(Unfortunately, the two-party system dominates. A Green pulling votes could hand the election to a scary conservative, such as McClintock. – promoted by SFBrianCL)

So, we are holding a press conference tomorrow morning with Rep. Barbara Lee (D, CA-09).  We are going to highlight the importance of supporting the Democrat in a close race where a Green is running.

Especially when that Democrat has a Progressive message and agenda, such as John Garamendi and Debra Bowen.

This is late notice, but I wanted to get the message out.  We would like there to be as big a show of support as we can get.  Unfortunately, it is being held during business hours, so that will be a challenge.  It is being held at 9:30 tomorrow morning, but if you can make it please try and be there at 9:00AM to help set up.

The location is in Richmond, CA at 3431 D Macdonald Ave (at 35th).  This is our West Contra Costa County UDC campaign HQ.

Press release on the flip…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Bonnie Jean von Krogh
November 1, 2006
(510) 594-0224 (W); 415-336-6176 (C)

BARBARA LEE & IRMA ANDERSON CALL ON GAYLE MCLAUGHLIN TO SUPPORT STATE DEMOCRATIC TICKET Green Party support could cost Democrats statewide offices

(Richmond, CA) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee is joining with Mayor Irma Anderson to call on Richmond Mayoral candidate and Green Party member Gayle McLaughlin to publicly announce her support for the Democratic candidates for statewide office. McLaughlin has endorsed against Democratic statewide candidates.

“Four races in California are close enough that progressive support for Greens over Democrats could make Richmond the Florida of the 2006 election,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Polling shows that four statewide races could be within the margin of error.  All four races have a Green Party candidate.
.    Lieutenant Governor between Democrat John Garamendi and Republican Tom McClintock
.    Secretary of State between Democrat Debra Bowen and Republican Bruce McPherson
.    Controller between Democrat John Chiang and Republican Tony Strickland
.    Insurance Commissioner between Democrat Cruz Bustamante and Republican Steve Poizner

PRESS CONFERENCE & PHOTO OP
WHAT: Barbara Lee, Irma Anderson & Contra Costa County Democratic Party leaders call on Gayle McLaughlin to endorse Democrats for statewide office
WHEN: Thursday, November 2nd, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: West County Democrat/Irma Anderson Headquarters

3431 D Macdonald Avenue (at 35th)
WHO: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Mayor Irma Anderson, Democratic Party Executive Boardmember Gabriel Baty, and Community Advocates

(Cross-posted from The California Courage Campaign – promoted by SFBrianCL)

Saladay has the results of a Polimetrix internet poll conducted for the Hoover Institution. Overall, Democrats are looking good downballot including Garamendi up by 6, Brown up by 21 and Bowen up by 7. At the top of the ticket, however, things are looking pretty static with Schwarzenegger up by 10.

As for the initiatives, if these numbers are to be believed (again, it's an internet poll so take with a grain of salt), the results give us some mixed news. While 85 would be defeated and 86 & 87 would be within a hair’s breadth of passing, check out those horrendous Prop 89 and 90 numbers.

See the extended…

Prop. 85, parental notification: 42% yes, 51% no

Prop. 86, cigarette tax: 49% yes, 47% no

Prop. 87, oil tax: 49% yes, 44% no

Prop. 88, parcel tax: 31% yes, 60% no

Prop. 89, campaign finance: 35% yes, 52% no

Prop. 90, eminent domain: 58% yes, 28% no

As for who was selected to participate in the poll:

"Participating in the survey were 877 likely voters belonging to the PollingPoint Internet panel. Panelists were selected to match a random sample drawn from the California voter list by age, gender, race, party registration and residence. The margin of error for the survey estimates is approximately plus or minus 3.5%."

As I mentioned over the weekend, Bill Clinton will be in San Francisco this afternoon at 5 pm to campaign for Prop 8. You can get more info and tickets here. 

But, some more exciting news.  Bill will be campaigning for Jerry McNerney in Stockton tonight at 9PM.  I know it’s kinda late for a political rally, but you know what, it’s timed perfectly for a live shot on the evening news.

Laura Bush, the Bush without ~60% disappoval ratings, will be in the Sacto area today to campaign for Pombo and Doolittle.  These two critters are running scared.  So, if you can make it to Stockton, please, please, please do so.  You can get more information on Jerry’s site or at this dKos diary.

WHO: President Bill Clinton, Jerry McNerney, nominee for Congress from California’s 11th Congressional District, Democratic candidates for local, state, and federal office 

WHAT: Public Endorsement and Democratic Get Out the Vote Rally

WHERE:Stockton Jet Center, 6364 South Lindbergh Street, Stockton, CA 

WHEN: Wednesday, November 1, 2006, 9:00 p.m. 

HOW: Individuals are strongly encouraged to pre-register here. Individuals who pre-register will be provided with an electronic ticket and VIP admission.