Where is California’s Barack Obama?Randy Shawbyline‚ Nov. 17‚ 2008Fresh off a thrilling presidential campaign, California Democrats face a Governor’s race without a candidate that can rally a multi-racial, class-crossing grassroots base. The three most talked about candidates — Dianne Feinstein, Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom — neither offer a sharply new direction nor provide the transformational message that was at the heart of Barack Obama’s appeal. Why can’t a Democrat do in California what Barack Obama did nationally? Why are California’s labor unions, environmentalists, and women’s advocates not rallying behind a strong, progressive, grassroots candidate? Such a candidate has a better chance than Obama faced against Hillary Clinton, and the Democratic primary winner in 2010 will almost certainly be our next Governor. It is clear that activists need new candidates in this race. One possibility is Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, who said last week that she is still considering the Governor’s race. Antonio Villaraigosa and others should also be encouraged, as California desperately needs a leader who can mobilize the electorate behind a call for change. |