The State Senate Debate, Opening Statements

April 26, 2008

Each candidate for State Senate got a 2 minute opening statement. In their opening statements each candidate really established their differences early. Joe Nation focused on education and jobs, but also local issues up here in the North Bay like the Rohnert Park casino proposal. He pledged to never vote to suspend Proposition 98, an obvious reference to Leno’s record. As a Marin soccer mom, Nation touches on my concerns.

Leno’s opening made me miss living in San Francisco. You can almost feel the misty fog and smell the sourdough, since his statement was very much a reflection of the San Francisco politics. Remember, Maven tested most closely in political affiliation to Dennis Kuchinich. Leno’s progressiveness is a definate plus in my book. He spoke of protecting the vulnerable and the homeless. Marriage equity is very important to him. Personally, I am ashamed that my native state of California doesn’t offer full marriage equity to all its citizens. Leno wants to make single payer health care a reality.

Migden chose to stand for her opening statement (see above) and she is certainly a firecracker. As I mentioned yesterday, her argument for her candidacy is that she is not just a good vote, but she is someone who brings results, money, and fights for her district’s fair share. She was also able to punctuate that with the announcement of the spraying postponement. Migden has brought funds to her district for transportation and wildlife habitat, for instance. She brings leadership and “gusto”.

Northern California always plays second fiddle to Southern California when it comes to Sacramento funds and policy. Maybe we do need a fighter who Arnold Schwarzenegger almost has to listen to (she may be tiny, but you know she isn’t afraid of standing up to Arnold — he might even be a little afraid).

At the end of the opening statements you can easily see that Joe Nation is grounded in the North Bay, while Leno is quintessentially San Franciscan, and Migden has been around the block in Sacramento. No surprises here, if you know about their backgrounds. But, Golly. How is a Marin soccer mom, who is a San Francisco progressive that knows how Sacramento works supposed to vote?

Next up…Moderator questions!