I wrote this post yesterday regarding Lou Correa’s vote against a resolution to urge Congress and Bush not to escalate U.S. involvement in the war. A staffer promised that I’d receive a written clarification this morning. But when I called this morning, I was told that it might not get done until next week.
On the phone with the Sacramento office, I was told that I was the only telephone call that they have received regarding this vote, and that there is a lot of other things going on up there.
I have received more inquiries than the Senator, apparently. I’ve had three emails and a few conversations regarding this decision by Correa. I know that some of you reading this are interested in learning about what motivated Lou to be the only dissenting Democratic Senator, so I urge you all to call Correa’s Sacramento office to ask that he explains his vote.
Call now: (916) 651-4034
Did you speak to the same person yesterday and today?
Did you get a name in either conversation. Helps when you’re trying to call them on failing to get you the information you requested and were promised.
I think failure to get you a prompt explanation is a bigger problem than the vote itself.
Publis, Mike;
In regards to Lou Correas Staff not being able to get you a prompt response to the inquiry it is because Lou Correa has been severely understaffed in his office. I was speaking to one of his staff members a few weeks ago who described conditions to me at his office. Basically in Sacramento the shortage is so tight that the chief of staff has to answer calls as if he were working in the capacity of the receptionist. This is because Don Perrata has shortchanged Lou on his appointment to committees in the senate. Lou was hoping to get some committee positions that would have afforded his office a larger budget for staff.
Since he did not get the committee he wanted he has been left with the bare bones of a budget for staff and operating costs. Not only that, I think Lou has been given the smallest office in the whole capitol.
Senator Correas staff are so stretched out and overburdened that many phone calls or inquiries from the public do not get addressed for weeks after what one would normally take. So give the guy a little bit of leeway on his response time.
As far as his vote is concerned, that is for Lou to answer and only Lou to answer. I am not condoning or condemning his vote. I’m merely stating his situation in regards to staff and response time.
A week to formulate a response to your vote is enough time. It’s not like he needs to create his reasoning…I hope that he knew why he was voting “no” before he actually did.
I’m scratching my head over this vote as well. I hope that he has an explanation for his reasons, Loretta should be commended for her vote today in congress.
The House passed the resolution today and now it’s on it’s way to the Senate.
I think Lou’s close call with Daucher put the fear of God in him. Expect more stupid votes, that will alienate his base, from this guy in the future…
For the life of me I’ve never been able to figure out why Lou continues to pander to the people who will always manage to find a reason to vote against him.