As many of you know, I am running for CDP delegate in the 43rd AD. It encompasses parts of Glendale, Burbank, Silverlake, Los Feliz, etc. so please, if you are a registered Democrat in that area, please come out to vote for us, THE PROGRESSIVE SLATE, on Sunday at 2pm here:

IATSE Local 80
2520 W. Olive Ave. , Burbank

Besides promoting my candidacy (and that of my slate), I also wanted to alert people to a competing slate that is running candidates in several districts. They’re calling themselves the “Progressive Action Coalition” and have a platform suspiciously similar to ours. In addition, they poached two members of our slate just today, 2 days prior to the elections.

I know some people running on the PAC slates and like them personally and certainly we see eye to eye politically (perhaps some even read this blog…) but I just want voters to be aware of the difference between the two since the new PAC slate is clearly trying to confuse people and undermine us. THE PROGRESSIVE SLATE is the only one endorsed by Progressive Democrats of America, SoCal Grassroots, and the Progressive Caucus of the CA Democratic Party. On Sunday, we intend to promote our slate in our literature and in our speeches by stressing that we are the one and only PROGRESSIVE SLATE and I recommend everyone running on THE PROGRESSIVE SLATE in their district do the same. 

More on THE PROGRESSIVE SLATE over the flip…

PROGRESSIVE SLATE FOR CDP DELEGATE

Progressive Delegates advocate for the following causes:

* We believe that all Citizens are entitled to equal rights and equal treatment under the law, and that no one shall be denied these rights because of gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or religion.

* We believe in the separation of Church and State.

* We believe in lifting all people above the poverty line, including the sick, the disabled, the hungry, the elderly, and the unemployed.

* We believe that pre-emptive war is wrong and that this country should seek solutions to international threats through diplomatic channels and the United Nations.

* We believe that every Citizen is entitled to quality health care & that single payer universal health insurance is a right not a privilege.

* We believe that the environment is a trust and that we are responsible for preserving it for future generations.

* We believe in the public school system and that every child should have an opportunity for free, quality education in a safe environment.

* We believe that the death penalty is wrong.

* We believe, above all, in the Constitution of the United States and in the right of the People to self-government.

In addition, Progressive delegates are committed to action on the following five priorities:

1. End the Iraq Occupation Immediately per the Progressive Caucus Plan (to find the plan, click here)

2. Clean Money

3. Single Payer Healthcare

4. Poverty Elimination

5. Investigations Toward Impeachment 

When I filled out the online form to run for delegate, I viewed it as an insurance policy.  I just wasn’t sure how many people were planning on running and who was planning on running.  Sure SF is a pretty darn progressive city, but this is probably the most political city that is not a capital city.  And you know, it’s probably more political than most capital cities.  So, just because there are a lot of progressives here doesn’t mean that progressives won’t get out maneuvered.  Hey, it happens.  I put my name up in order to help ensure that progressives would grab those seats.

However, ultimately, the battle in AD-13 will end up being a bizarre one. You probably saw the diary by alecbash about Mark Leno’s slate for AD-13.  What Alec didn’t mention is the competing slate of Senator Carole Migden and the pissing match started by a the good senator becoming involved in the caucus. The prospect of a Migden slate sent SF politicos into something of a tizzy.  Well, I’ve now heard that Senator Migden has pulled her slate.  For whatever reasons that she may have, it seems that we have avoided at least one ugly battle on a secondary front.  Wow, I sound like some bad journalist from the 19th century. 

However, I am a Mark Leno fan, after all, he is the man that whipped the votes on the gay marriage legislation.  And as for Migden, she is generally a good progressive.  I will not fault her for that.  However, her antics  are a bit over the top. Leno has provided real leadership for our community, and I laud him for that.  (Warning: Debra Saunders (writer of the above-linked story, is a right-wing shill, but the voting for Guy Houston incident happened.) While I think improvements could be made to the slate (which you will find over the flip), it is a solid one.  I think he missed some really good people.  Alix Rosenthal, who’ve I written about during her quest for the D8 Supe seat, is great. Nicole Rivera, who has done some really important field work in CoCo cty for the ’06 election and for the OC Supe race, would also have been a good choice.

