Today’s report that the unions are gearing up to spend/waste $25 million for Angelides is the best news this Republican has heard in a while.
That the unions were going to spend big was never really in question.
The question before today was where it was going to be spent.
As Jon says on the front page, $100 million might not elect Phil, so spending $25 million is really just throwing good money after bad.
But, for Republicans – and especially conservatives – this is great news.
Had that money not gone to Angelides, it (or some amount probably nearly as large) would’ve likely gone to some combination of John Garamendi, John Chiang, and Cruz Bustamante (Debra Bowen wouldn’t have been helped much, as some of these unions have endorsed McPherson).
Dropping, say, $8 million each against McClintock, Strickland, and Poizner, each of these candidates could’ve been in real trouble.
I’m sure the unions would argue that a rising time raises all ships, and that helping Angelides close his supposed 20-point gap, does help the other down ballot Democrats.
But, asked if they’d rather have Phil lose by 9, instead of 19, in lieu of another $8 million in their coffers, I’m sure Garamendi, Chiang, and the Chalupa would each tell Howie, "No Deal."
As these down ballot Democrats are all close in their respective races, not doing too well with their fundraising, and risk being swallowed in a Republican tide, today’s reported decision that their biggest financiers (the unions) are blowing their cash wad on Phil’s behalf has to be a major downer.
And that has me in a very good mood.