Watch the San Francisco mayoral run-off: SF could soon be our doom...

[Some Moran]

SF voters are getting more disenchanted with Democrats.

Since they're not voting Repuke, obviously, they'll start voting Green.

If too many start doing that, we can kiss Cali good bye.

[proud patriot]

1. are you from California ?

n/t

[Mz Pip]

2. San Francisco

voted heavily against the Recall. The Recall vote statewide seemed to be more a vote against the status quo than against the Democrats.

I don't think if SF votes in a Green mayor it will mean death to the dems in 2004. SF is in sort of a progressive bubble and not that reflective of the rest of the state.

MzPip
:dem:

[david_vincent]

3. Are you Ed Broadbent?

:D

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

4. Yes, if Dems keep nominating Republicans like Gavin Newsom

it will destroy our party. Gonzales was a long time Democrat, and had no choice but to run as a Green to prevent Republicans from infiltrating the SF Democratic party with moles like Newsom.

[Terwilliger]

9. long-time Democrat?

I thought I read that he was always a Green.

[Some Moran]

18. No...

I'm not from Cali, but I know he was a long-time Dem.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

5. As a San Franciscan...

who will be voting in the next mayoral election, I can tell you that we are not getting "disenchanted" with Democrats,

With the exception of Matt Gonzales (who went Green after initially running as a Dem) every memeber of our Board is a Democrat.

When a Democrat who is beholdin' to the money/power people runs and the option is a Green, this town (and this Dem) may vote Green.

When a solid, real liberal Democrat runs, they win in this town.

[Terwilliger]

6. why is everything so black and white?

"Oh, they're showing women wearing pants on television! The society is doomed!"

I agree, however, that this is simply another example of how out-of-touch the Democratic party is with the people. They can't even get the left to support them.

[AP]

7. When the most liberal candidate wins an election, it's good for Democrats.

If people care enough about liberalism to vote Gonzalez in SF, they'll vote Dem in 2004.

[Terwilliger]

10. so, even though what you say represents a huge disconnect

you'll stick with it anyway

[cally]

8. If a Green wins a local contest

then it's the death of the Democratic Party. Huh. I welcome Green local winners to create a more progressive voice in this country. Dems need to listen to their base and not be Republican lite.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

11. I don't mind Greens running for offices they can win

Acting as spoilers for Republicans, I do have a problem with.

[cally]

13. I completely agree

The SF mayoral race is between a Dem and a Green. I would never support a Green for President unless it was in a solidly Dem state.

[Terwilliger]

15. haha

so, if they don't run, how will they know if they can win the office?

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

17. are you being serious?

Here's a simple way - if 98% of the voting population doesn't know your name, you can't win. See how that works?

Nader wasn't running to win, he was running to get 5% and matching funds - an attainable goal, if the Democrats had spent more time attacking the Republicans than they did the Greens.

[Iverson]

12. the sky is falling! the sky is falling!

Of course, when Republicans and their operatives shred the Constitution and engage in wars of aggression, that does not spell doom.

Priorities, you know.

http://www.mattgonzalez.com/

[Scott Lee]

14. Your "doom" will come with such a myopic view of politics

See this is what drives me mental about so many in the Democratic party.

They are driven into such a froth when you mention Nader, or a Green (or now, Howard Dean) that they'll bend over backwards to slime them even to the point of fracturing their own cohesion and energy resources. It's almost psychotic. I'll never get it.

[Terwilliger]

16. In honor of your post, I decided to give $25 to Gonzalez

I'm sure he thanks you.

[LastTime2BeFree]

19. One party rule

As long as it is Dem then everything is ok. Right?

[LeftCoast]

20. I'm a San Franciscan and I voted for Gonzalez

and I'll be voting for him again in the runoff. I'm a registered Dem, but I really do not appreciate having the Democratic Machine (headed by Burton) annointing Newsom as de facto mayor and that's what has happened here.

Additionally, I want my vote to send a message to the Democratic Party. I am tired of a party that seems to stand for very little any more. A party that is moving further and further from the people and progressive ideals. Simply because I'm a registered Dem (and raving lefty) doesn't guarrantee them my vote - it must be earned.

My 2cents.

[Duncan Grant]

21. My sentiments exactly, LeftCoast!

I couldn't agree with you more. If DUers are interested, here's one of my favorite local political sites: http://www.sfpolitics.com/

Gonzalez and Newsom interviews and info can be found there.

:kick:

[LeftCoast]

22. Great link! Thanks

Hadn't seen that one before. Added it to my growing bookmark collection. :)

Oh, and have you gotten the Newsom flyer yet? Vote for him or Gonzalez will raise your taxes! Booga Booga! - I'm so scared. LOL :)

[TheDonkey]

23. I'd love nationally if our two party system consisted of Greens v. Dems

Win win over the other alternative.... rethuglicans.....