Chuck DeVore running for Senate in California

[Brian4Liberty]

I had been wondering about contenders for US Senate in California. (Rand and Schiff aren't running here!).

CA Assemblyman Chuck DeVore looks like the most serious fiscal conservative candidate. He is declared and running in the Republican Primary. I had a few additional questions for him, and he was happy to answer them. Below is the quick Q&A. You can also check out some links at the bottom.

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Q: I have read that you are a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. How do feel about the rest of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
A: "I'm a supporter of the whole Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. Our government exists to secure our rights. I have voted against my own party on the floor of the Assembly specifically over Fourth and Fifth Amendment issues (former State Senator, now Congressman, Tom McClintock did as well on the same bills)."

Q: What's your take on taxes?
A: "High taxes not only harm the economy, they reduce our economic liberty. I support the Fair Tax -- but to really make it work, we have to repeal the 16th Amendment."

Q: How about spending?
A: Spending is way too high (and was under the previous President). I publicly opposed the bailout and the stimulus. Fiorina (the probable Republican Primary opponent) supported the bailout and supported aspects of the stimulus. High spending helps grow big government and leads to massive borrowing which will be a drag on our economy and increase pressure for higher taxes and a debasement of the currency.

Q: What's your position on the TARP and Stimulus programs?
A: "The TARP and Fiscal Stimulus will make things worse in the long run and I have repeatedly said so and written as much. Further, we only encourage moral hazard when government steps in to fix other people's messes."

Q: Do we really need the Federal Reserve? Would you support S. 604 (Audit the Federal Reserve) as a US Senator?
A: "I have publicly stated my support for auditing the Federal Reserve and have already publicly supported S.604. Once we know more about the Fed's operations, we can best determine what its future should be."

Q: What is your take on Foreign Policy?
A: "As for Foreign Policy (my degree is in this and I am an intelligence officer in the Army), I have never been a fan of direct foreign involvement. I liked the Reagan/Weinberger approach: promote freedom and liberty abroad by encouraging local people to work for it themselves (as we did in Poland and Central America)."

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Chuck DeVore on the floor of the State Assembly as he rises to debate against last February’s tax hikes. Assemblyman DeVore was one of a small handful of lawmakers who voted against all of the tax hike measures:

YouTube - Chuck DeVore's last stand against the Tax Hike (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_YDOyWp2vA)

YouTube - Chuck DeVore rises to debate against MASSIVE California Tax Hikes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44kW4UzHk_k)

Reason TV interview:
http://reason.tv/video/show/every-last-penny-and-then-some

[Brian4Liberty]

I should have noted that this is for Barbara (don't call me ma'am) Boxer's Senate seat...

[dannno]

http://www.chuckdevore.com/

[dannno]

Man.. I really wish he wasn't one of those "fence" guys..but at least he seems to have a reasonable foreign policy..

[dannno]

Bump..

[dannno]

bump..

[Imperial]

Man.. I really wish he wasn't one of those "fence" guys..but at least he seems to have a reasonable foreign policy..

Yeah... "reagan" foreign policy can mean lots of things. Does that mean muscular CIA intervention or Lebanon withdrawal and more pragmatic? It can mean anything.

[Brian4Liberty]

Yeah... "reagan" foreign policy can mean lots of things. Does that mean muscular CIA intervention or Lebanon withdrawal and more pragmatic? It can mean anything.

Never can be sure. I'll take a Reagan foreign policy over a Bush/Clinton/Bush/Obama one. ;) (Obama is losing points for sending more troops to Afghanistan.)

If you go down the road of fiscal conservatism far enough, you don't want war because of the sheer waste of money...

[Brian4Liberty]

Do the Republicans have a chance against Boxer in California?

What did Schwarzenegger and Reagan do to become Governor in California? Was being a fiscal conservative at the right time enough?

[Brian4Liberty]

We could make a difference pretty easily.

[Deborah K]

I'll help Brian. I want Boxer and Feinstein out!

