Arnold Schwarzenegger Watch: Democrats Desire Better Candidates to Oppose Him
In a slap at California State Treasurer, Phil Angelides and California Controller Steve Westly the San Francisco Chronicle always the bastion of the Left has Schwarzenegger is vulnerable, but some Democrats worry their only candidates so far aren’t ‘exactly the charisma twins’.
With Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s popularity plummeting, a growing number of Democrats are asking whether state Treasurer Phil Angelides and Controller Steve Westly should be the party’s only choices for governor.
Prominent Democrats ranging from San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and former Rep. Leon Panetta to non-politicians such as businessman Steve Jobs and comedian Robin Williams are mentioned in the quiet conversations of Democratic activists, although no one is saying anything — at least publicly — about jumping into the race.
“Six months ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger looked unbeatable, and now to many people he looks like he could be beat,” said Kam Kuwata, a Democratic consultant for Sen. Dianne Feinstein and former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn. “That’s a big change.”
With Schwarzenegger refusing even to say whether he’ll seek re-election, Democrats see a chance to take back California’s top office, something that seemed far out of reach when the superstar actor rode a record wave of popularity to take office after Gov. Gray Davis was recalled in 2003. But while Angelides and Westly were welcome to fight for the chance to lose to Schwarzenegger, Democrats across the state are asking whether they’re the right candidates to beat the governor.
Right, the Democrats will nominate Robin Wiliams!
Phil Angelides and Steve Westly both have $15 million in their campaign accounts.
But, please…..Flap would live to see Mork and Terminator.
Look at the humorous summary by the S. F. Chronicle.
Contenders?
Some Democrats are looking for alternatives to announced gubernatorial candidates Phil Angelides, the state treasurer, and Steve Westly, the state controller to run against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Here are some of the names that pop up:
GRAY DAVIS
He’s tanned, fit and ready, but he also has been recalled.
GAVIN NEWSOM
Gay marriage issue is a loser outside the Bay Area.
DIANNE FEINSTEIN
At 72, does she really need the problems?
LEON PANETTA
It’s “Leon who?” to most voters.
STEVE JOBS
Way too many Windows users out there.
LORETTA SANCHEZ
Like most members of Congress, she’s unknown 50 feet outside her Southern California district.
ROB REINER
Do voters want another actor in Sacramento?
JOHN GARAMENDI
Third time unlikely to be the charm for the insurance commissioner.
JERRY BROWN
Been there, done that.
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