The Buzz: Whitman campaign brings flower power to governor's race

Sacramento Bee ^ | 6/25/10 | Torey Van Oot

[SmithL]

Meg Whitman's poppy campaign carries unfortunate implications

Flower power has entered the gubernatorial race.

Instead of bumper stickers blaring the candidate's name, Republican Meg Whitman is offering female supporters a "free poppy decal to put on your car, computer or window!"

The poppy stickers will go to anyone who signs up with Whitman's MEGaWomen coalition, the campaign's effort to rally female voters.

. . .

The California poppy, the state flower, is a central image in Whitman's campaign, representing "all that Meg values about California: prosperity, renewal, unity," according to the campaign website.

. . .

But the symbolism behind the flowers isn't all roses – poppies have been used since World War I to signify remembrance of wartime deaths. And because of the opium poppy, the flower also signifies sleep. In Frank L. Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," poppies lure Dorothy into a deep slumber.

[SmithL]

- HECTOR AMEZCUA
California poppy decals are part of Meg Whitman's new effort to engage women voters.

[jazminerose]

I swear she is trying to lose & hand us back over to Linda Ronstadt’s ex.

[hometoroost]

If the poppy is California’s state flower then the most appropriate campaign image for either side would be a poppy swirling down the bowl. A perfect metaphor for the state’s present and future economic and social situation.

[Crimson Elephant]

Maybe she can get Poppy Montgomery to campaign for her.

[napscoordinator]

Poppy Montgomery would ensure all the guys voted for her. I know I would :)

[stars & stripes forever]

Meg Whitman should develop a women’s Poppy T-shirt line and sell them on E-Bay.