OPINION: Andy Kim Keeps His Word

A letter to the editor by Kerry Douglas of Mt. Holly, NJ

The GOP is howling that CD3 Congressman Andy Kim is a hypocrite for voting for Nancy Pelosi after saying during his campaign that he did not support her and wanted to see new leadership in the House. The GOP is confused because Mr. Kim did something they are unable to do – change his mind when new information is presented.
           
Mr. Kim does want new leadership in the House. He voted against Pelosi in the Democratic caucus vote in order to make that statement – thus standing by his campaign statements. His “no” vote allowed him to speak to Pelosi, and to help pressure her for concessions that pave the way for new leadership to emerge in the next few years. Once he had those plans in hand, and seeing that Pelosi would be elected with or without his vote, he voted for her to show that he will work with her to try to pass bills that will benefit his district and the country as a whole.

Mr. Kim is an analyst. This means he is able to adapt his strategy as the situation on the ground changes and new information becomes available. This is something the GOP does not understand—they tend to double down on any bad idea even when a mountain of evidence shows them to be wrong, lest they look foolish. Mr. Kim’s analytical background is one reason I supported him. I expect my Congressman to look at all the angles and make the best choice given all the information at hand—not one who blindly toes the Party line. Mr. Kim’s initial “no” vote signaled to Party leadership that he was not going to be a sheep. He will not support just any legislation—he will only support the right legislation.

And that is exactly what I want in my Congressman.

Editor’s note: The opinions in this letter are the author’s only.

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