The Revolving Door

The Angelides/Westly vs Schwarzenegger battle isn't the only contest on the ballot this November, all of our statewide elective offices are up for grabs. Unfortunately for California, most of our unimpressive down ballot elected officials are just trying to change their seats.

Ah yes, the end result of California's term limits: Instead of forcing politicians out of office, it forces them into other offices. There are some pretty sad races this year, but we're going to pick sides anyway.

Lt. Governor - Democratic State Senators Liz Figueroa and Jackie Speier will battle Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi and State Senator Tom McClintock (you remember, the qualified Republican who ran in the recall) is running for the Republicans. Garamendi and Speier are opportunists who are doing nothing but setting up a future run for Governor, and McClintock seems like a decent enough guy but is just slightly to the right of Atilla the Hun. Liz Figueroa gives us the chance to have one of the most attractive elected officials in the nation, and lets face it, Lt. Governor doesn't do anything anyway - she gets our vote.

Secretary of State - Schwarzenegger appointed former State Senator Bruce MacPherson to this office after Kevin Shelley resigned and he is running again. The Democrats have offered up State Senators Debra Bowen and Deborah Ortiz. You can rule out Ortiz off the bat, she introduced a bill to tax soda - thats the kiss of death in my book. For now, we'll go with Debra Bowen, but we will vote for MacPherson in spite of his Schwarzenegger connections if it comes down to him or Ortiz.

State Controller - A weak contest for an office most people don't understand anyway. Three unimpressive Democrats are fighting for the right to face one of two unimpressive Republicans. We may have to vote Green in this one.

Treasurer - On the Democratic side, Attorney General Bill Lockyer, a recall supporter, is running for an office he knows nothing about against an LA County attorney. The Republicans have offered up former State Senator Ross Johnson, State Assemblyman Keith Richman, and Board of Equilization Member Claude Parrish. Lockyer must pay for his support of the recall, so we will be voting for whomever has the chance to beat him.

Attorney General - Oakland Mayor and former Governor Jerry Brown is running and has our vote. There is no reason to bore you with any of the hacks who are daring to challenge him.

Insurance Commissioner and State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Why are these even elected offices? Screw them all and vote third party here.