Libertarian-minded Republican congressional candidate John Dennis has finally thrown in the towel, following his third unsuccessful attempt to unseat House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in her unmistakably liberal San Francisco district where Republicans are scarce, accounting for a mere 8% of registered voters.
“This town is an echo chamber, like a super-red town would be,” Dennis said according to the Los Angeles Times. And even with his more libertarian views on same-sex marriage and legalized abortion, he was still unable to make even the slightest dent in his mission to unseat “Petunia” (Pelosi’s nickname). She won reelection for the 14th time by an overwhelming margin this past November 4.
Dennis had run against Pelosi in 2010, 2012 and 2014, saying he had been provoked to run in the latter years by Pelosi’s support for policies such as the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs, which were assailed by insider Edward Snowden, notes the Times. (Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton recently said: “anyone who thinks Edward Snowden is a hero is unfit to serve.”)
Dennis, who traces his roots to humble beginnings in Jersey City, said he enjoyed the experience, despite getting hammered all three times. He also steered clear as best he could of media attention in the interim, notes the Times–perhaps a signal he was aware of his high chances of defeat.
He was, however, able to achieve somewhat of a celebrity status among followers of former presidential candidate Ron Paul, with whom he shares many ideals.
Follow Adelle Nazarian on Twitter @AdelleNaz
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