MI-07: GOP Rep. Schwarz: "Theocracy" Coming to America?
Mon Sep 04, 2006 at 03:35:59 PM PDT
Adapted from a post at Walberg Watch.
On August 8th, while all attention was on the Lieberman-Lamont race in Connecticut, a tough primary battle ended as McCain-style moderate Congressman Joe Schwarz was defeated for nomination in Michigan's 7th District. His opponent, former State Rep. Tim Walberg, ran a negative campaign claiming Schwarz was a "liberal," largely backed by the Club for Growth, Right to Life, and the Minuteman PAC.
Following his loss, Schwarz has been largely silent about his plans for the future. However, it's becoming increasingly clear what he does not intend to do:
Some harsh criticism in the extended entry...
WASHINGTON -- In the wake of his loss in the primary last month, U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz says he won't endorse or vote for the Republican pastor who defeated him and accused "right-wing intimidators" of running moderates like himself out of the party.
That's right. Joe Schwarz-- a prominent Republican from Battle Creek, who served in Michigan's legislature for years, served Michigan's 7th District in Congress, and even ran for governor in 2002-- will not vote for his party's nominee, Tim Walberg.
The Detroit News article continues:
"The far right, the religious right are driving moderates out of the party. In the end, that can only hurt because it takes a critical mass to have a successful party," Schwarz said in his first extensive interview since losing the Aug. 8 primary to Tim Walberg.
The Battle Creek physician said several friends told him they plan to leave the party after watching him be hammered on social issues and then lose in spite of endorsements by establishment Republicans including President Bush and Saul Anuzis, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.
Schwarz said he could see circumstances under which he would join them.
...
Schwarz accused Walberg of running a "character assassination" campaign, which was aided by a series of "moral absolutist" votes on the U.S. House floor in mid-July -- three weeks before the primary.
Schwarz, who supports stem cell research and keeping abortion legal, was repeatedly criticized during the primary for his "anti-life" positions. His problems became even worse as he opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment-- although he opposes same-sex marriage, he doesn't support amending the Constitution. Although his positions had merit, the primary turned negative very quickly, with Tim Walberg constantly on the attack.
But in this interview with the Detroit News, Schwarz blames the religious right alone for his defeat and the current state of the GOP.
While Schwarz has had some harsh criticism of Tim Walberg and the religious right before, this is the closest he's come publicly to switching parties. But just when you thought his criticism couldn't be more harsh, you read this:
Schwarz decried the growing role religion is playing in politics.
Schwarz, who at 68 hasn't ruled out running for elective office in the future, said, "There are people out there who believe that that this country should be a theocracy."
(Emphasis added)
It's a rather stunning statement from a Republican in Congress, don't you think? Since being elected, Schwarz has been far from progressive in the House, but could be counted on to think for himself from time to time. Tim Walberg, on the other hand, represents only the interests of the religious right and Club for Growth, not those of the 7th District.
The race also earns the attention of political reporter Jack Lessenberry in a column for the Toledo Blade. The relevant portion:
Now, Mr. Schwarz is returning the favor. "I've lost elections before, and after each one I could invite my opponent out for a beer. Not this time. I can't endorse Walberg. His campaign tactics were reprehensible, consisting of one lie and mischaracterization after another."
During the race, Mr. Walberg painted Mr. Schwarz, a Vietnam veteran, former CIA agent, and strong supporter of the Iraq War, as a liberal who was far too left-wing for the district.
The congressman, who is also a medical doctor, complained that virtually all his opponent's money came from not only out of the district but out of state, mainly from the shadowy Club for Growth, which funded a smear campaign against him.
Whether he will endorse the Democratic nominee, 50-year-old organic farmer Sharon Renier, is unclear. Two years ago, she lost to Mr. Schwarz, 58 percent to 36 percent, but had no money. The district, which includes Hillsdale and Lenawee Counties, is mainly Republican -- but voted for Bill Clinton twice. Any Democrat is a long shot ... yet keep an eye on this one.
(Emphasis added)
The Democratic nominee for the district is Sharon Renier. Renier managed 36 percent against Joe Schwarz in 2004 with almost no money and no media attention. In a district that went 45 percent for John Kerry, she'll perform much better against the far-right conservative Tim Walberg. Could she win in a stunning upset?
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