The political landscape in California has become even more crowded with the recent announcement from Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14) that he intends to run for governor.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already competitive race for the state's highest office. Swalwell made his intentions known during a late November appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show, where he declared, "Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector. Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up."
He further emphasized his opposition to President Donald Trump, stating, "Our state is under attack," and accused the President of targeting immigrant communities in California.
As reported by RedState, Swalwell's candidacy comes with a host of concerns that voters should consider. Notably, his attendance record in Congress has been less than stellar. An analysis by The Post reveals that Swalwell has missed the most floor votes of any active member of the House of Representatives this year. Out of 342 House roll call votes, he has been absent for 95, excluding committee hearings.
This absenteeism is not attributed to health or family issues but rather to socializing with celebrities. In a striking comparison, Swalwell has missed more votes than Rep. Ral Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who passed away in March.
Swalwell's record since joining Congress in 2013 is also under scrutiny. According to the Sacramento Bee, he has the poorest attendance among the 52 members of California's congressional delegation.
A review of House voting records and data from the nonpartisan website GovTrack shows that he has missed over 550 votes out of 7,253, equating to a 7.7% absentee rate. This is significantly higher than the average House member's 2.1% missed votes, as noted by GovTrack.
The implications of Swalwell's absenteeism are significant, especially considering his annual salary of $174,000. Critics argue that this is emblematic of the California Democratic leadership, which they claim is characterized by a lack of accountability and responsibility.
California's current governor, Gavin Newsom, has also faced criticism for his frequent absences, as he appears to be positioning himself for a potential presidential run. The state does not need another leader with a similar track record, particularly one with alleged ties to foreign influences.
Swalwell's candidacy raises questions about his commitment to the responsibilities of public office. With a history of missed votes and a penchant for celebrity engagements, voters may question whether he is the right choice to lead California. As the gubernatorial race unfolds, these issues will likely play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing the outcome.
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