Here in California we recently lost one of our longest serving senators, Diane Feinstein. Regardless of your political leanings, I remember the Milk/Moscone murders and how she stepped in and took control. She was not a woman to be trifled with. Now we have to replace her.
Our “voter’s guide” arrived yesterday and the first thing Joel said was: “Holy Cow! Thirty people are running to replace Feinstein!” He hadn’t read the pamphlet; just the list of “certified candidates.” We’re actually having two elections: the first to decide who will replace Feinstein for the remainder of her term (until Jan 2025) and the second to decide who will serve for the following 6 years. Feinstein would have been up for reelection this year and so it didn’t make sense for someone to be appointed and then have to immediately start campaigning.
Only twenty-two of the certified candidates bothered to submit position statements for the guide. I guess the other eight figured that people don’t read anymore so why bother. Or maybe, like Ms. Gilani, they want to save the trees.
But … hasn’t she already betrayed the tree by submitting a photo to be printed and distributed to millions of people? So why not also include a statement instead of leaving a blank space? Doesn’t make sense to me but I have a pretty good idea where she stands on issues.
Some candidates submitted a statement but no photo. If you read through Mr. Grundmann’s diatribe you can figure out why. What do you suppose NO QUALIFIED PARTY means? Is the MAGA wing of the republican party changing it’s name?
Mr. Early was a lot braver than Mr. Grundmann (he worked on the GI Joe television series!!) but I don’t think there’s any doubt what he’d be spending his time doing in DC. Investigating that nasty old Justice Department and rooting out the Marxist threat. Is there a Marxist threat?
This lady is practically a god in Biggs California (population 1,700) and good for her but I have no idea what sort of “grassroots transformation at the National level” she’s talking about. I doubt she does either but she is a beacon!
Am I going to go to the trouble of checking out Liew’s website? Hell no. It’s probably a porn site.
Hey – this guy is balanced! But no telling what will happen if he gets elected and has to serve in the Senate. Think he’ll be able to remain balanced? Doubtful.
There are three highly qualified candidates running for Feinstein’s seat on the democratic side: Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee. Our dilemma is to choose between the three. But it was my civic duty to at least read the statements of the others, right? Yeah, right. It’s California, land of almonds and other nuts. Probably the only state whose voter’s guides can be amusing.
Saying nothing in particular 
Of the three best candidates, who do you think you’ll vote for?
I’m leaning toward Katie Porter. I like the way she stands up for working people against corporations with her white board presentations.
Sorry but this gave me the giggles. It looks like a nightmare? I hope you can gat a decent representative 💜💜
I’m glad it gave you the giggles!
Oh! My it did …. especially your wise comments 💜💜
Holy hell, what a bunch of loons. It’s no wonder people are sick of politicians if this is the cream of the crop. It’s a shame Diane F. didn’t retire earlier with her reputation intact. She was a fighter and a strong woman in her day.
I agree about Feinstein but power is addictive (and after her husband died, she had to take on her greedy step daughters in a ugly battle over property – she probably wanted to get away from them!) This is definitely not the cream of the crop – I’m tending toward Katie Porter because I love to watch her take on greedy CEOs with her whiteboards.
Go ahead and write my name in. I’d be happy to serve the good, hardworking people of the great California state of mind. Duke
Great campaign statement Duke. You may have a shot!
I think it varies by state but here in California, Independent is a legitimate party – as are the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. I don’t know how that guy was trying to register but obviously it offended the Secretary of State!
I suspect that “no qualified party” translates to “independent?” Just guessing. I realize that “Independent” is a “party” of sorts.
I am surprised to see Republicans actually attempting to run. I am reminded of Jerry Doyle’s campaign in 2000. Snowball’s chance…
30 people, 27 of whom are nutty, but not in a good way? What a situation. I know I’m going to want to know who won, and I’m nowhere near you, but feel drawn into this drama.
I think Schiff will probably win although I’m pulling for Porter. Who knows – perhaps Sharleta Bassett, with the backing of the fine citizens of Biggs, will draw enough voters with her beacon of Faith and Family to win and lead the mighty charge upon Washington and behold- the great transformation!
I’m glad you gave it all a fair read.
I’m not Californian… heck I’m from Canada, but I vote, always!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen photos without bios/info before in a voter’s guide–that I remember–I’ve seen sparse information offered–but the blanks are baffling.
I agree. Baffling.
Let the best win…whoever that is.
There’s a debate tonight between the four “serious” candidate so we’ll see. I’m routing for a lady whose mission is to hold company’s accountable for gender and pay inequities (having been a single working mother myself!)
OUr ballad is equally ridiculous – we have a soccer party. There are over 40 parties in South Africa.
Holy cow – how do you decide?
Most of them are to small to make a difference or are just ridiculous. There are two that have good manifestos and I’ll have to decide between them. The ruling party is corrupt and no longer acts for the benefit of the people of South Africa.