On the male side (I still think the bifurcation is stupid), well, Leno’s slate is fairly solid.  Of course, I’m on that side, and you can still feel free to vote for me (Brian Leubiz/Leubitz).  However, I’ll be supporting Leno’s slate (full listing over the flip).  If you’d like more details about the slate or about my opinions on the CDP, shoot me an email.

The following is from the Leno folks:

WHEN: Sunday, January 14th, 2007
Registration and Voting begin at 2:00PM
Official Program begins at 3:00PM–but arrive no later than 2:45PM (doors close promptly at 3:00PM).  You do not have to stay for the program in order to vote starting at 2:00PM.

WHERE: The State Building Auditorium, 455 Golden Gate Avenue (between Polk and Larkin)

WHAT:  Come support me and the rest of Assemblyman Leno’s unified, gender-balanced, community-representative team of Assembly District 13 for election to the California Democratic Party Central Committee:

Our Team has 6 Women:
– London Breed, Exec. Director African-American Arts & Culture Complex, Vice President SF Redevelopment Agency Commission
– Kamala Harris, District Attorney
– Jennifer Longley, SF Young Democrats, California Young Dems Women’s Caucus Officer
– Hydra Mendoza, Board of Education Member
– Eva Royale, Labor leader (UFW) & Dolores Huerta Foundation
– Leah Shahum, SF Bicycle Coalition Director & SF Municipal Transportation Agency Board Member

…and 6 Men:
– Jeff Anderson, Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club Board Member
– Alec Bash, President, DemocracyAction
– Dan Enrique Bernal, Speaker Pelosi’s District Director
– David Chiu, Small Business Commission, CEO Grassroots Enterprise– technology firm for political & non-profit organizations
– Toye Moses, President, African-American Democratic Club
– Michael Sweet, President, Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club

(this is freakin classic – promoted by Todd Beeton)

The Bush Adminstration is well known for keeping its people on board for loyalty. Loyalty is far more important than a job well done or upholding the oath of office. So the reports that are coming about U.S. Atty Carol Lam forced resignation shouldn’t be surprising.

The official word is that her job performance has been lacking, yet she has been known to have prosecuted high-level cases such as Randy “Duke” Cunningham’s corruption case, corruption surrounding two San Diego Councilmen (one was eventually reversed) and recently taking on the ironic case of the Fence Company that hired illegal immigrants to build the fence along the U.S. – Mexico border.

Crossposted at Joshing Politics

From the San Diego Union Tribune:

Job performance said to be behind White House firing
By Kelly Thornton and Onell R. Soto
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERS

January 12, 2007

The Bush administration has quietly asked San Diego U.S. Attorney Carol Lam, best known for her high-profile prosecutions of politicians and corporate executives, to resign her post, a law enforcement official said.

Lam, a Bush appointee who took the helm in 2002, was targeted because of job performance issues – in particular that she failed to make smuggling and gun cases a top priority, said the official, who declined to be identified because Lam has yet to step down.

Lam has had high-profile successes during her tenure, such as the Randy “Duke” Cunningham bribery case – but she alienated herself from bosses at the Justice Department because she is outspoken and independent, said local lawyers familiar with her policies.

It is possible that her job performance was the issue. Yet what exactly was it about her performance? Was it about taking on high-profile Republicans like the “Dukester” or not prosecuting enough criminals that smuggle guns and drugs? As you might know, the CIA has recently stepped in to push back further investigations into the implications of Cunningham’s case. Regardless, it is very interesting how the Adminstration is pushing her resignation under such secrecy (though it is SOP for Bush). If her performance was so bad, why not come out and say it?

The issue certainly perplexes fmr federal prosecutor Michael Attanasio:

“It’s virtually unprecedented to fire a U.S. Attorney absent some misconduct in office,” said criminal defense attorney Michael Attanasio, a former federal prosecutor.

“This office has clearly made a priority of investigating and prosecuting white collar offenses and has had occasional success doing so,” he said. “One would think that would be valued by any administration, even if it meant fewer resources were devoted to routine and repetitive border crimes.”

Everything done by Bush is ‘virtually unprecedented,’ so why should this case be any different. Unless you go along with what Bush says to the letter, your job security is in trouble. Though if you toe the line, screw the country and the troops, you can stay for years beyond it is time to be kicked out.

