Serving in Iraq, Boquist rethinks bid for Congress [WA-5]

Statesman Journal ^ | January 4, 2004 | PETER WONG

[JohnnyZ]

Brian Boquist said that his hat still is in the ring for the Republican nomination for the 5th District congressional seat in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

But he wrote Friday in an e-mail message from Baghdad, Iraq, that if he remains on active military duty and Democratic incumbent Darlene Hooley of West Linn files for a fifth term, he might reconsider his candidacy.

[JohnnyZ]

Zupancic and Winters ARE both very good candidates. Winters is one of the best black candidates we have running in 2004, and is described as very personable and persuasive.

Boquist is a great guy but political rematches have a very low record of success, which he seems to recognize.

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[GiveEmDubya]

Personally, I'd like to see Winters take the nomination. I happen to believe she could make the race very interesting.

This would be Boquist's 3rd time running. It worked for John Kline in MN, but he ain't no John Kline. I'd rather see Winters make it competitive and make the Dems sweat bullets. She will need to be well-funded though to make it tight.

[Dog Gone]

“If I’m still on active military service in Iraq, it may be inappropriate to run for Congress,

Actually, it would be illegal.

[JohnnyZ]

Actually, it would be illegal.

Why?

[Dog Gone]

Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 prohibits active members of the armed forces from serving in an elected political position.

[JohnnyZ]

Hmmm . . . does it count if they're reservists, etc? Governor Mark Sanford is, and he was prepared to go off and fight (ie sit behind a military desk). Many state reps and whatnot have been activated recently -- at least one in Missouri.

[Dog Gone]

There is some sort of exception that can be granted by the Pentagon if requested, but the rules prohibit active personnel from engaging in specific political activities including running for office or serving in elected office. It wouldn't apply to reservists who haven't been activated.

I would guess that a state rep who was activated could apply for the exception, but if it was denied for some reason, I think he'd have to resign from office.

[CaptRon]

There is no easy answer to defeating the growing insurgency

According to USAToday, insurgent attacks are down 22%.