Rhetoric meets reality

Friday's Tracy Press cover story brought you the nuts-and-bolts campaign pitches of the four Republicans who look to be Rep. Jerry McNerney's main challenger this fall. But there's some analysis that didn't make it into the final report.

One thing in particular struck me during the interview process for the story. All four are running against an incumbent, and all, at one point or another in this campaign, have made reference to the corrupting nature of Washington, D.C., and that what the 11th District — and nation — needs is a representative untouched by that influence.

But they have also touted their experience working with legislators, knowledge of the legislative process and their ability to be effective from Day One.

There's a great argument to be made for being an outsider — someone who comes in with an outisde-the-Beltway perspective. There's also a great argument to be made for being experienced in the legislative process — someone who knows the ropes and who will be an effective representative of their constituents. (If you can't be that, remember, there's little point of being in Congress.)

However, it's tough to run as an outsider if you're also touting insider credentials. Just a thought.