“California will suffer irreparable harm–to our economy, education and health care systems, environment, infrastructure and so much more–unless we elect a Democratic governor in 2010,” reads a resolution passed by The San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee.
Such cautionary words are typically reserved to sway moderate voters from choosing the Republican Party. But this time the words are directed squarely at Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom, regarding the dangers negative campaigning in the primaries would pose to the outcome of 2010.
The resolution continues: “Democrats cannot afford a negative, bruising primary that leaves our nominee weakened and damaged going into the general election.” An overly negative primary would produce a sufficiently dirtied candidate with an even bigger bullseye on his chest for smear-ready Republicans.
Even though the resolutions have passed, I’m still worried. Take a look at their campaign pitches, and keep in mind that a pitch is supposed to be a summary of a candidate’s OWN agenda:
Newsom: “You need a governor who is willing to take on those tough fights and not a governor who just uses you as a pawn…you’re going to need a governor who is truly interested…not one who is interested, then six months later walks away on some ‘quixotic mission.”
Brown’s Retort: “For every hair I lost, I got more brain cells. So I’m really smarter and ready to go…we can talk about ‘Restoring the Dream.’ Well, I was around when the dream was here…I used to governor.”
Sigh. At least 2008 taught us that excessive smearing doesn’t mean former opponents can’t become lifelong friends.
What do you think? Will Newsom heed his own party’s advice? Or are we destined to another decade of Republican control?