Update: Speaking of her performance, Norm DePlume posted this in the comments:

United States Attorney Lam is the recipient of both the Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney, and the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service.

PDF file detailing her award from Oct. 20, 2006

(I’m going to keep bumping this to the top until Sunday. – promoted by SFBrianCL)

Enough of editing the one post. It is time for a new one. I also want to highlight some of the reasons why people are running and their backgrounds that they have shared in their diaries. Click the big ole banner at the top for more from all of these folks. First for a little perspective. We have 27 people running. There are 960 slots available this weekend. No matter what, we will be a small portion of those who will be elected. Luckily, there are a lot more people who are members of good progressive organizations, but not necessarily bloggers who are already running. What we represent is new energy and blood into the party structure. We come with a lot of ideas on how to improve the CDP. We do not want to destroy it, but rather help it reach its potential. Many of these bloggers have spent countless hours volunteering for campaigns and candidates. This leap to CDP delegate is the next progression of their involvement in the political process.

Enough out of me. Now for a few words from those who are taking the leap from the screen to the grass. They are the best retort to Salladay’s disparaging post. These folks are a true inspiration and what this movement is all about.

[UPDATE] Nicole emailed me her statement. I made two small corrections as noted in the comments.

[UPDATE II] blogswarm gets his wish. Add one more from the comments: Dan Wood in the 16th.

[UPDATE III] Don’t forget you can lookup the meeting time and dates here. If you are not sure what district you live in search here. The full list of those running is here. Those running on the Progressive Slate are here. Also one more addition to make 30 bloggers, Carol in the 43rd.

[UPDATE IV] The number just went up by one with the addition of Joe Shaw in the 67th. There may be a few more additions in the work. If you blog and you want on the list just leave a comment and I will add you.

[UPDATE V] 32 is the new magic number, with Doug in the comments. I have also included Erik’s candidate statement.

Alex Bash (alecbash) AD-13:

I’m running as a full-time volunteer grassroots political activist since Bush went to war in March 03… logged 1000’s hours trying to Defeat Bush ’04, Stop Arnold’s propositions ’05, Win Back Congress ’06. Helped Jerry, Charlie, Bill, Jill, Francine for Congress, and Debra for SOS. Registered tons of voters, precinct captain organizer, election reform, you name it… Prez of DemocracyAction (PDA Chapter in SF) www.democracyaction.org and with MoveOn, LitPAC, Party Progressive, SF4Democracy…recommend and comment on diaries and sign a million petitions online supporting the cause.

Andrew Davey (atdleft) AD-69:

Now, I am running because I am sick and tired of the same old lack of support for candidates, as well as the same old fights that have split this local party for way too many years. I have lived in Orange County my whole life, and I have been encouraged by the many gains that Democrats have made here in recent years. However, all those gains were in deep jeopardy last year, as the Republicans successfully closed the registration gap in the 34th State Senate District, and came dangerously close to winning last November. As the Republicans were busy registering voters (legally and illegally), we were too busy fighting over old disputes that should be ancient history!

Auros Harman (auros) AD-21:

Hello, my name is Auros Harman. In the past election cycle, I chaired a local grassroots committee for Angelides, served as precinct captain for the College Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto, volunteered three Saturdays for the McNerney campaign, walked seven precincts in Mountain View for the United Democratic Campaign, and phonebanked four more. Earlier this week, I was endorsed by the nominating committee of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition for a seat on the PDC board.

Brian Olson (bolson) AD-35:

I represent youth and idealism. I’m 28 and I refuse to take “it can’t be done” or “it isn’t politically possible” for an answer. I’m technically savvy, email and “blogging” are part of my native language. From being part of various online communities an running the Jill Martinez for Congress web site I know what has and is being done with new technology, and what is yet possible.

I believe in universal health care and I am particularly enthusiastic about election reform issues.

I want to go to the state convention to bring these new techniques, resolve to find the best solutions possible, and to learn more about the workings of politics and governance – experience that I hope will lead to a still more effective progressive democratic movement in the future.

