Monday, June 19, 2006
How can Phil Angelides beat Gov. Schwarzenegger in November?
How can Phil Angelides beat Gov. Schwarzenegger in November?
Let me count the ways …
By Steven Maviglio (published June 15th, 2006)
No. 1: Remind the pundits that David beat Goliath. Despite the governor's bigger-than-life image, Schwarzenegger's election track record is dismal. In the recall, Schwarzenegger drew only 44 percent of the ballots cast. In 2004, he went 0-9 in the legislative races where he worked hard for GOP candidates. The governor's losing streak continued in his lopsided special-election defeats. More recently, his hand-picked controller candidate stumbled. Angelides needs to prick the governor's aura of invincibility quickly if he's going to raise money and attract the earned media he needs to compete.
No. 2: Distribute flip-flops at the governor's campaign events. If there's one thing that voters abhor, it's a politician who changes his positions in an election year more than a chameleon changes colors. Schwarzenegger 3.0 has done an about-face on every major issue. Angelides can exploit Schwarzenegger's weathervane governing by comparing it to his own core values and vision. Remember John Kerry's "I-was-for-it-before-I-was- against-it" moments? It's x 10 with Schwarzenegger on immigration, greenhouse gases, health care and the minimum wage.
No. 3: Pay me now or pay me later. Anytime Angelides is branded a taxer, he should point to Schwarzenegger's running up of the state credit card. Angelides was a lone wolf in opposing Propositions 57 and 58, and can turn that into an effective foil by painting Schwarzenegger as the largest borrower in California history.
No. 4: Microtarget the state's diverse ethnic communities. The Schwarzenegger administration has about as much diversity as an Alabama country club. African-American and Latino appointments to the judiciary and his inner circle can be counted on one hand. Angelides, who already has an advantage in these Democratic constituencies, needs to drive this point home.
No. 5: Don't say Schwarzenegger without saying McClintock. LG wannabe McClintock is an extremist who may be a heartbeat away from the governor's office. He's anti-choice, anti-bond, anti-, well, just about everything. Exploiting the wedge between the governor and his running mate will irritate the Republican party faithful--and solidify Democrats fearful of the remotest possibility of McClintock ending up in the corner office.
No. 6: It's education, stupid. The governor can spend every day between now and November at photo ops reading books to a kindergarten class. But he won't be able to shake the powerful images of last year's Alliance for a Better California's campaign that tagged him as an enemy No. 1 of teachers and kids. Angelides should build on that momentum. At the same time, he should lead the charge for the education bond, stealing the issue from the governor and building a platform on his plans for higher achievement and investment.
No. 7: Keep the radio on. There's a reason the governor's office has stopped sending transcripts from the governor's appearances on right-wing radio stations. His constant gaffes often backfire. After last week's bus tour, GOP pundits were saying, "Let Arnold be Arnold." Nothing could help Angelides more.
No. 8: Get that empty chair ready. Without Ariana, Cruz and Camejo providing comic relief, Angelides should be able to whip Arnold in every mano-a-mano matchup. Angelides should accept every debate offer, and carry around an empty chair for the stage when the governor refuses.
No. 9: Pray for a hot summer. Pollsters say Californians like the thought of solar roofs and hydrogen cars. What they like better is being able to crank up their air conditioning. Schwarzenegger has attracted precious few megawatts to California. Meanwhile, those articles about Enron's Ken Lay and the governor having quality time during the energy crisis need to be dusted off.
No. 10: Head to a levee. Despite his campaigning for President Bush, the governor has failed to deliver on his "Collectinator" promise. Central Valley home owners may soon be sporting "Arnold Went to Washington and All We Got Was a Lousy Helicopter Photo-Op" T-shirts soon; the governor can't unite the bickering Republican Congressional delegation to secure adequate appropriations for levee repair. This is a three-fer for Angelides: He gets to play up the Bush/Schwarzenegger connection, cultivate Central Valley voters and point out yet another broken promise.
No. 11: Can you say $4 a gallon? Chevron and Exxon contributions lining Schwarzenegger's pockets may help his bloated campaign treasury, but they'll go over like a lead balloon when Soccer Moms are plunking down $100 to fill the tanks on their SUVs. This is one of the few areas where the Grand Old Party of Petroleum can effectively be hung around the governor's neck. P.S. … That footage of Arnold's Houston fund-raiser will make a helluva spot.
Steven Maviglio, who once served as a legislator in New Hampshire,
is Deputy Chief of Staff to Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez.
He previously served as press secretary to former Gov. Gray Davis.
