I Like Jeff Flake:

[T]here's nothing we've done as Republicans that ought to make libertarians excited about our record.

Reason: Whatever happened to the class of '94?

Flake: I think Republicans have by and large gone native. I don't know how you can conclude otherwise. You look at any measure of spending -- overall spending, mandatory, discretionary, non-defense discretionary, non-homeland security spending -- whichever way you slice it, the record looks pretty bad. When you look at where we're heading, with Medicare Part D, it just means that these programs run out of money a lot sooner than they were going to already.

Republicans have adopted the belief or the principle that you spend money to get elected. When I was elected in 2000 it was ingrained in us, and since then it's been even more so: Here's how you get reelected, bring home the bacon. You have the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, whose job it is to reelect Republicans, saying in defense of his earmarks that it's the job of Congress to create jobs.

Reason: Has the GOP given up on the ideals of small government?

Flake: Well, that's the natural conclusion to draw. There are some -- like [fellow Arizona Republican Rep.] John Shadegg and not many others -- who still vote for limited government. Of course all of them still profess it, but when you look at their votes you have a hard time concluding that they really believe it. Staying in office, staying in power, has come to overwhelm everything.

Reason: What policies could a GOP-run Congress enact that would appeal to libertarians?

Flake: At this late date? Adjournment.

11/06/2006 10:20 PM  |  Comment (13)

How You Gonna Vote, Californians?! Here's what we recommended. I reckon I shouldn't say much about where I personally differ, other than that I tend to be more fond of the word "no," and less fond of lending ammo to the major political parties.

Of the races I get to vote on that the Times didn't endorse:
* State Senate, District 26 -- I'll take 25-year-old non-crazy Libertarian Bud Raymond over revolving-door Democrat Mark Ridley-Thomas.
* State Assembly, District 43 -- Possibly crazy bike-ridin' Libertarian Steve Myers over meat-faced Republican environmentalist Michael Agbaba and slick Democrat Paul Krekorian. I actually like Krekorian just fine, but he's already going to win without my help. Agbaba seems decent, if on the earnest side. I just prefer giving my vote in walkover races to third parties.
* Congress, California District 33 -- Write-in fave Ben Sullivan over unopposed Democrat Diane "I Fax Your House!" Watson.

What're y'all voting for?

Oh -- and starting as soon as tomorrow, check this space for election-blogging from the likes of new Times hire ... Thumpin' Tim Cavanaugh!

11/05/2006 05:17 PM  |  Comment (7)

Hi! What are you doing down here?