Carl Manaster (carlmanaster) AD-75:

This is my first foray into this kind of thing, although I was a full-time volunteer for four months in Canton, Ohio (so my vote would count) in 2004, first for Jeff Seemann and then for John Kerry, and I was fairly active in ’06 as well, between MoveOn, the Daily Donation ActBlue page, and door-knocking in my precinct as GO team leader for the SDCDP.

David Dayen (dday) AD-41:

This is the only reason that I’m running as a delegate; because I want the CDP to be something more than an occasional admaker. I want to have a state party that is not as in thrall to big money. I want a state party that isn’t involved in laundering $4 million dollars in corporate money from AT&T to the speaker of the State Assembly as payback for getting a cable and video deregulation bill passed. I want a state party that actually gets behind Clean Money instead of officially remaining neutral on the legislation because they don’t want to upset their big-money donors. I want a state party that spends more money on voter outreach and contacts than on a couple ads. I want a state party that contests everywhere rather than trying to get out the vote in their traditional enclaves. I want a state party chairman that actually fulfills this agenda instead of paying lip service to it. I want the CDP to send me an email once in a while, and act like an entity that can make a difference in people’s lives, instead of an umbrella organization for incumbency protection.

Doug Dilg (dougdilg) AD-41:

Like many you, this is also my first foray from the screen to the grass. This past election, I gave money to help fund Claire McCaskill’s race in Missouri. I worked the phones to get the vote out in Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana, but when the California Democratic Party called to ask for a donation I hung up on them, and pretty rudely I might add. The reason is because I feel an aggressive separation from the Party. I don’t need the Party to tell me who to vote for before the primary, and when it does so it tells me my vote doesn’t count, my opinion doesn’t matter, just give me your money. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way.

So I’m running to help move this Party away what it’s become and toward the openness and energy that groups like PDA and MoveOn.Org. have brought to Democrats all across the country. This Party needs to reform and refocus. Instead of telling voters who to vote for, our direction should be to speak up and define ourselves, tell the State who we are and what we stand for in the 41st, and then tell the National Party who we are and what we stand for as Californians, and then tell our elected officials what we expect of them. Our job this weekend should be to stand up and say to Nancy Pelosi: You’re great, we love you, but NO, Impeachment is NOT off the table. Impeachment is never off the table, not for this President or any future President – especially not for this President.

Last November, our Country spoke very clearly about Checks and Balances and Ethics in Government. Impeachment cuts across both. Our job is to hold our officials feet to the fire of our political system and to trust in the Constitution. Let the Congress do it’s Constitutional Duty of Checks, and the Country will be brought into Balance.

Erik Love (Erik Love) AD-35:

My candidate statement is simple. I’m running on the Progressive Slate, which means that I stand for taking immediate action to end the Iraq occupation, for clean money, single payer healthcare, and for an end to poverty. I believe in the need for California Democrats to refocus our resources toward progressive priorities, while maintaining and improving the Democratic majority in our state.

I’m an active Democrat. Since moving to California in 2003, I’ve canvassed neighborhoods in Santa Barbara county in five elections. I am a member and active organizer with my union, UAW Local 2865 representing academic student employees at the University of California. I’m an active member of the Young Democrats of Santa Barbara County. Finally, I am also a member of the Progressive Democrats of Santa Barbara.

I believe it’s my duty as a citizen to work hard within the Democratic Party to effect progressive reforms in our society. I appreciate your support.

Dante Atkins (hekebolos AD-42:

The CDP is badly in need of grassroots reform that supports progressive policies, and there’s no better way to do it than to vote in Assembly Delegates with progressive values.

And that’s exactly why I’m running.

Jeremy Thompson (JeremyDThompson) AD-43:

In fact, one of the things I will most strongly work for in the State Central Committee is pushing Chairman Torres’ proposed 58 County Strategy as far as it can go, turning it into a vehicle to re-empower the grassroots of the party. One of the things I really enjoyed about Steve Westly and his campaign was his true commitment to campaigning throughout our giant and diverse state. It’s something he really believes in, and I hope he stays involved in making the 58 County Strategy work…I may have to email him about that today, while it’s on my damn mind!

