Was George Radanovich "Scozzafava'd"
By David Dayen
The Sacramento Bee reports that George Radanovich, a Republican from the Central Valley of California, will retire in a statement happening at this hour. This could end the Washington speculation that a wave of Democratic retirements are imminent; here’s one coming from the Republican side.
The Bee report cites Radanovich’s wife’s ovarian cancer as a possible reason for the retirement, but they also mention that former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson was looking into a primary challenge.
This is true. Amazingly enough, despite his doctrinaire right-wing beliefs, Radanovich has been facing heat all year from members of his own party. Anger over Radanovich’s vote for the TARP bank bailout had metastasized, and led to criticism that the incumbent does not pay enough attention to the needs of the district. A Central Valley businessman, Bob Smittcamp, cast about for a credible challenger, and former State Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villines had to publicly decline a run. Smittcamp may be more concerned with a local water project than Radanovich’s voting record, but he was reportedly making headway in finding a challenger from the right, perhaps with Patterson. Radanovich may have been scared out of re-election.
Given the hard-right push from the Republican base, it’s credible to speculate that this rock-ribbed Republican, a member of the far-right Republican Study Conference, was forced into retirement because of his “liberal” beliefs. That’s pretty incredible. Read More From FDL
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