Nancy Pelosi Dodges Opposition Debate again - Not in District enough to Debate 2010 Opponent John Dennis!

Local Press nationwide remains virtually silent on Congressional democrats facing competition.

From the Hill Blog: A chance meeting between Republican 2010 Congressional Challenger, John Dennis, and Deeply entrenched and controversial Democrat, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, resulted in two things: one Ms. Pelosi continues to avoid debating anyone who challengers her, and secondly a photo taken in the DC pub (here), in which the chance meeting took place.

John Dennis has a Libertarian Streak which appeals to voters that are disenchanted with Pelosi and although Dennis is getting some press where it counts (in the 8th district), it is the Speakers refusal to meet with any challenger in a debate format that is most telling.
Back in 2008, the speaker refused to debate any of her opponents, which included anti-war activist, Cindy Sheehan - Pelosi did consent to do a 30 minute interview locally, which, of course, featured only Pelosi.

One would think Ms. Pelosi’s remark to Mr. Dennis conceding that she was never in the district to debate (the latest excuse in this election), would be fodder for the home press to at the least ask why Pelosi, who specifically voted to recess Congress in order for the troops (Democrats in danger) go to their home districts and duke it out with the Republican Opposition. Think again – the press is silent 4 days hence and the news is no longer delivered via Pony Express. Dennis, who pundits have already consigned to an “uphill battle” status in his campaign to unseat Pelosi, is in better shape than Pelosi would care to admit.

In reviewing the returns from 2008, Pelosi, indeed won by a large margin, but, Ms. Sheehan did take 16.2% of the vote, Republican Dana Wash took 9%, and a Libertarian candidate 2% Therefore, the race, although considered by any measure a landslide – did indicate that there was trouble with the Pelosi base – those voters who traditional go left of left for candidates. What happens if a more credible opposition candidate comes forth? Ms. Pelosi will find out when voters go to the polls to choose between herself and John Dennis.

Ms. Pelosi’s refusal to debate candidates, and the virtual blackout by local news, leaves the opposition no option but to knock on doors, and chip away at those constituents that Pelosi relies on: Those that have been looking for a credible alternative to Pelosi. In San Francisco County, otherwise known as the 8th District, credibility is based on more one’s ability to be anti-war (John Dennis, check!) and gay-friendly (John Dennis, check!). In addition, Dennis has the business background, and the Libertarian streak that attracts the variety of demographics that make up the District. It is no wonder Pelosi is avoiding a debate with Dennis like the plague, and it was by design that she did not debate Ms. Sheehan, much for the same reason. Debates may not be the Speakers best arena, and a public display of the talent of Ms. Pelosi, would in any event, prove to be a tactical error on her part. Dennis can hold his own, and that is, of itself, a threat to Pelosi. That said, Ms. Pelosi’s refusal to debate, year after year, due to her busy schedule outside of the district, speaks volumes – and that message is being delivered to the voters via the Dennis Camp.

News on challengers to deeply entrenched Democrats is often difficult to find, no more so apparent, in the other left coast: Massachusetts, where news organizations are studiously avoiding mentioning the fact that any election may be taking place. For example in the Mass. 2nd district, one cannot find much information on career politician, Richard Neal (D), and his opponent, Tom Wesley, but one has to give Neal credit, at least he has agreed to one debate. Try this test: no matter what district one votes in, Google the news for opposition candidates to your congressional representative and see – no results!

By denying the fact that Democrats face opposition this year, in any given district, including the California 8th, the plan appears to be to stick ones head in the sand, and hope with the help of the local press, that November slips away unnoticed. Think again, Ms. Pelosi and any incumbent that is running for reelection in 2010 – the press now has an approval ranking (Gallup) about as dismal as your own – the people are aware that, yes indeed, you and your Congressional Delegation are up for reelection.