Calif. Dem rips White House ‘inaction’
California is a state were the unstoppable force of real estate price inflation met the immovable object of the mortgage loan crisis harder than most, and toxic jumbo loans flew everywhere. So this statement is understandable.
Dennis Cardoza didn’t simply announce his retirement.
The California Democratic congressman went out with guns blazing Thursday, torching the Obama administration as he revealed he would not run for reelection in 2012 .
The typical congressional retirement statement offers a grateful appreciation of country and constituency, a recitation of accomplishments and a requisite nod to the sacrifices made by family and friends.
Cardoza offered all of that, but went one angry step farther.
In an unusual departure from House custom — and a stunning breach of political etiquette — the five-term Democrat ripped the White House in sharp and politically loaded terms, providing ammunition that its GOP enemies will be certain to use for the foreseeable future.
“Looking back on disappointments, I am dismayed by the Administration’s failure to understand and effectively address the current housing foreclosure crisis,” Cardoza said in his statement. “Home foreclosures are destroying communities and crushing our economy, and the Administration’s inaction is infuriating.”