David Dreier Steps Down

David Dreier (R-San Dimas)

The California nonpartisan redistricting commission enacted by voter initiative has done its job.

Long-time incumbents across the Golden State, both Democrat and Republican, are stepping down or facing off against other incumbents for widely and wildy reconfigured Congressional seats.

The California GOP must take a long and thoughtfull look at its long-term prospects. A dwindling Republican registration, followed by the ongoing entrenchment of the Democratic party by public sector unions and a surging minority population, have nearly rendered the Republicans irrelevant in the state legislature.

Now the liberal hegemony dominating from Ukiah to San Diego is taking over the California Congressional delegation, in which long-term long-time stalwarts like Jerry Lewis and David Dreier are choosing not to stand for reelection.

Professor Raphael Sonenshein has correctly pointed out that the California GOP has a lot to lose, and still much more to learn, following the sudden resignation of Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier. A "small L" libertarian conservative who commanded great deft and range in Congress following thirty years of service, his moderation and fiscal conservatism would go a long way toward reshaping the platforms and programs of a Republican party desperate to retain some force and favor in a state which has shifted considerably to the left since 1994.