Ethie Radanovich, wife of Mariposa congressman, dies

[Xithras]

Ethie Weaver Radanovich, the wife of Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, died Thursday night following a three-year ovarian cancer ordeal.

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Ethie Radanovich slipped into a coma sometime Wednesday. She died at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, on the eve of an epic snowstorm that was descending on the Washington, D.C. area.

Citing his wife's medical condition, Radanovich in late December announced he would not be seeking reelection in the 19th Congressional District. The former Mariposa County supervisor has represented the district, which stretches from Stanislaus to Fresno counties, since 1995.

Read more: http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/1036869.html#ixzz0ehH0Ah3r

First, congressman Radanovich has my genuine sympathies. I may harshly disagree with virtually all of his politics, but the loss of a loved one or spouse is one of those essentially human things that we all share, and nobody should make light of. Their son, who I believe is only 13 or 14 now, just lost his mother, which is one of the worst things any child can endure. For that, they are in my thoughts.

That said, her passing could also have political ramifications in the upcoming election. Radanovich announced that he was retiring to care for his wife, who apparently passed away much faster than they were expecting. There's been a bit of a right-wing civil war brewing in the district between the followers of the carpetbagger Pombo, and the followers of the local but less known Denham. There's apparently some real fear among local Republicans that a nasty primary could split Republican loyalties and alienate many voters, giving our own party the chance the snatch this normally "safe" Republican district. I know that his rather abrupt decision to leave was quietly criticized on some right wing circles, and we can probably now expect to see pressure exerted on him to retain the seat and run again to pre-empt that split in the fall elections. If he does, this could turn into an all-out Republican civil war during the primaries.

[tularetom]

1. Radanovich has been my congressman for a long time

And while he was generally worthless, my sympathy goes out to him and his family.

This is a gerrymandered republican district and there is no chance that a Democrat will ever be elected here. Looking at the slate of republican primary candidates, I'd say the district will be worse off. Denham and Patterson are basically cookie cutter republican candidates and Pombo is a loony.

I guess I could always move back to my old district where the congress critter is a "blue dog" who likes to brag about how he stands up to Pelosi (that is until he goes hat in hand begging for more money for big ag interests).