Truly, without doubt, the most shameful election result to come out of the Sunshine State last year was the election of Rep. David Rivera, R-Underworld. But don't take my word on it. Read Politico.
From the piece:
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Republicans are already privately floating the names of potential primary challengers to Rivera, and on Capitol Hill he’s found himself increasingly isolated as leaders try to distance themselves from his troubles back home.
Top House Republicans organized a mid-February breakfast for freshmen who had participated in Young Guns, a fundraising and infrastructure support program for top recruits of the 2010 cycle. Rivera, who was a Young Gun, was left off the invitation list, a GOP source said.
Two weeks later, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) traveled to Miami for a fundraiser and didn’t even meet with Rivera. Cantor later told reporters he was “very concerned” about allegations regarding a misuse of campaign money before Rivera came to Congress. Cantor was in Miami once again last weekend and did not have an event with Rivera, a source said.
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It seems Republican leadership in Washington has realized this man serves as nothing but a black eye on the caucus, and is outwardly looking for primary challengers to man who managed to become subject of a state investigation within weeks of being sworn in.
The thing is, when a new majority takes over the House, they want to look like reformers. But Rivera is about as crooked and corrupt as politicians come. He lied about his income on financials for years, and when he told the truth raised more questions about the offshore company that he runs. And that doesn't even get into allegations of running vehicles off roads to fend off negative campaign mailers, nor does it bring up that whole woman-beating thing.
Truth is, it seems unlikely right now that Rivera will make it through his first term without being forced to resign. State lawmakers from the area including Anitere Flores, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and JC Planas are already lining up for a challenge. And they should. Rivera would not have won this seat in 2006 or 2008, and was only carried to the House by a strong statewide GOP wave. Lawmakers who are interested in winning this seat in a special election best start prepping now.
What I want to know is why our team isn't doing more to get this seat back. If the red team is so ready to eat their own Young Gun, why isn't the blue team more prepared to make a good go? I know the DCCC is recruiting against Rivera and others in 2012, but we need to make a priority of this race. I don't think it will wait for the next presidential election, and that means it will be harder to pick up without any help from Obama's coattails.
I hope Joe Garcia, who nearly beat Mario Diaz-Balart here in 2008 but was knocked down by the 2010 tea party wave, is gearing up right now for a challenge. And if there is any other Democrat who thinks they can do better, they should get their damn name out there right now.
The Republicans willing to take out Rivera are already out there. This election has already begun. If we are going to field a team, someone better suit up now!
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