These guys are running for Lieutenant Governor, in case you didn't know. Republican Maldonado is the incumbent.
9:46: Closing arguments:
Newsom: (A lotta talking points. I have to say, Maldonado sounds a lot less programmed... though he really could use a little more polish, to say the least.)
Maldonado: Clear choice here. Have been traveling state, and no one has said "I want to run my city like SF runs theirs. There's an article out there that says SF is the worst-run city in America.
(At least) I never said: "For life of me, what does Lt. Guv do?" (Did Newsom say that?)
(I guess he did. From Maldonado site:)
'Fact: Newsom Previously Said the Lt. Governor Lacked “Real Responsibility.”
Gavin Newsom: “What does the Lt. Governor do? For the life of me I don’t know.”
9:45: Caller asks Maldonado - "You supported biggest tax increase in Calif history. Why? Maldonado: Very hard vote, best we could do under circumstances. Newsom never called my office to give his ideas.
9:45: Maldonado - "In SF, if you're convicted illegal felon -- listen Scott -- Newsom will fly you back to your home!"
9:44: Maldonado: You know what you did, Mr. Mayor, you let illegal alien criminals loose in the city!
Shaffer: Uh...what are you talking about?
Newsom: I'm not gonna take the bait on this. But...Maldonado voted against Dream Act, against bilingual ed...he's 're on wrong side of every immigration issue.
9:43: Caller: It's ridiculous Newsom blamed Maldonado for UC fee hikes!
Maldonado likes the caller's thinking on this.
Newsom responds: If Maldonado had demonstrated strong leadership to invest in higher ed, things would be different. I'm not blaming you exclusively, but there's lack of commitment to this fundamental issue
9:36: To the phones! Question: How important do they consider global warming issue?
Newsom: Very important, but jobs is most important issue. But you can address climate change w/ green jobs. And: Again, Maldonado voted against AB 32.
9:26: They're debating Prop 26.
So which one is Prop 26?
From California Voter Guide:
PROP 26 REQUIRES THAT CERTAIN STATE AND LOCAL FEES BE APPROVED BY TWO-THIRDS VOTE. FEES INCLUDE THOSE THAT ADDRESS ADVERSE IMPACTS ON SOCIETY OR THE ENVIRONMENT CAUSED BY THE FEE-PAYER'S BUSINESS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure means: The definition of taxes would be broadened to include many payments currently considered to be fees or charges. As a result, more state and local proposals to increase revenues would require approval by two-thirds of each house of the Legislature or by local voters.
A NO vote on this measure means: Current constitutional requirements regarding fees and taxes would not be changed.
ARGUMENTS
PRO Yes on 26 stops state and local politicians from raising Hidden Taxes on goods like food and gas, by disguising taxes as "fees" and circumventing constitutional requirements for passing higher taxes. Don't be misled. 26 preserves California's strong environmental and consumer laws AND protects taxpayers and consumers from Hidden Taxes.
CON Big oil, tobacco, and alcohol corporations want you to pay for the damages they cause. Prop. 26 was written behind closed doors and without public input. Don't protect polluters. League of Women Voters of California, Firefighters, Police Officers, Nurses, and Sierra Club all say NO on 26.
9:25: Maldonado is definitely attacking more. He sounds a titch shrill. Newsom is exhibiting an Obama-like demeanor and calmly brushing off the parries. Who knows which is more effective tact...
9:24: Didn't know: Minor party candidates on the show later.
9:22: I'm wondering just what the Lt. Gov does besides run the state when Governor is away. Let's go to Wikipedia:
"The Lieutenant Governor sits on the UC Board of Regents, CSU Board of Trustees, Ocean Protection Council, the California Emergency Council, and the State Lands Commission. The Lieutenant Governor of California chairs the Commission for Economic Development which is responsible for fostering economic growth in California by developing and implementing strategies for attracting new business to the state, increasing state exports, creating new jobs, and stimulating industries statewide.
Many California projects created through gubernatorial executive orders, or through the initiative process, include a role for the Lieutenant Governor. For example, the Lieutenant Governor serves on the Agriculture-Water Transition Task Force (created by Governor Gray Davis), and five of the twenty-nine members of the oversight committee of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor."
9:20: Newsom says he balanced SF budget w/o raising revenue. Shaffer says he didn't have to deal w/ Repubs in legislature though. Newsom counters: I have to deal with SF supervisors, though.
9:19: BTW Newsom leads Maldonado by 4 points in latest Field poll:
9:18: Maldonado says budget can be balanced without increase in revenue. Mocks Newsom for "being very very sharp in getting his little message out."
9:14: Maldonado will vote no on Prop 23, which overturns AB 32, the global warming bill that sets strict greenhouse gas emissions levels. Admits he voted no on the bill originally, AB 32. he's straddling the issue, like Whitman: Says put moratorium on 32 to see if it's hurting jobs, but don't cancel it.
BTW, I can't be the only one who confuses AB 32 with Prop 23. Who can keep these numbers straight?
9:13: Newsom blames Maldonado for increase in UC fees. Scott Shafer: "Are you saying that's his fault?" Newsom: I'm going to hold him accountable for last year's budget deal.
9:12: Newsom offers litany of stump speech talking points.
9:09: Newsom: We need fundamental change. (Snooze)
9:07: Maldonado's opener: Dems are too partisan. But GOP too partisan as well. That's a lot of partisans.
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