ARE THERE ANY LEADERS IN THE CALIFORNIA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION OR ARE THEY ALL JUST A BUNCH OF RUBBER STAMP BUREAUCRATS?

OK, first off, in terms of how frequently the members of the California Republicans have veered away from the Bush-Cheney agenda, there isn't a single independent-minded one of the whole pathetic lot. They are all rubber stamps. Not one has even come close to questioning Bush's policies at home or abroad even in the weakest and most deferential of ways, the way a mainstream conservatives like Mike Ferguson (NJ), Jim Ramstad (MN), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Michael Castle (DE) Chris Smith (NJ) Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), and Vernon Ehlers (MI) have from time to time.

Based on Progressive Punch's ranking of their vote scores for the '07-'08 session, the whole California delegation is way at the bottom of the barrel. Viewing the list from bad to worst you can see their scores next to their names. (As a point of reference, the worst, most reactionary Democrat, John Barrow of Georgia, a pro-war extremist, Blue Dog, Bush Dog, Dixiecrat, scores a 68.16.) The closest any California Republican comes to "moderation"-- and "close to moderation" are hardly the words to describe his positions-- is Jerry Lewis (also the most corrupt member of the delegation) with an abysmal 16.48. After that is just rapidly descends into blatant neo-fascism (anything below a 10 would be to the right of Adolph Hitler):

May Bono (14.18)
John Doolittle (10.48)
Ken Calvert (9.22)
Duncan Hunter (7.60)
Elton Gallegly (6.52)
Brian Bilbray (5.60)
Dana Rohrbacher (5.56)
David Dreier (5.52)
Buck McKeon (4.96)
Wally Herger (4.56)
Dan Lungren (4.40)
George Randanovich (4.17)
Gary Miller (4.14)
Darrell Issa (3.60)
John Campbell (3.53)
Kevin McCarthy (3.52)
Devin Nunes (3.27)
Edward Royce (2.98)

But this adherence to the GOP company line isn't even what I was looking for when I set out to examine if there is anyone in the delegation with any leadership qualities at all. In my search I came across an interesting report from the Associated Press from about a week ago. They contacted every California GOP House member and asked whether they supported the idea of corruption-tainted John Doolittle seeking re-election. Here's the sad breakdown.

Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Carlsbad: "It's a decision between his wife and him of what he wants to do ... I haven't really taken a position."

Rep. Mary Bono, R-Palm Springs: "I'll stay out of it."
Bono added that she and others are wary after some initially defended former GOP Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham of San Diego, who proclaimed his innocence to colleagues before resigning from Congress and pleading guilty to bribery and corruption.

Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, from spokeswoman Rebecca Rudman: "He will support whatever decision John makes."

Rep. John Campbell, R-Irvine: Told The Associated Press in October that it would be best if Doolittle did not seek re-election because "I am very concerned about the situation in that district and our ability to comfortably hold what is a safe Republican district."

Rep. David Dreier, R-San Dimas: "It's up to him. ... He's a good-hardworking member. ... We'll continue to have conversations. He's going through a difficult time. I have great respect for him as a public servant."

Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Simi Valley: "I think he should absolutely make the right decision."

Rep. Wally Herger, R-Marysville: "I support him on whatever he decides to do and right now he says he's going to run."

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, from spokesman Joe Kasper: "U.S. Rep. Doolittle deserves a presumption of innocence and based on that presumption U.S. Rep. Hunter still supports him. U.S. Rep. Hunter would respect any decision U.S. Rep. Doolittle makes ... If he does turn out to be the guy who is running Mr. Hunter, based on his current status, would support him."

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista: "I think whenever someone only gets 49 percent they need to soul-search on their electability."

Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, from spokesman Jim Specht: "He believes that decision is up to U.S. Rep. Doolittle and his family. He will support him if he decides to run. It's up to the voters who will be the nominee."

Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Sacramento: "I'm not really making any comments on that."

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield: Declined comment.

Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Santa Clarita: "I don't get into what other members should do about their elections. ... You're not going to get me on this. He's a good friend and I hope everything works out for him."

Rep. Gary Miller, R-Diamond Bar: "I support what John wants to do. John has to make that decision, whether he runs or whether he retires. That's a decision solely in his camp and whatever he chooses to do I support. I like him personally.
"We're colleagues. You don't generally turn against your colleagues. These are individuals you work with and I've always had a very good personal relationship with John Doolittle. I know nothing about what he's being accused of."

Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare. "I'm going to support the Republican. We have to wait and see what happens. ... I'm just neutral right now."

Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa: "I think John's just a fine person I have a lot of respect for him and I know he'll make the right decision."

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Huntington Beach: "I'm concerned about doing what's right and the voters will have to vote the way they think is right. It's not right to ask someone to step away from an office they've worked so hard on even before there's been any accusation against them, much less a conviction."

Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton: "This is kind of early to be talking to us about elections. I haven't focused on that."

If Newt Gingrich famously called John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, Fred Thompson, Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo a "pathetic bunch of pygmies"™, how do you think he'd rate the 18 Republican congressmen from California?