Migden, Leno Trade Barbs in Milk Club DebatePaul Hogarthbyline‚ Nov. 19‚ 2007It’s often hard to assess which candidate “won” a debate, but a few basic conclusions can be drawn from the November 17th State Senate forum, hosted by the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club: (1) State Assemblyman Mark Leno and Senator Carole Migden agree on most issues ideologically, (2) the third candidate, Joe Alioto Veronese, is more politically moderate, and (3) there is harsh acrimony between Leno and Migden – which has made the race far more divisive than it needs to be. Progressives have no one to blame but themselves if the race gets so nasty that Leno and Migden kill each other, though it is very unlikely that Veronese would eke out a victory under such circumstances. But Leno and Migden have a distinct difference in style, temperament and priorities – and that is where progressive voters deserve a clear choice in the June primary. As Veronese said at the debate, “we’re all here today because we have a contested race.” |