The Downfall of Dave Reichert

I claim to be Dave Reichert's biggest fan in Pierce County, and I may very well be. He's been my hero for 25 years or more - way before he was a politician. I've willingly worked on his last two campaigns and still have an original "Reelect Dave Reichert" t-shirt from 2004.

I am just as frustrated and bewildered as the rest of you about the Congressman's "yes" vote on the cap-and-trade bill. His explanation on his website is as follows:
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Reichert Votes for Clean Energy, Security Legislation


Washington, D.C., Jun 26 -
Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) released the following statement today after the U.S. House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act:

“Energy independence and our national security are critical issues for America. These issues transcend politics. The future of this country is on the line and we can spare no effort when it comes to leading on these issues at a global level.

“This bill is not perfect, but it is a vital step toward energy independence. America cannot maintain global leadership without innovation and new ideas, and we cannot lead if we increasingly depend on foreign nations to heat our homes and move people and goods. The price of inaction is too great; America cannot stand on the sidelines while our competitors embrace new energy efficient technologies. It’s also important that we engage in a bipartisan discussion as we move forward – this bill has many other hoops to jump through before it becomes law and I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle and in the Senate to gain more tax relief for middle-income families.

“Teddy Roosevelt was the true example of a Republican engaged in conserving resources for our children and grandchildren, but he also had the foresight to seek a brighter future for them. Republicans must be at the table as we look for solutions in energy independence and preserving our environment, while also looking at the bigger picture and working with all of our colleagues for a stronger nation.”

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Read into it what you will, and I'm in NO WAY condoning Reichert's vote. But when I saw the vile, hateful, insulting things my fellow R's were posting on the "Tacoma Glenn Beck Meetup" network, as well as an email string by a small group of Pierce County Republicans, attacking Dave's very character, I had to draw the line.

"I will do whatever I can do to defeat this Moron. This weak kneed, Lilly livered, wanked up, never come down again, miserable excuse for a politician, scumbag Reichert. I would rather vote for Darcy Burner. At least then we will know what we are getting." - former district leader of PCRP

Take a look at the posting of a member of the Glenn Beck Meetup:

"Reichert is still there because we allow him to be. He is a RINO in a liberal district. At the very least, R’s should shun him even if voters won’t (though I don’t know if he’ll be able to survive this vote). That means no speaking or event invites, no place of honor or recognition...unless it is to offer him a public pink slip. He is tainting the R brand…a “rat head in a coke bottle” as Grover Norquist would say."

Did Congressman Reichert make a huge mistake? Absolutely.

Should the PCRP Central Committee discuss punishment, i.e. not endorsing Reichert next year? Yes. But first we must find a viable Republican to take his place.

Dave Reichert probably ended his own political career by voting for the cap-and-trade bill. He knows that by now. His campaign simply CAN NOT survive without Pierce County's support.

But that doesn't mean we need to treat him with disrespect, calling him names and acting like he's been a POS all along. I guarantee the people who have suddenly come to hate Dave Reichert would have been fighting to get next to him a month ago.

As Republicans, we are supposed to be the "moral" group. Why act like the libs and fling insults at our own? It's not like Dave got caught in an affair or some other scandal. He eff'd up, yes. It's probably reason enough to fire him, but it certainly isn't a reason to "shun" him. There's a difference.

We can punish the Congressman, but we don't have to humiliate him personally in the process. Please think about that.

God Bless America, and ALL Americans.

Wendy