John Seiler: What does Steve Garvey actually believe?

So long as it has the anti-democratic Top Two system, California needs one of the two finalists going on to November to be a non-Democrat to give voters a choice. They didn’t get that in 2016 and 2018, when each time it was Dem vs. Dem.

In October I wrote about the top Republican challenger at the time, Eric Early, being shut out of the early debates featuring the top Democratic candidates, Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee. Such exposure might have given Early a statewide presence. He also had some good ideas that deserved exposure against the largely uniform Democrats’ beliefs.

Enter Steve Garvey, the former baseball great with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. His opponents – reading from the same party memo? – branded him a “celebrity Republican.” But as a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, I best remember him being on the 1984 Padres team that lost to that year’s “Bless You Boys” team in the World Series, 4-1.

A Dec. 21 Politico/Morning Consult poll found Schiff in the lead with 28%, Garvey bunting his way to second place at 19%, then Porter 17% and Lee 14%. Politico will host a debate among those four on Jan. 22 on Fox 11. In the poll, the worthy Early garnered just 7% and was sent to the minors. Who said politics was fair? 

In addition to a real race, what’s needed is tough discussions of the issues. Garvey’s website features mostly pictures of his baseball years. News stories have not yielded many specifics. But his campaign sent me answers to some questions I hope come up at the debate. 

Why run as a Republican instead of a Democrat?

“I am running as a Republican because I believe in the party’s core principles of economic freedom, personal responsibility and limited government, which align with my vision for a prosperous and secure future for all Californians.”

Middle-class tax cut?

“I would definitely support a middle-class tax cut and tax relief for all Californians. Tax relief has always proven to be the best tool available to policymakers to relieve financial burdens on hard-working American families and stimulate economic growth. I trust families to take care of themselves and spend their hard-earned money as they see fit.”

How to balance the budget?

“I will prioritize fiscal responsibility, reducing wasteful spending, and implementing efficient government programs that truly benefit the people, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the nation’s prosperity.”

How to reduce the $34 trillion federal debt?

“It requires a combination of curbing excessive spending, fostering economic growth and implementing pragmatic fiscal policies that boost revenue without overburdening taxpayers.”

Protect the border?

“I support strengthening our border security and providing resources to border patrol agents. We are facing a crisis at the Southern Border. I was just there a couple weeks ago. We can’t allow more fentanyl, human trafficking and potential terror threats to flow across the border. While I support streamlining the legal immigration process to address the root causes of illegal immigration, we must secure the border first.”

Is there a “climate change” emergency?

“Yes, I believe climate change is an emergency. We must take immediate and effective action, balancing environmental protection with economic sustainability, to address the effects of climate change, particularly those we’re witnessing here in California.”

Supreme Court justice qualities?

“I look for impeccable legal acumen, commitment to upholding the Constitution and a history of ethical integrity and fairness.”

“My approach involves a balance of strong diplomatic efforts and ensuring Taiwan has the necessary support to defend its sovereignty, while working closely with our allies to maintain regional stability.”

Support the Republican nominee for president, even if it’s Donald Trump?

“My support for a presidential nominee will be based on the candidate’s ability to represent the values and interests of all Americans, not just their party affiliation.”

While some answers are vague, especially on Trump, not bad for a rookie. Let’s see how he does with the big leaguers throwing fastballs at the debate. 

John Seiler is on the SCNG Editorial Board and blogs at: johnseiler.substack.com