[Brian4Liberty]

I want Boxer and Feinstein out!

Wouldn't that be great?! :D

[HOLLYWOOD]

Chuck DeVore - Very impressive politician. I hope he has enough funding to run Ads against Boxer's Socialism/Servitude indoctrination of California.

Foreign policy from a VET who knows running for office is a big plus, especially for the flower children of CA.

[Deborah K]

Wouldn't that be great?! :D

Yep it would. I will call his office next week and volunteer for the campaign.

[Kmel]

I certainly want Boxer OUT!

But DeVore confuses me a bit. I am sure that he is a Conservative, but not clear that he embraces a Liberty position. When researching him, I ran across an article DeVore wrote in 2007: Ron Paul is wrong on the Civil War and slavery and he should be ashamed (http://www.redcounty.com/national/2007/12/ron-paul-is-wrong-on-the-civil/) and I also noticed that DeVore is not on the "This November 5th" (http://www.thisnovember5th.com) multi-candidate moneybomb list.

Don't get me wrong, he looks miles better than Boxer, but is he really a Liberty candidate? I am not so sure.

[Flash]

I certainly want Boxer OUT!

But DeVore confuses me a bit. I am sure that he is a Conservative, but not clear that he embraces a Liberty position. When researching him, I ran across an article DeVore wrote in 2007: Ron Paul is wrong on the Civil War and slavery and he should be ashamed (http://www.redcounty.com/national/2007/12/ron-paul-is-wrong-on-the-civil/) and I also noticed that DeVore is not on the "This November 5th" (http://www.thisnovember5th.com) multi-candidate moneybomb list.

Don't get me wrong, he looks miles better than Boxer, but is he really a Liberty candidate? I am not so sure.

Yeah I don't like his positon on state's rights or his position on moderate intervention. But for the most party he'll be a strong ally to Liberty and definently better than Liberal-Republicans like Mccain & Graham.

[Kmel]

Oh yeah, DeVore will have my vote against Boxer -- or against any McCain sound-alike-- but I was surprised that his campaign was here on Ron Paul forums after his negative remarks about Ron Paul & the 10th Amendment.

[Deborah K]

Oh yeah, DeVore will have my vote against Boxer -- or against any McCain sound-alike-- but I was surprised that his campaign was here on Ron Paul forums after his negative remarks about Ron Paul & the 10th Amendment.

He just doesn't agree with RP's stance on the Civil War and Lincoln. I wouldn't exactly call what he stated about it as "negative remarks about RP". Not everybody hates Lincoln and hopefully that doesn't become a litmus test in this movement.

[dannno]

What did Schwarzenegger and Reagan do to become Governor in California? Was being a fiscal conservative at the right time enough?

Gray Davis (Democrat) + Enron Scandal = Quadrupled++++ our electricity bills

Gray Davis got impeached the f out.

The choice was between Gray Davis, another Republican and Arnold, if I remember correctly.

[TCE]

He just doesn't agree with RP's stance on the Civil War and Lincoln. I wouldn't exactly call what he stated about it as "negative remarks about RP". Not everybody hates Lincoln and hopefully that doesn't become a litmus test in this movement.

Agreed. While most people that study history in-depth know that Lincoln was one of the worst Presidents of all-time, some don't care for history and agree with most of our principles anyway. There should be no problem with that.

Also, don't worry about Boxer just yet, worry about Carly Fiorina first.

EDIT: How would it sound to California voters if DeVore came out against Lincoln? Can you say political disaster?

[Kmel]

He just doesn't agree with RP's stance on the Civil War and Lincoln. I wouldn't exactly call what he stated about it as "negative remarks about RP". Not everybody hates Lincoln and hopefully that doesn't become a litmus test in this movement. The Ron Paul is Wrong about the Civil War" part is a disagreement -- the "And He Should Be Ashamed" was a little over the top.

