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Will Devin Nunes' Next Lawsuit Be Against Me?
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
February 28, 2020

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What journalist has the most influence over Valley congressman Devin Nunes?
Excuse me for saying so, but I have to be near the top of the list.

Photo of GV Wire's David Taub
David Taub
Opinion
Let me present my case.
Who can cause temporary deafness on the ranking member of the House intelligence committee? Who can dictate the literal path he walks?
Me!

Maybe it Was Loud in That Hangar

Last week, Nunes appeared in Bakersfield at an airport hangar alongside President Donald Trump.
Naturally, I wanted to ask Nunes about a memorandum Trump signed to bring more water to Valley farmers — many of whom are Devin’s constituents.

Rep. Nunes’ reaction to my question was similar to when I ask my kids to clean their rooms — temporary loss of hearing.
Our esteemed congressman must not have heard me. He completely no-sold my request to talk. He traversed a path to get away from me as quickly as possible.
His reaction was similar to when I ask my kids to clean their rooms — temporary loss of hearing.
But I’m happy to share with you that Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s hearing is just fine. He answered my questions at the Trump event.
In fairness to Mr. Nunes, some have called me an aggressive reporter (using other colorful adjectives, I’m sure).
Six years ago, when I was a producer at Power Talk radio in Fresno, host Bill Manders got under Nunes’ self-described “tough skin” by questioning him on an NSA program that collected metadata on the phone calls of American citizens.
Two years ago, I kept my iPhone camera rolling as Nunes dodged a question I asked him about Russia. I’m glad he safely exited through the “no-exit” door.

A Silver Lining

On the plus side, I finally got his office to return one of my phone calls for the first time in four years. Of course, it was to tell me I was not invited to a water forum Nunes held in Tulare. The ticket I had registered for would not be valid they said.
Ha! The joke is on them. They never sent me that ticket. Nunes’ campaign told the same thing to The Fresno Bee, who still sent their photographer to travel the hour-plus distance to the International Agri-Center, only to be shown the door. I watched a live feed of the forum from the comfort of my office.
I know that I am risking a lawsuit by Nunes for these words, but I’m not concerned. I haven’t visited Virginia — where Nunes likes to file most of his retaliatory legal actions against the media — in more than 25 years. I visited the college campus at the University of Virginia. It was just an excuse for my history-buff father to tour a Jeffersonian site.
Some people may conclude Nunes has something to hide by not speaking to me, The Bee, and others. I don’t believe that’s true. He isn’t giving us the cold shoulder because he’s afraid. He does so to mete out punishment for those who have upset him.
Who am I going to complain to? How do you shame someone who has no shame?
While any elected leader or representative of the government should entertain questions from an open press, or at least let them attend their events, there is no requirement to do so. And, no, Nunes isn’t the only politician to behave in such a manner. Nor, is it party specific. There are plenty of Democrats who share Nunes’ view of the media as well.

I know that I am risking a lawsuit by Nunes for these words, but I’m not concerned. I haven’t visited Virginia — where Nunes likes to file most of his retaliatory legal actions against the media — in more than 25 years.
The only people to hold Nunes accountable are the voters of the 22nd Congressional District. And, for the past 18 years, they showed they are OK with Nunes as their man.

I Wish Nunes Well in Future Endeavors

In all seriousness, Nunes’ political values mirror those of a majority of his constituents, of which I am one. I mean that in a complimentary context: He’s conservative, fights for water and ag, and supports Trump.
I also believe this will be the last election go-around for Nunes, for whom I predict an easy victory come November.
In 2022, congressional district lines will be redrawn based on census data. And, population figures indicate California could lose one of its 53 House seats. I wouldn’t be shocked if the “nonpartisan” California Citizens Redistricting Commission consolidated Nunes’ district with the neighboring district of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
That’s OK. Nunes can pick up a role with the Trump administration come 2023 (or sooner) — if Trump wins.
 

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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