With Lynn Woolsey retiring at the end of this term, voters in one of the most progressive districts in the nation now must choose who will represent them after 2012.
Woolsey has been a reliable progressive vote, and has become a hero to many for her visible and courageous public opposition to the Iraq and Afghan wars and advocacy for single payer health reform.
That said, she hasn't been very successful in shepherding legislation of consequence through Congress. CA-6 is at the very cutting edge of public policy in several areas (including land use planning and climate protection). I believe voters here need a representative who not only stands for the right thing, but can translate ideas into implemented policies. Of the prospective candidates now clearly vying for the seat, Assemblymember Jared Huffman is far and away the best by this standard.
More after the hop.