Adam Smith of California hosted a 50th C.D. forum this morning at the Mission Valley Hilton. Thirty or so were on hand to hear the views of six of the leading GOP candidates, making the gathering intimate enough for some fun … although it would have been even better to see Francine Busby squirm in this group. Apparently, she was too busy movin’ on or something, although she was invited.
As the six candidates tried to squeeze length-wise down an eight foot table made for four, I quipped that it looked like the last supper. Richard Earnest, not considered a contender at this point by many, proved his mettle in the humor department by quickly shooting back, "It is for some."
Adam Smith moderator Rick Otis’ first question was about the declining moral values of the nation, which Brian Bilbray handled as if a newborn fundamentalist. Alan Uke quickly referred to a Brian vote in support of gay adoption, with Bilbray shooting back that the vote was about single parent adoption. I think I caught Uke rebutting back, "Gay single parent adoption."
That was about as heated as it got, with the balance centering on issues the candidates agree on, including the war on terror. Howard Kaloogian busted up the watchers, starting an answer with, "I went to Iraq last year … and I have pictures of Istanbul to prove it!"
In some respects, the known candidates met their expected profiles … Brian, brash and bombastic but with the answers … Howard, smooth and confident, selling his message in solid sound bites … Uke, thoughtful, intellectual, introspective, smart. The lesser known perhaps establishing their profiles … Earnest, the smart, distinguished former fighter pilot … Bill Hauf, the Marine reservist who has the look and style of a general. And, Eric Roach, proving you don’t have to be loud to get a significant point across, weaving in stories, charismatic.
Add Bill Morrow to this mix, and we have a solid field here, folks. Eleven days is an eternity in a race like this. Let’s now see who has the stamina.
March 31st, 2006 at 12:00 am
Barry:
Eleven days may very well be an eternity as you suggest, but don’t forget that people have been voting for the past three weeks.
April 11 is really not election day. April 11 is merely the last day to vote.
April 1st, 2006 at 12:00 am
Not forgotten. A significant portion of the mail ballots will be cast this weekend and the days ahead. With that said, the race between the Republicans will be close enough that the last four days and GOTV on election day may still decide it.