In a Sunday Examiner op-ed, Consent of the Governed, Glenn Reynolds, aka Instapundit, addressed what many of us sense is an alarming problem existing between American citizens and our political class. It's a consequential time in American history. How our nation proceeds politically will likely determine whether we slip far more deeply into the soft tyranny of European socialism, or catch ourselves, re-igniting the flame of liberty that has always burned in the heart of most Americans. Consequential times demand consequential individuals in American political life.
"Deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This is boilerplate American history, and something that Americans -- and, in particular, America's political class -- have long taken for granted.
But now things are looking a bit dicey. According to a recent Rasmussen Poll , only 21 percent of American voters believe that the federal government enjoys the consent of the governed. On the other hand, Rasmussen notes, a full 63 percent of the "political class" believe that the government enjoys the consent of the governed.
Having had the opportunity to interact with California Assemblyman Chuck DeVore on a few occasions, as well as having watched his primary race play out, I've come to the conclusion that DeVore is a consequential conservative man in possession of the exceptional political skills and personal attributes required to win a challenging race.
He has a deep knowledge of the pertinent issues, both domestic and international; possesses the personal attributes to communicate prudently and exceptionally well on them; along with tremendous energy, enthusiasm and dedication to his cause. I also believe he is genuinely dedicated to the type of good, limited government America needs to begin seeing again in Washington, DC to avoid what, to many of us, would be disastrous consequences.
When selecting a candidate, one can reach that decision through a lens of political expedience, or through one of principle and personal belief - who might have the easiest path to victory, versus who is the best man, or woman given one's political views. I'm not sure one method is any better than the other, but our consequential times cause me to put principle over politics in this case. So finally, it comes down to what I believe and how strongly I believe in it.
I believe, as Ronald Reagan demonstrated, that conservative principles taken seriously and well communicated by consequential men can win anywhere in America at any time. The recent election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts also demonstrated this to some degree. Frankly, to believe otherwise is to not believe in conservative principles much, if at all.
I believe Chuck DeVore is, like Reagan, someone who genuinely believes in the principles and values most of us on the Right share. He also possesses the engaging personal characteristics and exceptional communication skills required to effectively state his case, and ours, to California voters. Along with that, the energy, determination and enthusiasm I've seen him display for the cause in recent months is without question and beyond compare.
In short, it would be a betrayal of my core beliefs not to give him my full support in his race for the California Senate to go on to challenge and beat Barbara Boxer in the fall. Given DeVore's attributes as cited above, I can think of no one better to carry the Republican banner into the election and I have full faith in his ability to meet that challenge effectively and win.
In my opinion, Chuck DeVore is the consequential man in the race best suited for our consequential times and I offer him my strong endorsement.
don't you live in New Jersey?
Posted by: Paul A'Barge | Tuesday, March 09, 2010 at 08:14 PM
Some of us less well known bloggers in California have got together to blog our reasons for supporting Chuck DeVore. We are at California Bloggers For DeVore.
http://cabloggers4devore.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Blue Collar Todd | Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 01:14 AM