Ciao for Cao? U.S. Rep. Joseph Cao, the New Orleans congressman and first Vietnamese-American to serve in Congress, is increasingly looking like a one-termer, according to an article published Wednesday on the new-politics-culture Web site The Daily Beast.
“Despite their early enthusiasm, Republican leaders seem to have largely forgotten about Cao as the party has taken a sharp turn to the right,” writes TDB’s Benjamin Sarlin. Cao beat embattled and likely prison-bound Congressman William Jefferson for the 2nd District seat last December in one of last year's biggest political upsets; Jefferson had held the seat for almost two decades. The district comprises much of metro New Orleans, which, while still majority African-American, has become vulnerable to the GOP due to out-migration of black residents following Hurricane Katrina.
When Cao took office he was hailed by the national Republican party as the new face of the GOP, but his frequent votes in favor of Obama administration initiatives (He is still undecided but says he is leaning toward supporting the administration’s health care reform plans.) have made him, in the eyes of many, the most vulnerable incumbent on either side of the aisle — marginalized by his own party and facing re-election in a district that remains heavily Democrat. According to TDB’s Sarlin:
GOP leaders have exerted pressure on him to toe the party line, but ultimately they understand his unique situation, Cao said. Party independence is the key to the Cao “brand”—an asset he hopes will propel him to another surprise victory next November. He believes his “chances are very good,” despite being panned by political analysts. But the competition is already lining up: State Democratic Reps. Cedric Richmond and Juan LaFonta have announced plans to seek the seat.
“I believe that the people of the district see me as a strong leader, a leader that they can trust,” Cao told The Daily Beast. “I believe that people are coming around from seeing me as simply just another Republican.”
... written by KatherineIV , September 17, 2009 - 06:24 pm
Congressman Cao has to be the only moderate Republican in the country. I think I know one more.
... written by Mike , September 18, 2009 - 01:53 pm
Another out of touch politician.
... written by Rex , September 18, 2009 - 05:44 pm
I live in Cao's district. He's great. Unfortunately, i think his election was a fluke. Most voters in the district thought they voted Bill Jefferson in on Nov. 4 but that was just a Democratic runoff. Only Republicans & Independents showed up to the polls in December for the general election. I think he has a future in La. politics in the future, tho. I hope.
... written by Randy , September 18, 2009 - 10:01 pm
Another Republican that doesn't have a clue! Come on Cao! Get on with the Conservative Band Wagon!
... written by ITB Orleanian , September 18, 2009 - 10:18 pm
As a conservative Republican, I nonetheless understand Joe Cao's predicament. He's a very nice guy. A conservative - but one who represents his district.
Yes - he's going to vote contrary to my preference. Fairly often. But if he wants to keep the seat he has to.
And like it or not, he'd better than Dollar Bill, Cedric, Moreno, Nagin, or anyone else that might hold the seat.
... written by Taxpayer , September 19, 2009 - 07:37 pm
Unfortunately, the alphabet groups in Orleans will rally to be successful in getting a true Obama-ite in there in 2010. The only reason Cao was able to win was because he was running against a criminal, whom the alphabet groups and "community organizers" still attempted to rally around.
... written by Jerry L. , September 19, 2009 - 11:38 pm
I can not for the life of me understand ones inability to understand the difference between freedom of speech and political correctness. One should always choose freedom of speech and that is not a tuff one to figure out.
... written by shelley, november 11, 2009 , November 12, 2009 - 12:32 am
people in this country are hurting and health care reform would really help the people who do not agree with reform also, I applaud this man for voting for the people in his district and for the people of this country, he so far, is the only republican that cares for people, they only care about themselves.
... written by Dayana , December 03, 2009 - 06:00 pm
Joseph Cao is a conservative representing an overwhelmingly liberal district. The Democrats had already spent millions preparing to go after him "for opposing health care" but now all that money is wasted. This was politically brilliant. Liberals can't attack him on health care while conservatives know that he waited to cast his vote until after the bill already had enough votes to pass.
Cao is not only a true pro-life conservative but also a brilliant attorney. He is definitely on the short-list to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in the next Republican administration.
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Ciao for Cao? U.S. Rep. Joseph Cao, the New Orleans congressman and first Vietnamese-American to serve in Congress, is increasingly looking like a one-termer, according to an article published Wednesday on the new-politics-culture Web site The Daily Beast.
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