Another friend e-mailed me to recommend recently termed-out state Sen. Jim Battin as a preferable primary challenger to Rep. Mary Bono-Mack, rather than former Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia.
Jim Battin served three terms in the Assembly and two in the state Senate, and is currently eying a run for Lieutenant Governor. Jim amassed a solid conservative record, but my most vivid impression of him was during the fight to bring down Assembly Speaker Doris Allen in 1995. That fracas separated the men from the mealy worms in the Assembly GOP Caucus, and Battin was always right on the front line. That spirit left long-lasting positive impression on me.
Clearly, Battin still aspires to political office, and that same fighting spirit would prove a valuable weapon in a primary battle to take out Bono-Mack.
I don’t know what, if any, relationship Garcia or Battin have with Bono-Mack. Different readers will have different takes on which they would prefer as a primary challenger — assuming either one wants to take on the job.
My point is it needs to be done. This vote for cap-and-trade isn’t a anomaly in Bono-Mack’s record, but represents a tipping point at which Republicans have to say, "enough is enough!" It’s especially egregious because this was a close vote: Nancy Pelosi had to work and scratch to pass this assault on liberty because 44 Democrats defected. For Bono-Mack to put up her vote and make Pelosi’s life easier…unconscionable.
By the way, Rohit Joy has created a new FaceBook group: "We Will Support A REAL Republican Over Mary Bono Mack In June 2010!" Join it!