Every few years, San Francisco’s political class demands an epic battle. With Mayor Newsom getting a walk in 2007, the next title fight may end up being for Carole Midgen’s senate seat. SF Assemblymember Mark Leno put a poll in the field to test the viability of a 2008 primary challenge.
This would be somewhat unfortunate, because many north bay civilians will face forced involvement. But as Clemenza once said, “This thing’s gotta happen every five years or so — ten years — helps to get rid of the bad blood.”
The B.A.R.:
Last weekend Leno paid for a poll that was conducted to test the waters of waging a possible run against Migden. The poll, according to several people who took it and then blogged about it, portrayed Migden’s negatives as her being difficult and a rude lawmaker, and Leno’s as being soft on crime and myopically focused on gay issues. The positive aspect for the two politicians was said to be that they are both effective representatives for their constituents.
Leno just won re-election to his third and final two-year term in the Assembly and has been scouting around for his next office to run for in 2008. Leno said this week he has not made any decision as to whether he will enter the race for Migden’s seat. He is waiting to receive the poll results first, and if encouraging, intends to consult with LGBT political leaders and Democratic Party officials. A decision would not come until early 2007, he said.
“Given the persistency of questions I received from people both in Sacramento and San Francisco on whether I was running for Senate in 2008, it seemed appropriate to ask voters what they were thinking,” said Leno.
Since the Leno/Britt race (where Migden ended up on the losing end), Leno has gone a long way towards earning the respect of progressives. And as the incoming Chair of Appropriations, he would have the resources necessary to compete.
One thing is for certain, if this happens it will be a hell of a battle.
—–
Migden’s third district is (roughly) the eastern half of San Francisco, Marin County, and a decent chunk of Sonoma.
Image from Migden’s website, better one at CalVoter (PDF)