Post-Horton Possibilities

There are two possiblities for Shirley Horton in 2008. Either she is going to be a termed-out legislator with little obvious political future, or she is going to be the most heavily targeted Assemblymember in the state. Either way, this is the year for Horton to pay close attention to the opponents sneaking up behind her.

The top contender, and Horton's likely choice for a Democratic opponent, is Steve Peace, the former State Senator who has incredible fundraising possibilities but also considerable political baggage. If Peace doesn't run, eyes will shift to two other early candidates: Arlie Ricassa and Marty Block. Ricassa is a schoolboard member who ran in 2004, and presumably would have some endorsers and funders from that race who would return to her camp. Block is a community college trustee who should be able to draw on his Democratic Party involvement and Jewish/Attorney connections.

Also on the list is Auday Arabo, but a quick look at his resume makes you wonder if he is running as a Democrat or a Republican. A former Billbray staffer and member of the Lincoln Club? Shirley, you can't be serious.

Great Year for Clean Money?

In an incredibly optimistic rewrite of recent political history, the Califorrnia Progress Report suggests that 2006 was a "year of unprecedented growth for the Clean Money public finacing of campaigns movement in California." That's like saying it was a banner year for the Angelides Family!

The fact is that legislation meant to curb campaign spending and create public financing was killed in Saccramento, then the question was taken to voters and it lost by a 75-25 vote. That's embarassing for a campaign that was running hard, had phone banks every day up to the election, and had great free media coverage.

Another post on the same site is entitled "Prop. 89: We’ve Opened a Door for Reform That Will Never Be Closed." Yeah, that door led directly to getting our butts kicked. Great.

Nixonian, and not in a good way

As POTUS prepares for tomorrow's SOTU, he better be practicing with a cute white bunny rabbit and a magical hat. His approval ratings going into the speech are the lowest for any president the day before a State of the Union speech since Richard Nixon in 1974.

Better late than never. Here are the numbers:

65% disapprove of how Bush is handling his job as president.

71% say the country is on the wrong track

28% approval rating

Cross Postings and New Blogger

For the time being this site will cross-post from the Left-of-818 Mother Ship. Original postings to Left-of-619 will come from a guest blogger who is involved in the politics of the region.

You Can't Have Me!

This is a product of Left-of-818. I would be happy to invite people in the (619) area code to help me develop a blog similar to my LA Valley site... I just don't know anything about your politics.

If you are interested, please view my blog at left-of-818.blogspot.com or email me at andmaude@yahoo.com