Let me count the ways …
By Steven Maviglio (published June 15th, 2006)
No. 1: Remind the pundits that David beat Goliath. Despite the governor's bigger-than-life image, Schwarzenegger's election track record is dismal. In the recall, Schwarzenegger drew only 44 percent of the ballots cast. In 2004, he went 0-9 in the legislative races where he worked hard for GOP candidates. The governor's losing streak continued in his lopsided special-election defeats. More recently, his hand-picked controller candidate stumbled. Angelides needs to prick the governor's aura of invincibility quickly if he's going to raise money and attract the earned media he needs to compete.
No. 2: Distribute flip-flops at the governor's campaign events. If there's one thing that voters abhor, it's a politician who changes his positions in an election year more than a chameleon changes colors. Schwarzenegger 3.0 has done an about-face on every major issue. Angelides can exploit Schwarzenegger's weathervane governing by comparing it to his own core values and vision. Remember John Kerry's "I-was-for-it-before-I-was- against-it" moments? It's x 10 with Schwarzenegger on immigration, greenhouse gases, health care and the minimum wage.
No. 3: Pay me now or pay me later. Anytime Angelides is branded a taxer, he should point to Schwarzenegger's running up of the state credit card. Angelides was a lone wolf in opposing Propositions 57 and 58, and can turn that into an effective foil by painting Schwarzenegger as the largest borrower in California history.
No. 4: Microtarget the state's diverse ethnic communities. The Schwarzenegger administration has about as much diversity as an Alabama country club. African-American and Latino appointments to the judiciary and his inner circle can be counted on one hand. Angelides, who already has an advantage in these Democratic constituencies, needs to drive this point home.
No. 5: Don't say Schwarzenegger without saying McClintock. LG wannabe McClintock is an extremist who may be a heartbeat away from the governor's office. He's anti-choice, anti-bond, anti-, well, just about everything. Exploiting the wedge between the governor and his running mate will irritate the Republican party faithful--and solidify Democrats fearful of the remotest possibility of McClintock ending up in the corner office.
No. 6: It's education, stupid. The governor can spend every day between now and November at photo ops reading books to a kindergarten class. But he won't be able to shake the powerful images of last year's Alliance for a Better California's campaign that tagged him as an enemy No. 1 of teachers and kids. Angelides should build on that momentum. At the same time, he should lead the charge for the education bond, stealing the issue from the governor and building a platform on his plans for higher achievement and investment.
No. 7: Keep the radio on. There's a reason the governor's office has stopped sending transcripts from the governor's appearances on right-wing radio stations. His constant gaffes often backfire. After last week's bus tour, GOP pundits were saying, "Let Arnold be Arnold." Nothing could help Angelides more.
No. 8: Get that empty chair ready. Without Ariana, Cruz and Camejo providing comic relief, Angelides should be able to whip Arnold in every mano-a-mano matchup. Angelides should accept every debate offer, and carry around an empty chair for the stage when the governor refuses.
No. 9: Pray for a hot summer. Pollsters say Californians like the thought of solar roofs and hydrogen cars. What they like better is being able to crank up their air conditioning. Schwarzenegger has attracted precious few megawatts to California. Meanwhile, those articles about Enron's Ken Lay and the governor having quality time during the energy crisis need to be dusted off.
No. 10: Head to a levee. Despite his campaigning for President Bush, the governor has failed to deliver on his "Collectinator" promise. Central Valley home owners may soon be sporting "Arnold Went to Washington and All We Got Was a Lousy Helicopter Photo-Op" T-shirts soon; the governor can't unite the bickering Republican Congressional delegation to secure adequate appropriations for levee repair. This is a three-fer for Angelides: He gets to play up the Bush/Schwarzenegger connection, cultivate Central Valley voters and point out yet another broken promise.
No. 11: Can you say $4 a gallon? Chevron and Exxon contributions lining Schwarzenegger's pockets may help his bloated campaign treasury, but they'll go over like a lead balloon when Soccer Moms are plunking down $100 to fill the tanks on their SUVs. This is one of the few areas where the Grand Old Party of Petroleum can effectively be hung around the governor's neck. P.S. … That footage of Arnold's Houston fund-raiser will make a helluva spot.
Steven Maviglio, who once served as a legislator in New Hampshire,
is Deputy Chief of Staff to Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez.
He previously served as press secretary to former Gov. Gray Davis.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Top 10 Reason GOP Won't Vote for Balanced, Responsible Budget
TOP TEN REASONS OBSTRUCTIONIST REPUBLICANS WON’T VOTE ON BALANCED, RESPONSIBLE BUDGET ON TIME
CYD is dismayed, though not surprised, to learn that obstructionist Republican legislators are refusing to support a balanced, responsible budget by tomorrow’s deadline. Why, we wonder, would they stand in the way of a sensible budget that helps students pay tuition and extends healthcare to more children? A few possible reasons:
The Top 10 Reasons Why Legislative Republicans Refuse to Vote on Balanced, Responsible Budget by June 15th
10. Waiting for The Flash Report's editor to get back from vacation.
9. Defeated anti-spender Ray Haynes needs his per diem more than ever.
8. Need to squeeze more money from benefits to the elderly and disabled to pay for right-wing talk show hosts to blabber on the Capitol lawn.
