Sandra Fluke NOT running for Henry Waxman seat

[yurbud]

Source: Politico

In a surprising turnabout, women’s rights activist Sandra Fluke will not run for retiring Rep. Henry Waxman’s (D-Calif.) seat, and instead said she plans to run for a spot in the California state Senate.

“I am extremely moved by the outpouring of local and national support I have received since I announced that I was considering running for office,” Fluke said in a statement. “While I strongly considered offering my candidacy for Congress, I feel there is a better way to advance the causes that are important to our community.”

She said she hopes to run for the state Senate post held by Ted Lieu, who has his eyes on Waxman’s seat. The district, California’s 26th, includes West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, and Santa Monica.

“I believe that the families and communities of this district - from West Hollywood to West LA and from Santa Monica to Torrance and beyond - deserve to have a fresh perspective from a new generation of progressive leadership in Sacramento, and I am eager to get to work fighting for the causes that matter most to our future as a community, state and nation,” Fluke said in the statement.



Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2014/02/sandra-fluke-henry-waxman-california-seat-103149.html?ml=la

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I'm glad to hear this. Since she has no track record in politics, voting for her would be a crap shoot.

[riversedge]

1. I am glad she is starting out local.

[NOVA_Dem]

2. Hopefully she'll replace Feinstein in a few years n/t.

[jsr]

4. +1

[2banon]

32. Nope, Greuel will replace Feinstein after serving Waxman's seat.

that's my prediction.

[yurbud]

33. after she establishes a track record of being more reliably progressive than DiFi

[xxqqqzme]

43. Jackie Speier gets my vote to

replace feinstein.

[BlueCaliDem]

3. Smart move by a very smart young woman. Sandra

will win Ted Lieu's old seat, connect with moneyed Progressives in that district, and then HOPEFULLY will run in a primary against Diane Feinstein.

Man! I really hope that last part is true. I would love to see Feinstein gone. She's too BlueDoggish for a Progressive State like California.

[global1]

5. So Who's Name Will Be Thrown Into The Hat For Waxman's Seat?......nt

[demwing]

19. The article says Ted Lieu

which is why Fluke is running for his seat.

[The Wielding Truth]

20. State Sen. Ted Lieu and Wendy Greuel, a former city controller and councilwoman.

http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-pc-villaraigosa-backs-greuels-congressional-bid-20140204,0,2112779.story

[2banon]

25. Googling Ted Lieu apparently introduced an Anti-NSA bill, banning the NSA to obtain personal info

without a warrant according to this report.

State Sen. Ted Lieu on Monday introduced a bill that would bar California agencies and officials from cooperating with federal authorities seeking electronic records on a state resident, unless the government first obtains a warrant

Here's an excerpt of an exchange regarding the legality of the bill (in this same report)

“I share Senator Lieu’s concerns over NSA surveillance,” said Erwin Chemerinsky , dean of the School of Law at UC Irvine. “But California cannot stop it or interfere with it since it is a federal program. It is no different from a state saying it would not help the federal government carry out an order to desegregate schools. States cannot interfere with or impede the achievement of a federal objective.”

Nonetheless, Lieu, a Georgetown University Law Center graduate, said he is undeterred. He noted the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution bars unreasonable searches and seizures and believes that if Congress doesn’t want to limit the NSA, California should.

“We are the ninth largest economy in the world,” Lieu said. “We have over 38 million residents and we are not going to stand idly by while Fourth Amendment rights are violated on a daily basis.”

Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, just thought it would be important and useful to learn about the individual who will be campaigning/running for Waxman's seat, since Fluke has made other plans.

[The Wielding Truth]

26. Cool. That's a point for Lieu.

[2banon]

29. I should have googled Wendy Greuel before I googled Lieu

As soon as I spotted who owes her, i realized Fluke was being played. Ted Lieu will not get party backing, Greuel will.

check out her profile

I'm still cursing. But then, this is nothing new. For a moment we had hope with Sandra Fluke initial announcement, but then Ted Lieu's name is associated with Fluke's reconsideration, when in reality it's actually for Greuel's campaign.

