California Democratic representative Pete Stark had an executive career that must rank as one of the shortest in history. After just one day as Chairman of The House Ways and Means Committee, Pete Stark, who took over for ethics-clouded Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), was replaced by Sander Levin (D-Michigan) according to The Associated Press.
According to Roll Call, Democrats took issue with Stark's appointment by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)because of his unpredictable outbursts. What Roll Call's Tory Newmyer and Steven T. Dennis wrote in explaining the reasons behind Stark's ouster was both hilarious and sad:
But the 78-year-old Stark has a reputation among his colleagues as a loose cannon with a history of off-color remarks including calling then-Rep. Scott McInnis (R-Colo.) a “little wimp” and a “fruit cake” and accused then-Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) of being a “whore” for the insurance industry. But that’s not all. Stark also has ethics troubles of his own and, recently, health problems, which sidelined him from 22 percent of House votes last year — the fifth-worst participation record in the chamber.
Stark also called Blue-Dog Democrats "brain dead" and in 2007 said that President George W. Bush sent troops to Iraq to get their “heads blown off for his amusement” according to The Hill.
Pete Stark's obviously saved his best lines for conservatives.
The whole affair has to give Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) fits. She's being attacked by some in the media for making "missteps" but it reads more like she's herding cats. Someone should have stepped in and advised her not to make the moves she's made, rather than watching her do it, then complaining about it. But if Speaker Pelosi acted on her own without seeking counsel and getting contrary advice, then the attacks are deserved.
Stay tuned.
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