California state Democrats are distancing themselves from the state
party’s chief after he called for the boycott of a beloved burger chain
after it donated cash to the state’s Republican Party.
The political feud began last week when Eric Bauman,
head of the California Democratic Party, called for the boycott of
California-based In-N-Out over its $25,000 donation to the GOP.
Bauman’s call soon became a headache for the party as
it captured national headlines and gave ammunition to the GOP as the
Democratic leader threatened to alienate the loyal customers of a wildly
popular restaurant chain.
But the state Democratic Party quickly backtracked,
saying Bauman’s call for a boycott was merely his “personal view” and
wasn’t being considered by the state Democratic Party as a policy.
“We’re not happy that In-N-Out gave the money, but
we’re not calling for an official boycott,” John Vigna, the party’s
communications director, told the Los Angeles Times. “Democrats are very fired up. Chair [Bauman] is definitely giving voice to a feeling a lot of people have right now.”
"We’re not happy that In-N-Out gave the money, but we’re not calling for an official boycott."
- John Vigna, the state Democratic Party communications director
Ordinary voters, too, seemed to be against a boycott.
“Eating at In-N-Out is such a standard thing to do
across California,” Anthony Grigore told the Times, dismissing the idea
of a boycott as rather silly.
“The stomach overrules the mind,” Jaime Regalado,
emeritus professor of political science at Cal State L.A., told the
newspaper. “A cheap, good-tasting burger is hard to dismiss
politically.”
But despite the damage control, Republicans seized on
the opportunity to have a political feast, posting images and
declarations of support for the chain.
“Enjoying our favorite fast food restaurant, In-N-Out
Burger, at the Capitol today. No boycott here!” Republican state Sen.
Jim Nielsen wrote on Facebook, attaching a photo of himself surrounded
by multiple orders of burgers and fries.
Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox posted on
Twitter a photo of himself in front an In-N-Out as well, saying “There’s
nothing more Californian than In-N-Out Burger.”
Matt Fleming, a spokesman for the California Republican Party, also weighed in on the issue.
“It’s disappointing that he’s attacking a company
that’s a California institution and widely regarded as a good employer,”
he wrote in a tweet.
Meanwhile, In-N-Out released a statement addressing the
donations to the Republican Party, claiming that the chain has made
“equal contributions to both Democratic and Republican” PACs in
California this year.
“For years, In-N-Out Burger has supported lawmakers
who, regardless of political affiliation, promote policies that
strengthen California and allow us to continue operating with the values
of providing strong pay and great benefits for our associates,”
Executive Vice President Arnie Wensinger said.