It appears likely that Senator Chuck Poochigian (left) will face former Governor Jerry Brown (right) in the contest to be California's Attorney General. On the merits, Senator Poochigian is far better qualified for the job both in temperament and philosophy. Notwithstanding the merits however, a campaign 
against a well-known former Governor will be an uphill battle. But, liberal Democrats in the legislature are doing thier best to help Senator Poochigian - or, so it appears.Unable to show any restraint, extremely liberal members of the Democrat Caucus have introduced Assembly Bill 1121 (Koretz and Lieber) which will impose a moratorium on California's death penalty. In the wake of the much publicized execution of gang-leader and vicious murderer Stanley Williams, Democrats are once again attempting to abolish California's death penalty. Assembly Bill 1121, a step toward repeal, will generate a healthy discussion by proponents and opponents about the death penalty, thereby assuring that this issue will be on the mind of voters this year. Such debate will help Senator Poochigian and hurt Jerry Brown.
For those who are too young (or those who suffer memory loss) a little history lesson is
in order. It was Governor Jerry Brown who appointed Rose Bird to be Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court. Rose Bird had no prior judicial experience, but she did bring to the court a philosophy of liberal judicial activism. Bird personally opposed the death penalty and voted to overturn it in each of the 61 cases that came before her. Public disgust over the activist court headed by Rose Bird, and particularly her opposition to the death penalty led to her removal from the court by voters in November of 1986.As Jerry Brown attempts to convince voters that he is qualified to be California’s “top cop” his appointment of Rose Bird and his own historical opposition to the death penalty will surely not be his friend, and he can thank fellow liberals in the legislature for drudging up history.
On the merits, Senator Poochigian is better qualified to be California’s Attorney General than is Jerry Brown; if voters compare the two candidates they will know this to be ture. However, given Jerry Brown's high name identification, it will be the process of capturing the attention of voters for a “down-ticket” race that will ail Senator Poochigian. A debate on the death penalty will focus the attention of voters on the race for Attorney General; dispensed by Paul Koretz and Sally Lieber, AB 1121 just may be a prescription for victory.
2 comments:
Pierre Prosper is better qualified than either one and will win the race for Attorney General.
With all due respect Anon, I am only aware of Mr. Prosper through various "proxy" posts on various blogs. If I am barely aware of the gentleman (and presumably I am more aware than the average voter) I find it hard to believe that he will be able to win anything statewide.
I have written on this before in other forums... the proverbial highway is littered with the wrecks of "Adminisration" people who move to California and bypass the process of building a westcoast political identity thinking they can just run for statewide office. They forget that it costs money to purchase television, mail and radio. They forget that without any type of political base it is really hard to get people to carry their literature, speak on their behalf, make phone calls - and most importantly write checks. They come with all the "credentials" and the backing of the "Administration" and then fail misearbly. Like everyone before you, I will hear you reply, "but Mr. Prosper is different."
If so, then prove it. I would love to see Mr. Prosper seek a state legislative seat or a congressional seat so he can develop a discernable record. It might also be nice if he proves his prowess in fund raising (its kind of expensive to run statewide) and maybe even his ability to win votes.
As for qualifications - I've seen nothing yet that convineces me he is more qualified to be a state Attorney Genearl than Senator Poochigian. I have no evidence that Mr. Prosper can raise any money or can get any votes.
Like I said, if he is truly a conservative - I'd welcome his candidacy for state legislative office or a House seat. Proven, and better experienced with the concept of governance, I might support a statewide candidacy.
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