Submitted via Portfolio Armor:
Meet California's New Senator
Since Senator Diane Feinstein passed away last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed a replacement to finish out her term. There's nothing unusual about that, but what is unusual is that he picked a someone who isn't even a California resident.
Meet Laphonza Butler, currently a resident of Maryland, and the head of the pro-abortion political action committee Emily's List.
Here is Governor Newsom's announcement of her appointment, proudly noting that she is a black lesbian (emphasis ours):
I'm proud to announce California's new United States Senator -- Laphonza Butler.
As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for -- reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence -- have never been under greater assault.
Laphonza has spent her entire career fighting for women and girls and has been a fierce advocate for working people.
She will make history -- becoming the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the U.S. Senate.
From her time as President of EMILY's List to leading the state's largest labor union, she has always stood up for what is right and has led with her heart and her values.
I have no doubt she will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington.
That's from Newsom's X post here.
I'm proud to announce California's new United States Senator -- Laphonza Butler.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 2, 2023
As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for -- reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence -- have never been under greater assault.… pic.twitter.com/SOnbfVPmXj
Apparently being a black lesbian from a pro-abortion PAC trumps being a resident of the state she's supposed to represent. Presumably, Laphonza Butler will continue to live in her current home in suburban Washington, and perhaps expense hotels if she deigns to meet the people she's supposed to be representing.
Early Reactions
Here are some early reactions to Governor Newsom's appointment of Laphonza Butler. Most focused on the oddity of Newsom picking a Maryland resident to represent the residents of his state...
Are Californians so awful that you couldn’t even find one of them to Rep their own state? Had to outsource to the president of a PAC 3000 miles away? Something tells me the people of CA will not be her priority, just like Dianne Feinstein. pic.twitter.com/RUwJatDlhM
— The Redheaded libertarian (@TRHLofficial) October 2, 2023
FEC filings from EMILY's List record Laphonza Butler's residence as Silver Springs, Maryland as recently as 31 days ago. https://t.co/FjZkJ9Ugf0 pic.twitter.com/2FzA8MVqfU
— Rob Pyers (@rpyers) October 2, 2023
Congrats to the state of Maryland on finally obtaining three Senators.https://t.co/FuEm8IWa8u
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) October 2, 2023
...But some pointed out that's she's also a pro-Wall Street/anti-worker Democrat.
Newsom's pick of Laphonza Butler will be celebrated around identity (as a Black LGBT woman) but she also worked as a lobbyist for many corporate consultants. PG&E paid her firm to help fight regulation and Uber when it waged war on workers attempting to organize for better pay.
— Lee Fang (@lhfang) October 2, 2023
Re Laphonza Butler: One of the most common political stories of our time is how Obama-era Democrats—sadly but especially people of color—went to work at AirBnB and Uber, using their political capital to bust govt protections for workers and renters https://t.co/579IY32GfK
— Steven W. Thrasher, PhD, CPT (@thrasherxy) October 2, 2023
Funny bit about Laphonza Butler I just found out about:
— Douggie Jones (@GramsciGordon) October 2, 2023
She was retained by Uber during an organised labour dispute to advise Uber on how to deal with the situation. She worked for Kamala Harris at the time and Kamala's brother-in-law, Tony West, was Uber's chief legal officer. https://t.co/9p0G396Emd
Labor Dems learn again that the Democratic establishment wields the real power, and they're not in it.
In Case You Missed It
In our last post, we looked at a century-old book that Tucker Carlson feels has lessons for us today (Tucker's New Favorite Book Is A Warning).
Tucker, Mystery Grove, and The Black Baron. https://t.co/cd0OOk2NI3
— Portfolio Armor (@PortfolioArmor) October 1, 2023
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