7. The yacht won't be ready until July 1 anyway.
6. Plescia can't get a haircut appointment in time for his annual 15 minutes of fame on TV.
5. Too busy exploring whether a special election can be held instead of having to vote for the budget.
4. This budget doesn't do enough to hurt people who can't help themselves.
3. No line item for 20-foot high, electrified border fence to prevent immigration from Berkeley and Santa Monica.
2. Unlike Bush, have found their weapon of mass obstruction.
1. Tradition!
# # #
For more information: www.youngdems.org
CYD is dismayed, though not surprised, to learn that obstructionist Republican legislators are refusing to support a balanced, responsible budget by tomorrow’s deadline. Why, we wonder, would they stand in the way of a sensible budget that helps students pay tuition and extends healthcare to more children? A few possible reasons:
The Top 10 Reasons Why Legislative Republicans Refuse to Vote on Balanced, Responsible Budget by June 15th
10. Waiting for The Flash Report's editor to get back from vacation.
9. Defeated anti-spender Ray Haynes needs his per diem more than ever.
8. Need to squeeze more money from benefits to the elderly and disabled to pay for right-wing talk show hosts to blabber on the Capitol lawn.
7. The yacht won't be ready until July 1 anyway.
6. Plescia can't get a haircut appointment in time for his annual 15 minutes of fame on TV.
5. Too busy exploring whether a special election can be held instead of having to vote for the budget.
4. This budget doesn't do enough to hurt people who can't help themselves.
3. No line item for 20-foot high, electrified border fence to prevent immigration from Berkeley and Santa Monica.
2. Unlike Bush, have found their weapon of mass obstruction.
1. Tradition!
# # #
For more information: www.youngdems.org
Saturday, June 10, 2006
VIVA LAS VEGAS!
Many California Young Democrats are revelling in Phil's big win on Tuesday by bragging about it here in hot, hot, HOT Las Vegas (it was around 80 degrees when I left my room at 8:30 this morning). No nursing your drinks here-the ice melts in minutes!
Yesterday, we met with Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) and then partied into the night with former Governor Mark Warner (D-VA). With the YearlyKos convention down the street, Las Vegas is teeming with Democratic activists, elected officials, party leaders, and Young Democrats!
So far, I've seen East Bay, San Francisco, UC Berkeley, Mira Loma, San Diego County, Bellermine, Monterey County, Pasadena, Orange County, Stonewall, and Sac County all represented-with more on the way. CYD is definitely the largest group here.
We're all at trainings this morning, and soon we'll be off to lunch with Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
There will be more trainings this afternoon, and then we'll be back to the streets to enjoy the city.
What happens in Vegas, changes America!
Yesterday, we met with Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) and then partied into the night with former Governor Mark Warner (D-VA). With the YearlyKos convention down the street, Las Vegas is teeming with Democratic activists, elected officials, party leaders, and Young Democrats!
So far, I've seen East Bay, San Francisco, UC Berkeley, Mira Loma, San Diego County, Bellermine, Monterey County, Pasadena, Orange County, Stonewall, and Sac County all represented-with more on the way. CYD is definitely the largest group here.
We're all at trainings this morning, and soon we'll be off to lunch with Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
There will be more trainings this afternoon, and then we'll be back to the streets to enjoy the city.
What happens in Vegas, changes America!
Monday, June 05, 2006
On the road with Phil...
Almost at the 24 hour mark now. Its been quite a journey. I've been flying around the state with Phil to San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland and now to Sacramento for a hometown rally.
People are pumped up, ready to get out there, and win on Tuesday.
Phil reminded me today of why we are young democrats. We want good government; government to help us have a better quality of life; government that works hard for us and not corrupt corporations.
I know, I know, sounds cheezy, but I think we all know we wouldn't put in the blood, sweat and tears, if we didn't believe in something that was more than winning a one day contest.
I hope that no matter what happens with any of the races we remember that we are fighting not just for our self interest, but for the 6 million young people in California...
People are pumped up, ready to get out there, and win on Tuesday.
Phil reminded me today of why we are young democrats. We want good government; government to help us have a better quality of life; government that works hard for us and not corrupt corporations.
I know, I know, sounds cheezy, but I think we all know we wouldn't put in the blood, sweat and tears, if we didn't believe in something that was more than winning a one day contest.
I hope that no matter what happens with any of the races we remember that we are fighting not just for our self interest, but for the 6 million young people in California...
