Today I encourage you to take a few minutes and read the columns of both of today’s Golden Pen award winning pieces — both from veteran political columnists at the Sacramento Bee.
Dan Walters pens a piece where he compares the political challenges that face Arnold Schwarzenegger today with those that faces former Governor Pete Wilson back in 1994 when he was running for re-election, facing daunting poll numbers. Wilson was able to flip things around by taking a bold stand with the California electorate on the immigration issue. Walters theorizes that
the ability is there for Governor Schwarzenegger to do the same.
Walters’ colleague, Dan Weintraub (pictured), formalizes his thoughts, looking back on the attempt by the Governor to put together a massive bond package. He correctly points out the major flaw — which is that the Democrats in the legislature will work to their own interests – they are not beholden or loyal to Schwarzenegger. It’s a fascinating read — Weintraub again demonstrates his understanding of politics with his talent for putting his thoughts on paper.
Who is Stan Ellis?
Vic Pollard, the veteran political reporter for the Bakersfield Californian, today pens a piece about a relatively political unknown businessman named Stan Ellis, who with the help of a local college professor, is making a very serious run at succeeding Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy. Not much is known about Ellis, who appears from reading the article not to be any kind of firebrand, but one thing is clear – he is not the choice of the political machine in the area that is run by retiring Congressman Bill Thomas and his allies. This piece is worth a read for sure.
Assessor Bill Postmus
We’ve talked a little bit about the quixotic decision by popular San Bernardino County Supervisor Bill Postmus to run for County Assessor. It’s not that the job of an Assessor isn’t an important one – it is – but it is a relatively obscure one. Can you name your Assessor? Nevertheless, Postmus is a political juggernaut and the fact that there is a long-time incumbent occupying the office will probably be no more than a speed-bump to Postmus. That said, I hear that if you walk a precinct for Postmus, you get your own "Postmus for Assessor" pocket protector – sure to be a collectors item. There is an article on this race featured on the main page.
**Coming soon: the FR will be looking at the heroic Republican who is taking on San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, right in her own district — and we will be looking at the bizarre primary challenge being taken to popular conservative Assemblywoman Sharon Runner.**
Have a great day!
Jon
PS: Keep sending along your ideas, suggestions, tips, and comments. You can reach me via e-mail or anonymously via links in the upper right hand corner of this site.
Care to read comments, or make your own about today’s Daily Commentary?
Just click here to go to the FR Weblog, where this Commentary has its own blog post, and where you can read and make comments.