Sen. Barbara Boxer steps into spotlight [the leader of the "'X-Files' wing" of the Democratic..

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[Sub-Driver]

Sen. Barbara Boxer Steps Into Spotlight

25 minutes ago

By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Sen. Barbara Boxer (news, bio, voting record) has always spoken up, but the California Democrat seems to have gotten a lot louder lately. Her opposition to Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites)'s secretary of state nomination was so combative that it was parodied on Saturday Night Live. That came on the heels of her decision to sign onto a House member's complaint about Ohio voting problems, forcing Congress to debate them before certifying President Bush (news - web sites)'s re-election victory.

She's being touted on liberal blogs as the Democrats' best hope for president in 2008. Conservatives are excoriating her as — in House Minority Leader Tom DeLay's phrase — the leader of the "'X-Files' wing" of the Democratic Party.

But Boxer says she is just standing up for what she believes.

"I've always been this way," she says, "and I'm trying to figure out exactly why people suddenly find this to be interesting, you know. Somehow I have touched something inside people, and I have not ever had this happen before. The only thing I can think, after reading what people said, is a feeling that I'm asking the kind of questions and saying the kind of things that they are feeling."

Maybe she's becoming a spokeswoman, or even a symbol, for voters who oppose the Iraq (news - web sites) war or feel shut out by the Bush administration. Maybe, with the Democratic Party at sea after November's election losses, some people sense a leadership void and are looking to her to fill it.

Maybe it's not that Boxer's gotten louder but that other Democrats can barely be heard at all. At least, that's what some of her supporters are saying.

[newzjunkey]

Blame the Republicans for running Matt Fong and in 2004, Bill Jones, against Boxer. You couldn't find more inept campaigns, more useless candidates.

We had a viable candidate who could've taken the fight to Boxer in the form of former U.S. Treasure, Rosario Marin, but she was dismissed as a RINO while Jones, author of the largest CA tax increase ever was pushed by the establishment. Jones lost. Huge. He didn't even use his own money against Boxer, breaking his promise to primary voters. Also, I'm sure others like myself couldn't forgive him for recinding his endorsement of W for McCain on the eve of the CA primary in 2000. The man has no credibility and yet he was shoved down our throats.

[spinestein]

[I hope she is their candidate in 2008, We will have it made no matter who we run.]


I have a feeling if George Bush ran for a third term in violation of the constitution, he would win anyway if she were his opposition.

[lolhelp]

ROTFLOL, You are probably right!

[anniegetyourgun]

"But Boxer says she is just standing up for what she believes."

That only confirms that she is delusional.