Nunes' take-no-prisoners tactics attract spotlight, criticism

Michael Doyle | McClatchy Newspapers • Published October 18, 2009

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WASHINGTON -- Rep. Devin Nunes rallies troops while he burns bridges with incendiary rhetoric and energetic maneuvering.

In the world according to Nunes:

Environmentalists are invariably "extremists," akin to "yesterday's communists." California's senior senator, Democrat Dianne Feinstein, is sometimes a "liar" and her staff members are "radicals." Bay Area lawmakers want to "turn the Central Valley into a desert."

Looking in the mirror, the 36-year-old Visalia Republican sees a congressman standing up for his constituents.

"I decided a couple of years ago that there was no dealing with the radical environmentalists, because they have such control over the (Democratic) politicians," Nunes said, when explaining his tactics. "The only thing they understand is pain."

Undeniably, Nunes has showcased the San Joaquin Valley's water shortage and its economic consequences. He has forced heated if inconclusive congressional debates. He persuaded Sean Hannity of Fox News to spotlight the region's water crisis. His rhetoric seems to have spurred on Valley colleagues to become more vocal.

"He has absolutely grabbed the issue by throat," enthused Rep. John Campbell, R-Newport Beach. "He has created awareness on a national scale, and without that, nothing happens."

One example: On Thursday, 23 House Democrats defied their own leadership on an unsuccessful parliamentary maneuver designed to underscore unhappiness over San Joaquin Valley water shortages. Nunes was at the forefront of that protest.

But as Nunes nears the end of his seventh year in the House of Representatives, his political aggression is also costing him potential allies. He has antagonized some fellow Republicans. He has provoked revenge from Democratic leaders. At times, he has cracked the traditional bipartisan accord preferred by San Joaquin Valley representatives.

"I have heard from some members, even from those outside the Valley, that in many ways he's making it harder to get things done because of his partisan attitude," said Manuel Cunha, president of the Fresno-based Nisei Farmers League.

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