California Election 2006 Watch: Hard-core Liberal Versus a Weathervane

California Treasurer Phil Angelides Vs.

California Controller Steve Westly

The Los Angeles Times has Primary Fight May Be Bitter

With big-name Democrats passing up the chance to make a run at ousting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the party’s June primary is taking shape as a race between two virtual unknowns who appear headed toward a harsh campaign that some party leaders fear could benefit the Republican incumbent.

“The Democrats can’t afford a bitter and nasty campaign,” said state party Chairman Art Torres. “The voters will be turned off by that.”

The Democrats will have a costly and politically harsh primary race for Governor. Both candidates are major arena untested candidates who will have many opportunities for gaffs and missteps.

With Governor Schwarzenegger’s poll numbers in the tank and with his Republican base deserting him, the election is really the Democrat’s to lose.

Day by day, the clash of the two Democrats is creating openings for potential Schwarzenegger attacks on whoever prevails.

“It’s a hard-core liberal versus a weathervane,” said Schwarzenegger communications director Rob Stutzman.

Up to now, the campaign has mainly been a hunt for money to pay for television advertising in the spring. As of Sept. 30, Angelides had $15.2 million in the bank, and Westly, $13.3 million.

Beyond the money contest, Angelides and Westly have also been dashing around the state trying to line up key supporters. In that contest, Angelides has taken a wide lead, collecting hundreds of endorsements. Among his most prominent backers are a Bay-area trio — Feinstein, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi — that his advisors hope will appeal especially to women, who cast the majority of the votes in the party’s primaries, and Democrats in party strongholds around San Francisco.

With ethnic politics an important aspect of any Democratic primary, Angelides has also cornered such key African American supporters as basketball star Magic Johnson and Rep. Maxine Waters of Los Angeles.

Villaraigosa, the top Latino politician in Southern California, has not taken sides.

Westly, who has scored dozens of endorsements from less well-known supporters, has used his rival’s advantage in that area to bolster his case that Angelides is a Sacramento insider.

Will California conservative Republicans re-register (change parties) to vote in the June California Primary for Steve Westly?

Or….

Will they abandon Schwarzenegger and support AIP (American Independent Party) candidate Jim Gilchrist?

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