Progressives Take Over S.F. Democratic PartyPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Aug. 14‚ 2008This is not Willie Brown’s Democratic County Central Committee anymore – nor is it Gavin Newsom’s. San Francisco Mayors used to control what happens at the DCCC – when the influential body would vote on endorsements. But last night, progressives secured the party’s endorsement for November’s busy election – from Eric Mar, David Chiu, David Campos and John Avalos for Supervisor to the Clean Energy Act, two revenue Measures, the Housing Charter Amendment and opposing JROTC. Even College Board incumbent Rodel Rodis only got five votes – hurting his re-election prospects. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi didn’t send her proxy – which may have been to avoid voting on the Clean Energy Act. But last night’s “progressive rout” was not without controversy: by a slim majority, the DCCC endorsed a ballot measure to decriminalize prostitution. And after failing to reach a position on Newsom’s Community Justice Center, members did a re-vote – in which a majority voted to endorse “no.” |