This is Los Angeles after all, the Capital of the Democratic Party power center, Los Angeles City Council is the epicenter, and closely associated with the Clinton's.

Same ole, Same ole. bummer.

[xxqqqzme]

44. never heard of her

n/t

[2banon]

48. Have a look at the link I provided in previous thread.

I'm in Northern Ca. SF Bay area - So, I haven't heard of her either. But apparently she's fairly well placed, with powerful backers. I don't know much about Lieu either for that matter, but just did a quick search and immediately linked to an article reporting an anti-NSA bill he introduced which is a point in his favor as I'm concerned.

But I quickly discovered that it was Wendy Greuel who needs to be looked at more closely.

[SoonerShankle]

51. One consideration...

The pre-endorsement caucuses are this weekend. Senator Lieu's senate district encompasses 86% of Waxman's congressional district. He has been a local public servant and has developed relationships with the stakeholder groups in the area. Greuel, while a darling of party, does not live in the district and would have to move. I have already cast my vote for Lieu for this weekend's caucus, as I'm not sold on Greuel's ability to establish those relationships or to be available to her constituents.

[2banon]

53. That might make a huge difference, reason for optimism. Keep us posted on how that goes!

and thanks for this information. xing fingers it will be in Lieu's favor then, and xing fingers Lieu's the better candidate, representing the interest of the people who supported Waxman in this case. look forward to updates from you..

[2banon]

37. Wonder how much of a fight it will be with the party power masters to actually win Waxman's seat

I predict he'll (Lieu) get wiped out of the race, before he can blink an eye...

[The Wielding Truth]

39. You can see from the withdrawal of Fluke to the anointing of Greuel . It is a political game.

[yurbud]

57. that's great news. please post if you see anything on him and education reform.

[yurbud]

35. If Villaraigosa backs her, that tells you who the corporate Dem in the race is

One of the most reliably progressive reps in Congress should NOT be replaced by a corporate tool.

[2banon]

38. Won't have to wait for Villaraigosa's endorsement to know who it will be. So predictable.

Meet Corporate Dem contender Wendy Greuel

Praying for a miracle, praying to be proven wrong.

[Plucketeer]

6. Initially sad to hear this, but

It's best to learn to walk before trying to marathon. Let's support her so that she has the confidence to go further! And what a LOVELY tribute to Rush, eh???

[JDPriestly]

7. This is smart.

I wish Sandra Fluke luck in her race for the California Senate.

[tridim]

8. Yes, this is what Nader never understood.

But unlike Nader, Fluke's future looks very bright.

[LittleGirl]

9. she really is smart doing this n/t

[snooper2]

10. Somebody made some phone calls and made her a deal-

You can have my Senate seat and I'll back you 100% if you drop the bid for Congress that I've been wanting!


just a LITTLE too obvious LOL

[bigdarryl]

11. YEP!! some insider or insiders in the party told her to back off

I bet someone who isn't progressive and some Corporate asshole Democrat is the one getting the backing of the party

[2banon]

23. This is exactly how it gets played.

now, anyone know anything about Ted Lieu? Gonna have to do some research on what he's about and who owns him.

[yurbud]

34. I did a quick google on him the other day on education reform and he doesn't toe the corporate line

that's a good sign already

[2banon]

30. The party masters will be backing Wendy Greuel

check out her bio.

L.A. City Council is the (nation-wide) party power center.

Even better, is her very close association with the Clintons'. Served in Clinton administration from 93-97.

From 1993 to 1997, Greuel worked in the administration of President Bill Clinton.[13] She served with Cabinet Secretary Henry Cisneros[14] as the field operations officer for southern California[15] for the secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where she became involved in projects offering opportunities for home ownership, job creation, economic development and social services. During her tenure, she managed HUD's response to the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which included securing over $1 billion in federal funding for recovery efforts.[3]

That's not the totality of her background, go to the wiki link to get the rest of it.

Pretty much the candidate of the status quo, imo. your mileage my vary.

[yurbud]

36. good to know

[itsrobert]

46. Didn't she fall on her face running for mayor?

n/t

[progressoid]

15. Yeah, I hate to be cynical but we've seen it happen many times before.

I would doubt it happened here too.

