The San Francisco Chronicle has an interesting article about how Governor Schwarzenegger’s pick for the lieutenant governor’s position, State Senator Abel Maldonado, is causing headaches for both the state GOP and Democratic establishment. In a way, this was a brilliant move for Schwarzenegger in selecting this relatively moderate Republican Latino for the job because he has proven to not be as dogmatic and tax-sensitive.
A few weeks ago, the Chronicle described the Maldonado pick as follows:
After naming Maldonado on the show, Schwarzenegger said, “He’s a terrific, loyal man that has worked very hard in public service. But he’s also into bipartisanship and post-partisanship, so he can cross the aisle. He makes decisions based on what’s best for the people rather than what’s best for the party.”
Maldonado, a 42-year-old moderate Republican whose family emigrated from Mexico, has provided crucial votes on major legislation this year, including the water overhaul package approved last month and tax increases that were part of the February budget plan.
But apparently, a moderate GOPer isn’t good enough for the more conservative elements of the Republican Party. And the Democrats aren’t too pleased either, as they are conflicted about opposing his appointment, especially because Maldonado is a Latino and they too could face backlash in not supporting him. I am of the opinion that the Democrats should not hold up the Maldonado confirmation. He is bi-partisan, and the California Lieutenant Governor position is basically ceremonial. As for the California GOP, if they want to continue to bicker because Maldonado isn’t conservative enough, well, they can continue on the path of the politics of obstruction. And those Latinos who lean red should note this.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Anna // Dec 6, 2009 at 9:56 am
Re: “loyal man”
Translation: He does what we tell him to do.
Do you ever hear white men in politics being described as “loyal”? I only hear the word applied to Latinos. I heard Bush say it about Alberto Gonzalez and the media said it about Patti Solis Doyle.
I don’t see why the democratic establishment thinks this is an issue. They can vote against Maldonado without any consequences from Latino voters. If they think otherwise, it’s because of their own racial/ethnic hangups.
Furthermore, when are people going to learn that tehre is no such thing as a moderate Republican. They have to call themselves moderates, or mavericks, or libertarians, or independents to mask their nutcase Republican agenda.
2 WhatThe.. // Dec 6, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I believe both parties as a consequence to becoming more accetable have elements of liberalism, moderatism, and conservatism. The bastardization of the two party system has made possible for the dilution of party philosophy in order for them to be more readily acceptable as a whole to the masses. I think Abel Maldonado is a good example of this, the strings of politics enable Abel to blurt out what is necessary to the powers he is beholden to. Make me do right or make me do wrong, I’m your puppet…
3 Xavier Cardenas // Dec 7, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Wow. To many latinos are fooled by those with the similar sounding surnames. To understand Maldando all you need do is look at what he said in English and then what he said in Spanish the day he spoke as Ruben Salazar Park. Two very different messages playing both sides of the issue.
4 Anna // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:55 am
Re: ” To many latinos are fooled by those with the similar sounding surnames. ”
What nonsense. No Latino is fooled by Maldonado. More people were fooled by that imbecile Arnold.
5 Xavier Cardenas // Dec 8, 2009 at 3:59 pm
The voting latino numbers who have gone along with many of our worst representatives: Bercera, Cedillo, Sanchez, et al does not support your comment.
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