Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) is seen here behind the wheel of his 2001 Chevy S-10 pickup on one of many recent coast-to-coast roadtrips. Riding shotgun is Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). In back, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). All four are candidates to die in an aviation "accident" at the hands of the Republican controlled government, a theory held by many outside of conspiracists' circles as having some validity.

California Democrats Carpool is Less About The Roadtripping And More About The Safety

5/20/03 - It's about 3,000 miles from Washington D.C. to their home state, but a group of prominent California Democrats prefer the 40+ hours on the road than the 6 hours in the air. Although they enjoy the company, and the time to discuss political strategy, the reasons for starting the carpool are, as they describe, "preventive measures."

"I started doing the commute last year after the Wellstone, uh, accident," says Henry Waxman (D-CA), representative from California's 30th district. "Beyond the fear of dying in a conspiracy-laden manner as did Carnahan or Wellstone, private charters just ain't my style anyway, not that anyone has ever offered given my record. And my experience with commercial flights since 9/11, given the security hassles and appearances on Ashcroft's 'no-fly' list, has essentially grounded my travel. All that - understanding of the condition of the rail system, and with bus accidents every other day - that leaves my pickup as the only viable option."

Fellow California Representative and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi heard of Waxman's roadtripping in February and asked to be considered for future trips. Before long, Pelosi had invited the state's two senators along to complete the Cali-foursome, and Waxman, reportedly, "loves the companionship, albeit strickly plutonic".

"It doesn't hurt, in times like these, to travel together anyway," says Pelosi. "Sure, there's plenty to discuss, but more importantly, it's best that no Democrat be left alone for any long periods of time. Too many of us are targets."

With some regularity over the past few months, the California Democrats have made the trek every other week, admittedly getting punchy at times in each of the 80 hour round trips.

"Yes, we do joke about the situation. Call us 'Waxman's Angels'" says total hottie Senator Barbara Boxer, who insists on riding up front with 'Hot Wax', as she affectionately refers to Rep. Waxman.