[GreenPartyVoter]

50. My first thought as well.

[oldandhappy]

12. Good move!

Good district, good learning, good potential. Good decision. We need to get more people moving up from local places. Glad to see this.

[calimary]

13. Aw crap.

Oh well - she has to do what she thinks is most strategically sensible. The young woman has brains. I rather fancied her as my Congresswoman...

[daleanime]

14. So what can anyone tell me about this Ted Lieu?

[demwing]

21. Here's some resources:

Project Vote Smart Summary (this is the money link - includes his vote record, and his ratings by various orgs)
http://votesmart.org/candidate/1516/ted-lieu#.UvKENbRCD1U

CA Senate Page:
http://sd28.senate.ca.gov/

Campaign Page:
http://tedlieu.com/index.php

Wikipedia Page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lieu

[daleanime]

24. Thanks!

Looks promising.

[cadaverdog]

28. Did you ask that question about Sandra Fluke?

Notoriety is not the same thing as experience, as the GOP found out with Sarah Palin.

[daleanime]

40. I had at least seen a bit of her....

a couple of different interviews and she had done well in both-coming across as personable, intelligent, and caring. Nicely done for a candidate. I had heard nothing about him. Sorry about that.

[2banon]

31. IMO, the party won't be backing Lieu, they'll be backing Wendy Greuel.

Ted Lieu's name is thrown out there as a diversionary tactic, imo.

[daleanime]

41. Then the question becomes....

what do we know about her, and why would the party favor her?

[SoonerShankle]

52. State Senator Lieu...

is a former city councilman from Torrance. I can only speak as a teacher and constituent. One of my best friends taught his son last year--so his kids go to public school. He is a committed public servant who has been our area's assembyman prior to state senator. He is easy to contact and has an open line of communication with local stakeholders--he has met with our local education council (comprised of district administration, parents, teachers union leaders, etc.) to learn our issues. Luckily, he's not afraid to buck the party into making some needed changes (most recently with the new Local Control Funding Formula). He also is a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. I hope that helps a little.

[daleanime]

55. Thanks!

Now I'm just worried that we'll get the old bait and switch.

[Bluenorthwest]

16. I'm really impressed with this decision on several levels. Makes me like her even more.

She's going places.

[bayareaboy]

17. She has my vote as well.

In my estimation, this was the best thing she could do. The Federal house is not a good place to start.

Let her put some time in Sacramento.

[tokenlib]

18. BUT, BUT, I wanted to see Rushbo's head explode....

..oh well, it does make more sense to start smaller if she wants to pursue public service. Hope she wins....

[elleng]

22. Sounds like a good move.

While I don't follow Cal politics, good that she's stepping aside to allow the other Dems to fight this one out, and providing and opportunity to develop her own track record.

[2banon]

27. Bummer. Slight of hand - Ted Lieu won't be backed, it'll be Wendy Greuel . Bummer. Bummer. Bummer.

Bummer Bummer Bummer! arrrgghh. Typical political thuggery bullshit.

[yurbud]

42. the Santa Monica part of that district is very progressive--you could be surprised

also, it's so liberal, the crazy top two open primary system could make it Gruel vs Lieu in the general election.

Here in Huntington Beach, my choice for rep to Congress was a Republican or ANOTHER Republican.

The Democratic Party lets themselves get taken to the cleaners on this process business by a zombie party that barely has enough meat left on its bones to move.

[xxqqqzme]

45. Thank the low information

voters for 'top two'. I argued against it every chance I got.

'Top Two' dooms us in OC . Who is your unrepresentative - rohrabacher (mine), royce, issa, or campbell? What a pathetic list for 3+ million.

[yurbud]

49. rohrbacher

[xxqqqzme]

56. We lose

every 2 years.

[2banon]

54. Then it should be really interesting then.. I'll looking forward to updates on the caucus

endorsements that I'm told is happening this weekend.

Spirits lifting! thanks for that!

[davidpdx]

47. A very good move on her part

She's smart and young and if she gets in the state legislature I think she has a good shot at senator or governor sometime in the future. Seeing as though both California's senators are getting up there in age, it could create an opportunity for her.