But quoting DeVore on the 10th Amendment (http://www.redcounty.com/national/2007/12/ron-paul-is-wrong-on-the-civil/)"


As for states not having the right to seceed, that is obvious, as the United States was created with the ratification of the Constitution hence only a legal dissolving of the same could allow a state to become independent. The states that voted for secession in 1860-61 could have followed the legal route in calling for a Constitutional convention or for an amendment to the Constitution allowing them to seceed, but they chose the route of rebellion and war instead.

Look, I am not trying to take away from DeVore, just to understand where he is coming from on some important issues. These days that 10th Amendment issue is a big point to many people -- especially to Conservatives, Libertarians and to Liberty Republicans.

[Deborah K]

The Ron Paul is Wrong about the Civil War" part is a disagreement -- the "And He Should Be Ashamed" was a little over the top.

But quoting DeVore on the 10th Amendment (http://www.redcounty.com/national/2007/12/ron-paul-is-wrong-on-the-civil/)"


As for states not having the right to seceed, that is obvious, as the United States was created with the ratification of the Constitution hence only a legal dissolving of the same could allow a state to become independent. The states that voted for secession in 1860-61 could have followed the legal route in calling for a Constitutional convention or for an amendment to the Constitution allowing them to seceed, but they chose the route of rebellion and war instead.

Look, I am not trying to take away from DeVore, just to understand where he is coming from on some important issues. These days that 10th Amendment issue is a big point to many people -- especially to Conservatives, Libertarians and to Liberty Republicans.

You'll have to make up your mind whether his lack of understanding on issues you find important is going to prevent you from getting him in and Boxer out. Rarely have I found that special candidate with whom I agree 100%. And that includes Ron Paul.

[Brian4Liberty]

Look, I am not trying to take away from DeVore, just to understand where he is coming from on some important issues. These days that 10th Amendment issue is a big point to many people -- especially to Conservatives, Libertarians and to Liberty Republicans.

From the article:


For years I have admired Congressman Ron Paul's principled stance on spending and the Constitution.

He seems to be familiar with Ron Paul's stances, and mostly agreed with them. Debates and disagreements about the Civil War, the 10th amendment, States rights, and how to apply the Constitution and Bill of Rights are common, even around here. DeVore may be a minarchist, so he might fit right in. And he would never disagree on anything with an Ancap... :rolleyes: :D

[Deborah K]

If you live in Cali, please support and donate to DeVore. He's not being included in the November 5th money bomb. And I'm not being given a reason why that is.

[jfriedman]

If you live in Cali, please support and donate to DeVore. He's not being included in the November 5th money bomb. And I'm not being given a reason why that is.

Chuck is a candidate who can actually win a huge senate seat --- let's get him on the moneybomb!

[Flash]

Chuck is a candidate who can actually win a huge senate seat --- let's get him on the moneybomb!

Nah, I think it would be better if we just had our own money bomb for him. November 5th will probably be for anti-war candidates.

[Fr3shjive]

Nah, I think it would be better if we just had our own money bomb for him. November 5th will probably be for anti-war candidates.

Chuck isnt an anti-war candidate?

[Flash]

Chuck isnt an anti-war candidate?

I should say he isn't non-interventionalist. He seems to be more moderate on foreign policy. He's no Neo-Con but he is also no Ron Paul.


Q: What is your take on Foreign Policy?
A: "As for Foreign Policy (my degree is in this and I am an intelligence officer in the Army), I have never been a fan of direct foreign involvement. I liked the Reagan/Weinberger approach: promote freedom and liberty abroad by encouraging local people to work for it themselves (as we did in Poland and Central America)."

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=211285


DeVore: "America must support Israel's right to defend itself against terrorists."


Who can forget her confrontation with American hero Gen. David Petraeus back in 2007 when she called him a liar and then wrote a now laughable blog for the Huffington Post on September 14, 2007 which she headlined, “General Petraeus, Take Off the Rose-Colored Glasses” calling for an immediate end (read: “defeat”) to the war in Iraq.

[jfriedman]

DeVore: "America must support Israel's right to defend itself against terrorists."

