This primary, follow your head & heart

Head versus heart. Pragmatism versus principles. Some say these concepts are endlessly perched on our shoulders like opposing angels and devils. But more times than not, the head and heart are in full agreement. That’s because most principled choices also provide clear practical value.

Another clear-cut example is Sacramento County’s primary choice in our 7th Congressional District. This unique race pits our corporate-backed incumbent U.S. Rep. Ami Bera against his first-ever Democratic opponent Jeff Burdick.

It’s clear cut because, on the one hand, Bera has a weak record to run on. He has no legislative successes to point to since in four terms not one of his bills has ever gotten out of committee. His attempts to play the moderate deal-maker have failed to win any federal dollars from Republicans for badly needed projects like the South County Circulator or a light-rail extension to the airport. Plus scandal and ethical missteps have always shadowed him, including in this campaign.

In contrast, Jeff Burdick offers Democrats and left-leaning Independents a true walk-the-talk, principled choice. Jeff has not vacillated or flip-flopped on impeachment, nor accepted nearly $50,000 from some of the nation’s largest opioid makers and distributors as Bera has. Instead Jeff has taken the most principled fundraising pledge in the nation, and he’s the lone Democrat in this race who supports policies favored by a majority of Democrats and Independents. This includes Medicare for All (77% Democrats, 53% Indies), campaign finance reform (80% all voters), comprehensive drug cost reform (87% all voters), and the Green New Deal (83% Dems, 60% indies).

Jeff’s only negative is low name recognition because of a strange news blackout about this primary by every TV and radio outlet and The Sac Bee. So if you feel you need more time to compare Jeff and Bera, then your best solution is to vote for Jeff in the primary so he makes the Top 2. This then gives you nine more months to compare and contrast until the November runoff.

It seems pretty clear. Just ask your head and your heart.

To Represent only the CA-7, Funded only by the CA-7

Voters often tell Jeff they respect his principles to accept donations from only voters in this Congressional District, but they question whether it’s a smart strategy. (Again, the head and heart argument.) Jeff always responds, “But why would you want to elect any other kind of candidate?” Here’s a bit more from Jeff about his taking the most principled fundraising pledge in the nation:

Click to watch video

Lawn Sign Sign-Ups

Next week, mail-in primary ballots get sent to every voter in this district. Then voting extends for four weeks to March 3rd. But it’s not too late to request a lawn sign. This is the best way to counter the bizarre news blackout on this primary race by our major TV and radio outlet and The Sac Bee. Sign up through the below link.