I recently reached out to Representative Jimmy Panetta’s office to inquire about his stance on the recent war powers resolution concerning Iran. This resolution asserts that only Congress has the authority to declare war, a fundamental principle enshrined in our Constitution.
You would think this would be a straightforward position for Panetta to take. However, his staff informed me that they are still reviewing the resolution and could not provide a clear answer. This lack of transparency is all too common for Panetta, particularly on critical issues of war and peace where his views may not align with those of his constituents.
Recent surveys reveal that only 16% of Americans support military action against Iran—a sentiment that transcends party lines. Both Democrats and Republicans, along with Independents, recognize the risks associated with escalating military conflict, especially given the potential for a situation similar to the disastrous Iraq War. Iran’s considerable size, population, and military capabilities make this a precarious situation.
So, why is Panetta hesitant to support a resolution that aligns with both the Constitution and the wishes of the majority? The answer may lie in campaign finance. According to OpenSecrets.org, his largest donor for the 2024 campaign is the Israel lobby, which actively advocates for military action against Iran. This raises serious questions about whose interests he is truly representing.
Just a week after the No Kings protests, Panetta still struggles to oppose granting any president unchecked power to declare war. We need representatives who are not beholden to special interests, especially those funded by foreign governments or corporations.
That’s why I am running against Panetta as a Green Party candidate. I refuse to accept corporate funding, as doing so would mean expulsion from the party. I believe this is the only path to restoring integrity to our political system and removing corrupt officials like Jimmy Panetta from office.
Let’s work together to demand accountability and put the interests of our community first.
Solidarity,
Sean Dougherty