I remember testifying in front of the House Immigration Subcommittee a couple of years ago and Steve King sat directly facing me. My topic of testimony - the need for an appeals board for consulate decisions - wasn't juicy enough for the Iowa Republican and he went after a friend testifying on an illegal immigration reform measure. At the time, I didn't know much about King, but in the years since he's clearly taken on the most vocal anti-immigration role in Congress, only rivaled by his Iowa counterpart in the Senate, Charles Grassley.
But while King has coasted to reelection in prior elections, re-districting has added a lot of independents to his district. And a high profile Democrat has decided to take him on. The race is shaping up as one of the more interesting ones in the House this year.
Sam,
I don't think media has painted him anti-immigrant. As a libertarian, his philosophy has always been that the government should not tell you where to live. As long as you are of a good moral character, by all means come and contribute. I am not a Paul supporter, nor am I a conservative, but anyone with any interest in immigration knows where Paul stays.
Posted by: Legal and no longer waiting | April 23, 2012 at 11:18 AM
An inspirational video clip: Congressman Ron Paul (who is NOT an anti-immigrant as portrayed by mainstream media) running on an independent platform for the Presidency of the United States:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyl_ztqOgDs
On 05/25/2012, Ron Paul Supporters across America should gather together to discuss the idea of Dr. Paul running on an independent platform and brainstorm a clever strategy on how to launch a parallel campaign in the event he is denied the opportunity of becoming the Republican presidential candidate. The end goal is witnessing Congressman Ron Paul announcing his presidential bid as an independent the same day America celebrates Constitution day: September 17th, 2012.
Posted by: Sam Stevens | April 23, 2012 at 10:32 AM
I think Bilbray is more dangerous than King. With King we know where he stands. However, I do hope King also goes down...but that is asking too much.
Posted by: George Chell | April 23, 2012 at 06:50 AM
You are right, I forgot about the recent redistricting stuff.
I live a bit further north now, in Orange County, in the only district in OC held by a Democrat, Loretta Sanchez. It is going to get harder for her as well, due to redistricting, some of the "Little Saigon" area became part of her district. But she has a good chance to keep her seat.
Posted by: JoeF | April 22, 2012 at 09:25 PM
"Having lived in the San Diego area for a couple of years, I don't think Bilbray is in much danger to lose. His district is pretty solidly Republican."
Not anymore. Please read Cook Political Report. It is rated a pure toss-up. Do you live in SD now?
http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_e9b2f006-4457-5430-87d2-e05f0b6eb7e9.html
"Redistricting maps released by a state panel Friday rocked Rep. Brian Bilbray, who stands to lose much of the area he now represents."
"Bilbray's new district also would move further into the cities of San Diego and Coronado, and also include Poway and Rancho Bernardo.
Party officials said Bilbray is among incumbents whose new districts would present the greatest challenges."
http://www.citizenorange.com/orange/2011/06/head-republican-nativists-elto.html
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/29/new-districts-present-challenges-reps-bilbray-filn/
Posted by: George Chell | April 22, 2012 at 04:28 PM
Having lived in the San Diego area for a couple of years, I don't think Bilbray is in much danger to lose. His district is pretty solidly Republican.
Posted by: JoeF | April 22, 2012 at 01:00 PM
We can now safely say that Gallegly is gone. The coming Obama blowout in California, will result in that seat going Democrat and will likely take down another anti-immigrant Brian Bilbray. As far as taking down Mr. King is concerned, it is a long shot indeed!
Posted by: George Chell | April 22, 2012 at 12:09 PM