Almost six months ago I wrote a fanboy diary entitled "Hey, JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI just wrote a diary" because one of my favorite California politicians, former Insurance Commissioner and most recently Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, had come to Daily Kos and written a pretty good diary entitled "Organizing for Change and Putting Change in Your Pocket" about the federal stimulus.
I was late to the game; it was actually his second diary. His first was on regional rapid transit. Since those two, he's written 19 more here, on topics ranging from Big Oil and protecting the coastline, the public option, education, and one other thing: his campaign for Congress.
After last night, his successful campaign for Congress.
I don't know or much care what input Garamendi has had to his own diaries here. He's no doubt signed off on doing them, and he has has established the policies and the record that made them possible. He's done this in a district that is not all that liberal, but that is now going to be represented by one of the strongest progressives around.
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI IS IN THE HOUSE!
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI, who was California's first Insurance Commissioner, and can hit the ground running hard in the health care debate!
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI, an exemplary progressive 16-year California Assemblyman and State Senator!
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI, who was the Deputy Secretary of the Interior under Clinton!
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI, who is a lot more progressive than his predecessor, frequent netroots punching bag Ellen Tauscher!
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI, who will listen to the likes of us and do the best to represent us!
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI, who is not part of today's political "day after" storyline, but should be!
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI, who says (from Robert Cruickshank's Calitics story celebrating his win) "More than three decades in public service have prepared me for this moment, and you better believe I didn't run for this seat to be a backbencher."
JOHN FREAKING GARAMENDI IS IN ... THE ... HOUSE!
And that is something for which, other victories and defeats aside, we should all be thankful.
Congratulations, Representative Garamendi! (We'll be in touch!)