Democrats have been hitting Republican congressional representatives by trying to connect them to Republican presidential candidates, namely businessman Donald Trump. But, at the end of last week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) tried to tie former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., around the neck of U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., after that California congressman announced his support.
First elected to Congress in 2010, Denham chairs the U.S. House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. During his time on the political stage, which also includes two terms in the California Senate, and holding his current subcommittee chairmanship, Denham has been a vocal opponent of taxpayer-funded high-speed rail projects.
Denham also has won some national attention for his support of immigration reform, even breaking with the GOP majority to co-sponsor the House Democrats’ immigration bill back in 2013. Bush has drawn fire from the right due to his stance on immigration.
In an article published on Thursday, Denham told the Fresno Bee that he was backing Bush for the Republican presidential nomination.
“Gov. Bush is a proven leader with an inclusive message and track record of success bringing people together to solve some of our most pressing problems,” Denham said. “As a veteran, I am confident that he will provide the care our vets deserve and act as a strong commander in chief who commands respect around the world.”
But the DCCC quickly fired back, hitting Bush for using the term “anchor babies” last week and went on to attack Denham on other issues.
“Central Valley’s hard-working families deserve to know why Jeff Denham supports a candidate who favors phasing out Medicare, wants to raise the Social Security retirement age, and thinks women’s health care is overfunded,” said Barb Solish, a spokeswoman for the DCCC. “If Bush policies are Denham policies, Central Valley families will suffer.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
