he thinks the way he does. His gay rights stance in particular was noteworthy in that regard. His site was certainly the most sparse in appearance though.
One thing about all three, was what their websites did have in common. Not one of them said the word "Democrat," on the front page. The closest was Mike Lumpkin, who has the donkey logo. Maybe it's just an oversite, or me being oversensitive to that. Maybe it's just the district. But it did stand out. The nice thing is that I'd be happy to vote for any of the three. There's differences in policy between them, and some that I disagree with them on, but nothing that's a deal breaker for me. My early favorite is Jim Hester, though I don't think he'd have the best chance to win it in the general. For that, at this point I'd have to say that Lumpkin wins the electability contest, but that's just my gut feeling.
Hopefully we can win this district, but it won't be an easy fight, no matter which of the three wins the primary. This is a district where Duncan Hunter was able to hold onto his seat for as long as he wanted it. Even with all of the race baiting, the fear mongering, the idiotic press conferences, the insomnia curing speaking style, people just kept voting for the asshole. Now there's an opportunity, maybe not the best, or the easiest opportunity, but it's still an opportunity.
Minor Update: Had to fix the links to the new ones for Hester's site. Race Tracker's link took me to the old stuff, his updated site does have the donkey logo by the way. There's also a nice little video, which you can watch here.