I'm afraid of the guy running for the House in my District

[Homebrew]

The Republican running against the incumbent Max Sandlin (D-Texas, District 1) worries me greatly. Here's a quote from his website (bolding mine):

Conservative Advocacy

The candidate we nominate must be persuasive, compelling, and effective in communicating the Republican Party’s objectives, and he must win votes. My conservative views are deeply-rooted, reasonable and based on sound logic. I will not be one of those candidates who tries to show liberals how conciliatory he can be. I am eager to show, by using the Democrats own words, their own programs, and their own rhetoric, how they are trying to change and subvert our culture.

Am I wrong in interpreting this as guy as a right-wing looney? I've written John Lawrence asking whether he would vote for or against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, H.R. 2692, but he has not responded.

Max Sandlin is not one of the co-sponsors of the ENDA. I find that troubling. But in speaking with others, they think he is being pragmatic. He may vote for ENDA, but not being a co-sponsor means his opponent can't use that as a weapon in the race for the District Seat.

Now to the Pit material (irritated hyperbole included).

How the fuck can people be against the ENDA? Even if you think we queers are all going to burn in Hell for eternity, why should be be fired from our freakin' jobs here on earth. Dammit. If we're working, we pay taxes and keep contributing to this nation that you claim to love so dearly, morons. If you manage to get us fired, what's next? Making sure we can't receive unemplyment benefits or welfare? Making sure we can't work and can't get assistance? Should we starve or move to Sweden?

[Guinastasia]

We can save you from the Dark Side.

Just vote Democratic!



d&r

[Big Kahuna Burger]

Relax, Sandlin should be fine, redistricting took out a bunch of Republicans. Plus this is the same guy who lost in 2000, when you had a lot of Texan Republicans riding on Bush's coattails. Besides, even the whack jobs like Dornan never create any real change, mostly they just make asses of themselves and get thrown out.

Still, you can sleep safe knowing Max Sandlin will probably be representing you as long as he chooses to (he also has his eyes on a leadership position, he could start bringing home some bacon for you). I met him once, and he comes off as affable and able to get things done in the House. You're lucky to have him as your rep, and it'll take more than some two-time loser to change that.

[Baldwin]

Could be worse; you could be in Dick Armey's district...