Congressman Denham on Notice!

Congressman Jeff Denham serves a district that has a majority of its registered voters registered to the opposite party in which he affiliates with. The 10^th Congressional District of California is one district that does not have an overwhelming majority of registered voters affiliated to one political party. In fact, around 40% of voters are registered democrats, around 39% of voters are registered republicans, and the remaining voters are not registered to a particular party (District 10).

Over the last week on Capital Hill, Congressman Denham has voted among strict party lines. In a district where he is ultimately serving constituents among all party lines, Congressman Denham has faced intense criticism for being unwilling to compromise on any bill abandoning the fight over the Affordable Health Care Act and restoring Government operations (Cantatore). Indeed, Congressman Denham has voted with his party, the Republican Party 93% of the time (Open Congress) including the vote to continue funding the government at the expense of the AFA. Congressman Denham votes for and co-sponsors bills introduced with Republican ideology behind them as opposed to bi-partisan ideology more than most House Republicans (Govtrack).

 In such a highly competitive district such the one Congressman Denham is representing, California’s 19^th, negative publicity about such a major issue affecting many in his district is truly detrimental to Congressman Denham’s image and standing with voters. Deemed a vulnerable candidate to get unseat next election by his own party, one can argue something must change (Cahn). He has stated to his constituents, “…I’m raising an issue in fairness… we have to fix the problem.” (Cantatore) As deemed mostly responsible for the government shutdown (House Republicans) by Americans, Congressman Denham’s track record of almost always voting amongst party lines does him no favors (Steinhauser). Through his voting record while in Washington, it is evident to not only the Democrats but also his constituents that he contributes to the deadlock in a heavy manner. He is officially on notice.       

Sources

http://atr.rollcall.com/house-republicans-raise-3-million-for-vulnerable-members/

http://www.govtrack.us/about/analysis#ideology

http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/districts/CD10/

http://www.opencongress.org/people/show/412403_Jeff_Denham

http://www.turlockcitynews.com/news/item/1190-denham-government-shutdown-frustrating-about-fairness/1190-denham-government-shutdown-frustrating-about-fairness

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/30/politics/cnn-poll-shutdown-blame/?hpt=hp_t1