What do DUers think - Barbara Lee for Senate to replace Kamala Harris

[malaise]

the only person who voted against the authorization of use of force against Afghanistan
A letter was sent to the Governor recommending BL.

That would be a great appointment. Barbara Lee has integrity.


Thanks wryter2000

[wryter2000]

1. A slight correction

She's my rep, and I love her. However, she was the only one to vote against using force against Afghanistan. Other dems also voted against invading Iraq.

[malaise]

6. Thanks

Corrected

[leftieNanner]

2. Absolutely Agree!

She would be wonderful. I wish Di Fi had retired in 2018 instead of running again.

[David__77]

3. I would LOVE her to be chosen.

...

[sandensea]

4. She'd be a great choice - although it may not be that simple

California's large Hispanic population - which since 1992 has been the decisive voting bloc for Democrats there - will probably expect someone from their community to be appointed.

Ya veremos. We'll see.

[TeamPooka]

5. I still want new young blood like Katie Porter.

[Demsrule86]

7. Nope...a pug could win her seat...we need our house members...to close to the edge losing.

[shanti]

15. I'd love her as Senator too

but OC could fall back into red hands if she is chosen. Better she stays where she is for now, imo.

[Demsrule86]

8. I would prefer a placeholder like Sen Boxer and a primary to determine who will hold the seat...no

house members...are margin are to thin.

[Mz Pip]

9. I agree.

I’d like to see someone younger who can serve a few terms, too. Lee is 74, though it would be a safe seat.

It would be impossible to get a Republican elected here.

[barbtries]

10. yes she would be great,

but she's already in Congress. Also like so many others, she's getting old.

I've gone back more than once to hear her speech when she made that courageous vote.

[Retrograde]

11. Not my first choice

While her district is safely Democratic and her replacement will likely be a Dem, choosing her still means we'd be down another seat in the House for some time. Plus, there's her age: I'd like to see a younger person take the seat to get some seniority, which counts for a lot in the Senate. Lee is a great representative for her district, but I'd rather see someone with more experience and exposure state-wide.

[JonLP24]

13. Who has more experience than Lee that is also younger?

I think her exposure is fine if progressives across the country know who she is.

[Retrograde]

14. "More experience state-wide"

California is a big and very diverse state. While Lee is very popular in the Bay Area, a senator has to represent more than just this region, or even this region and LA. I'd like someone who has run for office state wide: as I've posted previously, Xavier Becerra and Alex Padilla are my leading choices.

[JonLP24]

12. Lee deserves it more than anyone

[nsd]

16. I'd prefer a placeholder senator -- let the voters decide.

Also, voting against the use of force in Afghanistan is not a point in her favor. Not for lots of Democrats. Despite the efforts of Bush, Cheney, et al. to obscure the difference, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars were not the same.

[stopdiggin]

18. excellent points

"Afghanistan and Iraq wars were not the same."

time blurs a lot of things -- but critical thought (and political history) should not allow the conflation of Iraq and Afghanistan. That's just plain sloppy.

There are a lot of people that wish they could have their votes back on one of these. The other -- very different territory.

[JonLP24]

19. Considering we are still in Afghanistan I consider it a huge plus in her favor

Besides Saudi Arabia is the head of the snake in all this and they are a US ally so I don't buy that the US is actually doing a good job combating terrorism.

I don't see anyone expressing concern with those who died in Afghanistan (Iraq war was like Disneyland compared to Afghanistan) or those who suffer long term mental health problems. Is keeping them there forever the right answer?

[Retrograde]

20. While the currrent GOP is despicable in many ways

they are good at strategy and long-term thinking when it comes to power. A place-holder senator would have little to no influence. Remember that the senate puts a good deal of emphasis on seniority: whoever is appointed needs to stay in the job long enough to be considered for prime committee positions - a placeholder senator, no matter who, would not be.

[snowybirdie]

17. Long shot, but

perhaps Newsome appoints himself? That Puts him into the national spotlight. The Lt Gov. Is an impressive woman, so it won't sting so much. He is very ambitious, after all.

[radius777]

21. Xavier Becerra would be my choice,

as he has the experience and gravitas, appeals to progressives (voted against Iraq War) and moderates, would be the highest profile Latino Dem and we need to improve our standing with Latinos as the past election showed.