By: Lars54

Lars54 — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:21:41 +0000

History is repeating itself, I think. I recall when Stark first ran for Congress in the early 70′s he ran agaisn’t this elderly incumbent, George Paul Miller in the Democratic primary. Miller, like the 81 year old Stark is now, was way, way over the hill in terms of his effectiveness. The brash outspoken Stark – then in his early 40′s – took him on – and kept reminding voters how ancient Miller was, which played a key role in Stark’s win.
Now it’s 2012 and this 32 year old Erik Swalwell, a respected Alameda County prosecutor and Dublin City Councilman – is taking on Stark, who has become so old he can barely work a two hour day. The only difference, I think, is this Swalwell guy isn’t brash, or irrevernt like Stark was, he’s pretty thoughtful. He hasn’t made Stark’s age an issue at all, he’s been focusing on the issues, trying to build a grassroots campaign.
I do believe Stark’s age is an issue in the race for the 15th. As Josh pointed out the NorCal Congressional delegation has gotten very old – Stark being the oldest at 81. Is it a good thing when your local Congressman is old enough to be in a rest home? Stark raised that issue when he ran first in the early 70′s in the Stark-Miller race, and 40 years later voters in the 15th are facing the same question in the Sttark-Swalwell race.
Frankly, I feel it’s time to go with a younger person for this job. Common sense to tells you this. What you’ve got going here is you’ve got this ancient Congressman Pete Stark who won’t move over and allow the younger generation to serve, he likes the perks and bennies of his job – the fact that he can barely do the job anymore doesn’t matter to him, but it matter to me – as a possible future constituent. I want a Congressman who is working, not an aged prima donna that works two hour work days.We need some new blood in Congress, so I agree with this other guy.

By: Richard Marsh

Richard Marsh — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:50:55 +0000

Thank God that at least Swalwell has the guts to now bow down to the royalty of East Bay politics.

I tell you lots of Democrats are ready for Pete to go.
Many of use worked and walked for Pete in 1972 and have decided its time. 40 years is enough.
He has overstayed his time.
That was clear when he essentially lost his seniority as the Democrats chose a lower ranking congressman to head the Ways and Means committee.
A plum job, the culmination of a lifetime of seniority.
That way congress acts.
Except when it comes to Pete Stark. Even his fellow Democrats ignored him.

Isn’t it about time the voters in the district stop bowing down to Pete’s cute antics and elect someone who can begin doing the job, part of which is to have at least enough clout so that your own party doesn’t throw you overboard when its your turn to use your seniority?

I’m tired. I’m tired of Pete being tired and ineffective. We’re ready for change. Now is the time for anyone who is serious to jump in.
Everyone thought the incumbent was safe in 1972 until Pete swept him away. Time for some fresh blood.

Comments on: Is Pete Stark or ain’t he? He says he is.

By: Lars54

By: Richard Marsh