Flash, can you provide a citation for that quote?

That makes me question my support. I had thought Chuck was more of a non-interventionist. Above is carte-blanche status-quo to supporting AIPAC initiatives that ultimately, in the long run, do harm to the United States.

[Flash]

Flash, can you provide a citation for that quote?

That makes me question my support. I had thought Chuck was more of a non-interventionist. Above is carte-blanche status-quo to supporting AIPAC initiatives that ultimately, in the long run, do harm to the United States.

Nah, I think you should still support him. I wouldn't mind having moderate interventionalists in the Congress. I just get annoyed at the Neo-Cons that immediently jump to war over every little thing. Dont' forget domestically he'll be the same as Rand Paul, it would be beneficial to have a Conservative ally in the Congress for Rand.

Source: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-191432368.html

[jfriedman]

Nah, I think you should still support him. I wouldn't mind having moderate interventionalists in the Congress. I just get annoyed at the Neo-Cons that immediently jump to war over every little thing. Dont' forget domestically he'll be the same as Rand Paul, it would be beneficial to have a Conservative ally in the Congress for Rand.

Source: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-191432368.html

I thank you for citing that quote for me --- much appreciated.

I am not sure I can really get behind him on foreign policy, but I certainly appreciate your point. As an American Jew who once was very pro-neoconservativism until I decided to actively participate and saw the backside of it, I hate seeing a country I love being used as a tool for pro-Israel policy, within the foreign-policy arena.

Now if policymakers naturally gravitated toward that point, I might be a little different...but the lobbying, guilting and outlandish justification while holding The Bible to put a Christian spin on everything was just too much.

If you travel the world, the idea of America is admired ALMOST EVERYWHERE, even in ISLAMIC countries. Believe me, foreigners see Americans of all races, creeds, colors and religions cooperating peacefully, being friends and neighbors, scholars, entrepreneurs and artists....most foreigners think of it as a wonderful example of what they could achieve. Unfortunately after they tell you how awesome they HAVE (past-tense) seen America, they frown and complain about how we are Imperialist in attitude now, that we demand it our way or no way, that a Jewish lobby pushes around our politicians and that we are perceived by the young generation (15-20) in many of these countries as an "evil empire". That, and it will only get worse if we as a country push harder to control others, and the even younger generations of foreigners grow up with a widely distorted view of America.

Apologies on the rant. I just wish we'd return to being the shining city upon the hill, as an example to others, and not stomp around the world trying to impose our "righteous" values, creating scores upon scores of enemies.

Most foreigners like Americans, and dislike American politicians.

[Fr3shjive]

Nah, I think you should still support him. I wouldn't mind having moderate interventionalists in the Congress. I just get annoyed at the Neo-Cons that immediently jump to war over every little thing. Dont' forget domestically he'll be the same as Rand Paul, it would be beneficial to have a Conservative ally in the Congress for Rand.

Source: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-191432368.html

Unless he's willing to close many of the 700+ military bases around the world it will be hard to get behind him. I know that he has a good track record of voting against taxes and government spending but one of the biggest parts of the budget is military spending and unless he agrees to lower that it'll be hard to get spending under control.

[Brian4Liberty]

Unless he's willing to close many of the 700+ military bases around the world it will be hard to get behind him. I know that he has a good track record of voting against taxes and government spending but one of the biggest parts of the budget is military spending and unless he agrees to lower that it'll be hard to get spending under control.

Don't forget, the other options are Fiorina and Boxer. Chuck is the closet thing to a Ron Paul Republican in the race.

A true fiscal conservative should eventually come to the conclusion that there is far too much unnecessary government spending in all areas, including military, foreign aid (welfare), nation-building and policing the world.

[TCE]

DeVore is the best candidate in the race, but he probably doesn't deserve his own money bomb. Until he proves that he can work well enough on his own, we should stay out of that race. The Iraq quote sums it up pretty well for me, even though he is worlds better than Boxer.