It a semantic difference, but I don’t think the CDP needs to be rebuilt…as that implies its destruction…but rather repaired and refurbished. Having seen a lot of state parties in action around the country, CDP is in a lot better shape than many. Still, there is a long way to go in a number of areas, and I hope to help be a force to build in those places. The 2007 Agenda laid out by Chairman Torres looks like a good start, and one that will go a long way toward making things better – with support from folks like those of us here who are running for the AD slots.

Leslie Simmons (Leslie in CA) AD-8

This will shape up as a contest between the progressive/labor coalition and a more conservative group of “pro-business” Dems. If you’re a progressive in the district, we could use your support. I’m on the ballot as Leslie Simmons.

Edward Boyd Jr. (Predictor) AD-12:

Hello All, My name is Edward Boyd, Jr. (Ed) aka Predictor. I am running for California Democratic Party Assembly District Delegate in AD-12 (Parts of San Francisco & San Mateo Counties). I have been a resident and voter in the City & County of San Francisco for exactly 10 years now, I love this City and love the great State of California. Prior to this I lived in Virginia and North Carolina, where I held Democratic Party Precinct Chairman position and, served as Democratic Party County Treasurer. I was also elected Democratic Representative to the County Planning Board, and was State Democratic Party Delegate to the 1988 & 1990 North Carolina State Conventions.

Todd Beeton (ollieb) AD-43

While I consider myself a faithful Democrat, a lot of the work that has been and still needs to be done to ensure that our values are truly represented involves challenging the party structure. Helping to get Howard Dean elected to chair the DNC went a long way toward doing that (and we reaped some of the benefits this November.) But it also needs to happen at the state level. As it is now, the California Democratic Party is full of people who want to maintain the status quo – hey, we have majorities in both houses of the state legislature, hey we have most of the statewide offices, everything’s great, what’s the problem? What’s the problem? Our gubernatorial candidate couldn’t break 40%; the most conservative counties in the state are the fastest growing ones yet the party seems content to simply build in Los Angeles and concede inland CA to the Republicans; and Democratic registration is falling as decline to states are rising. In my opinion, the party is not well and needs as much help as it can get. That’s why I’m running for CDP delegate.This weekend, in every assembly district (all 80 of them) throughout the state, elections for CDP delegate are being held. Those elected (6 men and 6 women from each district) serve a two-year term and represent that district at the state convention, which this year is in April in San Diego. Delegates have a say in endorsements of candidates as well as positions on issues and in forming the party platform. It’s not a huge amount of power or influence but it’s a start and it’s how I intend to have an impact on our state party.

Carol Elaine Cyr (ordgddss) AD-43:

Another 43rd AD Candidate here running on THE PROGRESSIVE SLATE with Todd. I’m listed as Carol Elaine Cyr and, as Todd said, we’ve got some competition. I’d like to reiterate Todd’s entreaty for registered Democrats to come out on Sunday and vote for our slate. We’re committed to opening up the CDP, so that elections such as these are not held secret from the average Democratic voter. We’re also committed to supporting the CDP Progressive Caucus Platform.

My name is Carol Elaine Cyr and I would greatly appreciate your vote.

Paula Villescaz (rebelatheart) AD-5:

Hi everyone.
My name is Paula Villescaz and I am running to be a delegate to the state party in the 5th AD.
This is my first post on calitics, but I read and occasionally post on d-kos. I spent the 2006 election cycle working as a Finance Assistant, helping elect Charlie Brown to congress in the 4th CD. Through this work I became much more interested in party politics and I’ve attended two of the e-board meetings for the state party. I’ve discovered that the state party is largely composed of old buddies who get together to socialize every once in a while, with most meetings being poorly attended and little business getting done in them.

This is why I hope to get a seat in the 5th AD. Business is particularly lame in the 5th AD with there being a very small semblance of a central committee. This party can be alot more powerful and get alot of things done if it has more members that are less interested in playing musical chairs every year and figuring out who is going to move up in their careers. Last month Chairman Art Torres came out with a press release stating the main goals of the party for 2007, and I hope to be a part of the party acheiving these goals.
If you live in the 5th AD please consider coming out and voting for me.

