Pete Stark Is Fighting for His Seat in Congress and His Opponent is Using His Atheism Against Him

[trotsky]

Note: Because Rep. Stark represents a very liberal district, he is running against a fellow Democrat. Yes, that's right, a Democrat who is attacking Pete Start, a dedicated liberal, because of his non-belief.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/10/26/pete-stark-is-fighting-for-his-seat-in-congress-and-his-opponent-is-using-his-atheism-against-him/

Pete Stark is currently the only open atheist in Congress. In 2007, he went public with his non-theism thanks to urging from the Secular Coalition for America.

...

He’s running in a very close race against his challenger Eric Swalwell (also a Democrat). There’s no polling in his district to find out exactly where he stands but local press is saying that, for Stark, this is a “fight for his political life.”

So why should you care about Stark? Because he’s an atheist?

No. That’s never reason enough to vote for someone. You should care because Stark is a strong liberal and his record speaks for itself:

More at link. And since this sentence is actually a quote from another article, I don't think I will be violating any copyright issues by posting it: &quot Rep. Stark) once voted “present” on a resolution wishing former President Reagan happy birthday." My kind of guy, for sure.

[lyingsackofmitt]

1. SFGate

Has been shitting on Stark this whole election, its been very disturbing.

[bayareamike]

2. Before redistricting, I lived in Stark's district my entire life and have met the man on several

occasions. I'm not sure I really trust Swalwell -- certain things make me think he's an opportunist rather than a real liberal -- but I don't think it's fair to say that he's attacking Stark's atheism. Sure, that can be inferred from the Swalwell campaign's statement, but it's a misleading accusation nonetheless.

Just my two cents.

[trotsky]

3. Inferred??

His opponent's press release says:

"The Fifteenth Congressional District deserves a Member of Congress who is in touch with its people, can work well with others, and can honor our national motto."

I repeat: "...who ... can honor our national motto."

If that isn't an attack on Stark's non-belief, what exactly is it?

[2ndAmForComputers]

4. Wow. Not only he attacks Stark's atheism, but does so in a cowardly, dog-whistle-ish way.

[2ndAmForComputers]

5. "So why should you care about Stark? Because he’s an atheist? No."

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO?

Since it's two Democrats, YES, I do want Stark to win BECAUSE HE'S AN ATHEIST.

You got a problem with that?