CA state Controller Steve Westly announces run for governor

[realFedUp]

well, at least an exploratory committee, which
really means he's running as long as Arnie's
poll numbers are so poor. Steve's a better choice
than Angelides if both running in primary IMO.

http://www.westly2002.com/Home/default.aspx

Announcing my exploratory committee for governor

Friday, April 15, 2005

People throughout the world look to California for bold ideas and inspiration. But today, California is heading in the wrong direction. We need a new leader to change the tone in Sacramento.

That’s why I’m writing to tell you I am forming an exploratory committee for the 2006 gubernatorial election—and to ask for your help.

Running for office in California takes more than a policy platform. It takes a community of friends, supporters, and leaders working together across California to reform our state. I want to enlist you in that effort.

Why I’m running: I’ve always been a person of ideas, not politics. So in the days after the recall, I wasn’t afraid to work with the Governor to keep the state from running out of cash—and our schools and hospitals open.

I wish that spirit of cooperation had lasted. But it didn’t. Today, we are no longer headed in the right direction or making progress on vital issues. Worse, the Governor has surrendered to the same partisanship and divisiveness he pledged to change.

Unfortunately, many Democrats are playing the same partisan game.

Here’s the truth: To win this election, it’s not enough to be anti-Arnold.

We need a Democrat to lead California in a new direction—a candidate who can beat Arnold, not just bash him

[robertarctor]

1. Wasn't Westly positively gushing about Arnold a while back?

"We need a Democrat to lead California in a new direction—a candidate who can beat Arnold, not just bash him ..."

And that Democrat's name is Phil Angelides.

[realFedUp]

2. actually Arnie was received well at first

because Davis was so hard to deal with
even for Democrats...and Arnie at first
was accessible which was refreshing to
Dem politicians.
Of course we know that was all an act
but some people catch on more slowly.

And actually most politicians want to
do their job...and a lot of that is
trying to find a way to work with eachother.

I appreciate that Phil opposed Arnie's
stances early on...but that won't be the
whole reason to elect a new governor.

Angelides shouldn't be the only choice
disgruntled voters have....and Westly
will show he's a better candidate...it
may be in 2010, but worth waiting for.

Lockyer won't run because he's got some
messy stuff in his background.

[robertarctor]

3. Lockyer won't run? Well, yeah.

[MontecitoDem]

4. Clearly Lockyer is running

but he had almost no visible support at the Convention this weekend. Neither did Westly (he had a small group of young volunteers but little from the delegates that I saw).

Arianna absolutely crucified him today during a very well-received townhall session - nailing both he and Lockyer as Arnold's friends when the winds were blowing in that direction.

The party is solidly behind Angelides. I'm not a bettor, but I think he has the primary.

[realFedUp]

15. I will bet you that Lockyer won't run...nt

[calimary]

5. I think Angelides is the guy for me. At least so far.

Interesting that Angelides people had a big presence at the convention, and buttons were hot items. I saw WAY more people wearing them than were seen with Bill Lockyer buttons. When I went by the Lockyer booth in the exhibitors' section, they had LOTS of lockyer buttons all over the table and few takers.

When Arianna Huffington spoke, and referred to an unnamed official who stood with arnold and thus WRONGLY gave him "cover" on his campaign, that was a big mistake. She didn't mention Lockyer's name. But it was evident that this was an Angelides crowd, and that perhaps that was one of the main reasons. Certainly made sense to me.

[MontecitoDem]

6. The funny thing is, she was talking about Westly!

I also thought it was Lockyer to whom she was referring at first. But then she talked about the bond issue in the last election, which Westly campaigned with Arnold on! Perhaps Westly and Lockyer will have more luck with the general Dem population, but progressive dems and the party are behind Angelides. He already has endorsements from Boxer and Pelosi. So ... there's that.

[Liberty Belle]

7. Yes, and Angelides was Chair of the CA Dem Party back when

Bush Sr. lost to Clinton. The whole state turned blue, also electing Boxer and Feinstein--2 women Senators. Pelosi has also praised Angelides for his strong support and leadership.

He has a very progressive, heartfelt message--just what we need--and he's seen through Arnold from day one.

[AP]

11. Angelides gave a 5 min speech at the Boston convention that kicked ass.

It was an incredible speech that hit on just about every significant reason that I am a Democrat.

[realFedUp]

9. I think Boxer and Pelosi spoke too soon

Westly is as solid a Dem candidate as Angelides...
many people still don't know either very well
although Phil has been out shaking hands for a much
longer period of time.

Let's see how everything shakes out before
betting on the horse.

[mitchtv]

13. Lockyer, Phoey

I won't forgive him for voting arnold, Westly ,it's nice to see his love affair with Groper is over Too bad he's too late.

[xxqqqzme]

8. I had no knowledge of

Westly B4 the convention. I was not impressed. He gestures were jerky & stiff; his speeches forced and over rehearsed. He needs more training and more hours in front of people. He won't get my vote.

I was standing among people waiting 2 get N2 a caucus and a guy on my right was busy picking the lockyer print off his lanyard. He looked @ me 'n said, 'I just heard lockyer admitted voting 4 schwartzenegger.'

[realFedUp]

10. I do hope you don't just vote on looks and gestures....

unless you want others to judge you that way.

[davidinalameda]

12. how do you think Ahnuld got elected

hate to bring you into the modern ere

how you say something and how you look saying it is much more important on what you say

Nixon learned that the hard way back in 1960

[MontecitoDem]

14. When I saw Westly at the Convention

I had the same opinion - that he isn't ready. He stumbled over his words and seemed rehearsed and wooden. I think he may have a great future in Cali, but he's not ready to take on Arnold, imo. Appearance is part of politics.

[realFedUp]

16. appearance is part of politics

yeah, I guess that's why Davis didn't do well...

I guess Westly just has to inject himself
with steroids, speak in bad English, pose
in the nude and grope women to be elected.

[MontecitoDem]

17. huh?

I didn't say it was ALL of politics, just part. The way a person carries their message, the way they speak, is part of how that message is received. Do you disagree with that?

Damn, I'm backing Angelides and he's certainly no "looker"! B-)

[realFedUp]

18. No, I'm just saying there's some superficial judging here

before either candidate really has spoken
about his answers to California problems.

and if Arnie is any example of how a
politician should look or speak like...the future of
politics is in trouble.

[davidinalameda]

19. what rock have you been living under

in the day and age of 15 second sound bites, appearance counts, unfortunately, for a lot more than what the person's actual message is

and when you have someone like Ahnuld who is world famous, you better be able to match him in personality at least

[realFedUp]

20. sarcasm.

I assume

[davidinalameda]

21. yeah

I guess

let's leave it at yeah