Poizner, Whitman clash over conservative credentials in final debate

Sacramento Bee ^ | 5/2/10 | Kevin Yamamura and Jack Chang

[SmithL]

SAN JOSE – Trying to climb back from a double-digit deficit in polls, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner used virtually every opportunity to attack front-runner Meg Whitman in their second and final scheduled debate Sunday night.

Poizner, the state insurance commissioner, assailed Whitman from the outset by questioning her investments with embattled Wall Street firm Goldman Sachs and attempting to connect her to high-profile Democrats.

The hourlong debate at the Tech Museum in San Jose was marked by sharp barbs over which one had stronger conservative credentials.

"Who are you, really?" Poizner said to Whitman. "The Republican base is looking for a Republican that has a track record. Actions speak louder than words."

Former eBay CEO Whitman tried to put Poizner on the defensive by emphasizing his own politically moderate positions as a 2004 Assembly candidate. Poizner has taken more conservative stances since then, particularly on abortion and the environment.

"There is only one liberal Republican on the stage tonight, and it is not me," Whitman said. "Steve Poizner called himself an 'Arnold Schwarzenegger Republican.'

[SmithL]

They are both RINOs, but either would be better than Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown.

[ThomasThomas]

But then a monkey with a magic 8 ball would be better than Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown.

[Oldpuppymax]

Isn’t that strange....EVERYBODY is a conservative at election time! Just look at McCain!

[bray]

Vilifying wealthy investors is now a Republican trait? Hope and Change for Republicans too.

Pray for America