Brad Sherman for Congress

Howard Berman has commandeered the larger number of endorsements from the
Democratic Party, including California's two Senators, and now even Republican
senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham are stepping in with endorsements for
the embattled incumbent.

However, Brad Sherman will not give up the fight. Berman vs. Sherman — where's
Pee-Wee Herman?  I know this election’s
secret word, too: anti—incumbent.

If I had to choose between Berman and Sherman, I do not think that I would sit
out the vote, that's for sure. Even a dedicated Republican or Independent can
find something to support between the two of these two politicians who are as
liberal as the day is long.

Howard Berman has a power broker-brother, Michael, who according to LA Weekly
has been pulling the levers of redistricting power at the state level,
protecting his brother Howard's extended stay in Congress, which looks as if it
is going to end very soon.

I hold no grudges against long-standing politicians, provided that their votes serve
the greater good. Sadly, aside from his advocacy for Israel, Berman has been a
lock-step support for the progressive left in Congress for three decades, and
has faced only token opposition.

The easy ride ends today. Brad Sherman has a home-court advantage in the new
district, in part because the non-partisan redistricting commission put 50% of
his constituents in the new district, while only one-fourth of Berman's
district wound up on the new 30th.

If I had to choose between the two, I would support Sherman. He has less
seniority, which will slow his rise in the ranks in Congress. He also voted
against the TARP bailout, a horrendous misuse of state power and taxpayer
funds.

The Republicans have lost the two-tier spots, but that does not mean that the
Republicans cannot force an expensive general election fight, which will
exhaust the liberal establishment and assist GOP races in other parts of the
state and the country where the Republicans are certain not only to maintain
their hold but expand their power in Congress, both among establishment and Tea
Party Republicans.

As a conservative living in the South Bay’s 33^rd Congressional
District, I am glad that Sherman is polling ahead of the Berman in the 30^th
Congressional District. The California Citizens Redistricting Commission has
accomplished exactly what the voters wanted: ending the hegemony of entrenched
politicians choosing their districts. Now every politician must appeal to all
voters, regardless of party — a practice which Berman seems to disdain, as
much as his “other” half Henry Waxman.

I mince no words on this matter: I would prefer a tried-and-true conservative,
but since Ms. Susan Shelley did not win one of the top-two spots after the June
6 primary, I would be willing to settle for the candidate who has more freedom,
who is willing to reach out across party lines and honor every voter in his
district, regardless of their party affiliation.

To Sherman Oaks voters, on November 6th, end the Waxman-Berman machine! Vote
for Brad Sherman for the 30^th and support Bill Bloomfield for the 33^rd.