More Rough Sailing For Lungren

Challenged on his oath of allegiance to Grover Norquist

As a follow up to Congressman Dan Lungren's racaous townhall meeting in Elk Grove, the Republican met more tough questioning in Carmichael last week.

During the meeting, held in the Sacramento suburb of Carmichael, a young woman asked Lungren why he took Norquist’s pledge when he should only pledge an “oath of office to the Constitution.” Lungren seemed dazzled, and first misinterpreted the comment as an accusation that he opposes the Constitution. The constituent asked the question again, only to hear Lungren sneer that she hasn’t “been reading the newspapers.” A few in the crowd yelled “answer the question!”:

CONSTITUENT: How are we supposed to feel safe if you’ve gone around taking pledges for everybody instead of just staying with the pledge to the Constitution?

LUNGREN: If you’re surprised that I’m not for more taxes, then you haven’t been reading the newspapers. I’ve never changed my position on that. [...] Next question.

Given Lungren's cold reception at townhall meetings, the possibility that he'll switch districts and run against fellow Republican Tom McClintock next spring seemingly grows stronger by the week.

Watch the video below.