Senator Feinstein has repeatedly refused to debate candidate Elizabeth Emken. The 78-yr old incumbent has proclaimed Emken as "not a serious candidate." Twenty-four people were on the ballot in the June primary, thus diluting the percentage any one could garner against the 78-yr old incumbent. Yet, clearly voters found Emken to be viable enough to put her on the November ballot. How many ways will California elections be altered to accomodate the incumbent? Was Feinstein expecting a symbolic opponent in order to slide back into another 6-year term?
Yes, the 20 year incumbent has a net worth of $70 million. Yes, a 347-page financial-disclosure statement from 2007 was characterized by the San Francisco Chronicle as "nearly the size of a phone book", with many of her assets in blind trusts. Perhaps entitlement is no longer the way voters in California elect Senators especially if they won't acknowledge the election process. Especially if they snub reporters' queries for a debate and create their own criteria for a qualified candidate.
Without a doubt the budget of Repubican Emken is smaller than the war-chest of the long-term incumbent Feinstein. So Elizabeth's campaign staff utilized special effects to debate a virtual version of the 78-yr old incumbent. Emken asks questions but the response by virtual 78-yr old incumbent Feinstein is silence.
The video ends with a request by challenger Emken: Contact Feinstein's office "if you want to see a real debate." The last time the 78-yr old incumbent discussed a debate was when she walked away from an interview with ABC7 when the reporter asked if it would be better for voters to hear both.
Perhaps it is time to elect someone, unlike Feinstein whose TV ads claim a "commitment to medicare and social security" but instead elect Emken whose "commitment to medicare and social security" is because she mingles with people who are not........... in the 1% of elite now worth $70million after being in office 20 years.
Watch the virtual debate here: http://youtu.be/INdnZBZbtQw