Jennifer Longley (SFJen AD-13:

Hi guys, this is SFJen, otherwise known as Jennifer Longley. I am running in the 13th Assembly District (Eastern Half of SF)on Assemblymember Mark Leno’s Slate. First off thanks you so much Brian, Juls, and all bloggers who compiled and put this info up! This is truly Crashing the Gates in Action!

A little bit about me: I am a youth activist in San Francisco, the Outreach Director for the San Francisco Young Democrats and the Women’s Caucus of the California Young Democrats. As I am running on a slate, I truly encourage you to vote for that slate, which is available here:

Nichole Rivera (nickthebrick) AD-

I’m running because I want to share my ideas, passion and action for progressive politics with the California Democratic Party. I am most happy when I work with other activists to create positive change in our political system. I am proud to say that in 2000 I was a faithful DrivingVotes.com activist locally here in the bay area and most recently a proud team member of the Action Caucus of the Young Democrats and lefton580.com which worked to get Jerry McNerney elected to CD 11. I look forward in 2007 to working to make more of California BLUE!

Steve Maviglio (Steve Maviglio) AD-9:

I’m running in the 9th AD, the Sacramento district represented by Assemblymember Dave Jones. The election is on Saturday @ 11 a.m. in Room 126 of the Capitol. There apparently are several slates running; I’m not on them.

Would appreciate your vote! Thanks.

User Name	AD	Real Name
alecbash	13	Alec Bash
atdleft	69	Andrew Davey
auros	21	Auros Harman
bolson	35	Brian Olson
carlmanaster	75	Carl Manaster
Chris Prevatt	54	Chris Prevatt
da	13	Dan Ancona
danwood	16	Dan Wood
dday	41	David Dayen
Donna Marie	3	Donna Joy
dougdilg	41	Doug Dilg
dwcal	53	Daniel Wang
EDN	35	Ellen Dana Nagler
Erik Love	35	Erik Love
hekebolos	42	Dante Atkins
Jenifer Fernadez Ancona	13	Jenifer Ancona
JeremyDThompson	43	Jeremy Thompson
joesha	67	Joe Shaw
kai.stinchcombe	21	Kai Stinchcombe
LBreen	44
Leslie in CA	8	Leslie Simmons
midvalley	48	Jered Hess
murphy	43
nicthebrick	13	Nicole Rivera
Predictor	12	Eward Boyd
ollieb	43	Todd Beeton
ordgddss	43	Carol Elaine Cyr
rebelatheart	5	Paula Villescaz
SFBrianCL	13	Brian Leubiz (typo on ballot/site, last name actually Leubitz)
SFJen	13	Jennifer Longley
soyinkafan	80	Beth Caskie
Steve Maviglio	9	Steve Maviglio

Regular readers know the Tauscher primary catapulted a month ago, but the very conservative US News and World Report has just caught on:

Likewise, perhaps instead of labeling Sen. Joe Lieberman as the Most Disliked Democrat by the liberal blogosphere-no one else in Congress is probably even close-perhaps there should be a Joe Lieberman Award given to the second-most-disliked Democrat by the so-called net roots.

A strong nominee for that award would be Rep. Ellen Tauscher from California’s Bay Area. Tauscher has been sarcastically labeled the “most popular Democratic congresswoman” on the popular Daily Kos site and identified as worthy of replacement by a more “progressive” Democrat. The National Journal has called her “the net-roots No. 1 target for ’08’s primary season.”

Not surprisingly, James Pethokoukis doesn’t point out the fact that Joe Lieberman isn’t a Democrat after he was rejected for re-nomination in Connecticut.

It is good to see that the conservatives are worried about losing their lap dog. But I’m glad even the fringe realizes Tauscher=Lieberman.

LA Times journo Robert Salladay picks up the story of progressive bloggers running for CDP elections, in particular me, and says “Lordy, help us.”

And then this:

Don’t expect a revolution or a leftward shift for the party. The establishment is too organized to let that happen.

I’m sure that’s what the CDP thinks as well.  Of course, the only way movements begin and catch fire is from the bottom up.  You don’t just get to be party chair first.

Kind of hilarious, all the tut-tutting from the establishment (and media figures like this are a part of it).  All I have to say is “we’ll see.”  By the way, check the Secretary of State’s office is you don’t think a leftward shift is possible.