Posted on 01/17/2004 3:16:11 PM PST by CounterCounterCulture
Lockyer apologizes for `frat boy' description (booed for voting for Arnold) *** Calif. Democrats Pledge to Re-Elect Boxer (Bush officials compared to vegetables) *** State Demos fix sights on 2004 (Lyndon LaRouche Jr. stages sit-in) ***
Posted on Sat, Jan. 17, 2004
Standing before a large group of skeptical Democratic women, Attorney General Bill Lockyer apologized Friday night for describing allegations that Arnold Schwarzenegger had sexually harassed several women before he became governor as ``frat boy behavior.''
``Anyone that I offended I apologize to,'' Locker told more than 300 women gathered at the San Jose Convention Center for the annual state Democratic Convention. ``It was the wrong choice of words and I recognize that.''
The attorney general and prospective candidate for governor in 2006 has come under fire from fellow Democrats since he admitted last fall that he broke ranks and voted for Schwarzenegger in the recall that ousted Gov. Gray Davis.
At that time, Lockyer downplayed as misguided ``frat boy behavior'' allegations that Schwarzenegger had groped or mistreated nearly two dozen women.
``I frankly screwed up and used the wrong language the wrong way,'' said Lockyer, who was briefly booed and jeered after mentioning his vote for the Republican actor.
Lockyer said he had no regrets about voting for Schwarzenegger, who has been criticized by other Democrats for proposing deep cuts to higher education and social services to balance the budget.
Posted on Sat, Jan. 17, 2004
SAN JOSE, Calif. - A noticeably subdued group of California Democrats opened its annual convention Saturday, pledging to re-elect Sen. Barbara Boxer and defeat President Bush in November.
But the recall race that bounced Democratic Gov. Gray Davis in October in favor of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger cast a long shadow across the convention hall. It left speakers struggling for a message to motivate activists after the party's most humiliating defeat in years.
"Our governor may have been recalled, but our party has not been. Our governor may have been recalled, but our values have not been," Party Chairman Art Torres told the gathering of 1,600 delegates.
Democrats, who at last year's convention celebrated a sweep of all statewide offices in the 2002 election, tried to cast a positive light on their newly diminished status. They still hold all other statewide offices and control both houses of the Legislature.
Attorney General Bill Lockyer tried his hand at humor with a slide show comparing various Bush administration officials to vegetables. He depicted Bush political strategist Karl Rove as a clove of garlic.
"He's a bulbous operative whose smell is everywhere," Lockyer said.
But State Treasurer Phil Angelides, a likely candidate for governor in 2006 who has positioned himself as an aggressive opponent to Schwarzenegger in recent weeks, called the recall "the elephant in the room" that Democrats were reluctant to discuss.
Other Democrats agreed the party must confront its lessons.
"The loss of the governor's office was a staggering blow to this party - there is no other way to put it," Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said in an interview. "We need to go back to fundamental principles, develop alternative programs and let people know where we stand on important issues."
Speakers took aim at Schwarzenegger's budget proposal, which proposes major cuts to social service programs, including health care and welfare.
"Character is determined by actions, not words," said Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, who lost badly to Schwarzenegger in the recall election. "When the governor presented his budget, we saw his true character."
Democrats are divided over how to address Schwarzenegger's key priority: a $15 billion bond measure to pay down the state's debt that will be decided by voters on the March 2 ballot.
"It is not the right thing to do, but we have yet to develop an alternative," Garamendi said.
Posted on Sat, Jan. 17, 2004
By Dion Nissenbaum
Mercury News
California Democrats gathered in San Jose on Friday to put last fall's stinging loss of the governor's office behind them and turn their sights on the even tougher battle ahead: reclaiming the White House in November.
With President Bush leading all challengers in national polls, choosing the strongest one is a top priority for the 1,600 delegates who converged on the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
Most of the presidential candidates opted out of the convention as they prepare for the crucial first battles Monday in Iowa and Jan. 27 in New Hampshire.
Only Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio turned up to deliver a passionate appeal for support.
``Let this convention be the beginning of a resurgence of this party,'' Kucinich told about 300 Democrats. ``Let this convention be a new beginning for the people of America.''
This week's Field Poll showed former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean holding a comfortable lead over his closest challenger, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, although the contest is expected to narrow before the state's March 2 primary.
Dean has established himself as the front-runner by building an energized grass-roots team that has won over many of the party leaders.
Clark's son, Wesley Jr., moved through the meetings Friday night with a pitch for delegates to support his father.
Speaking to young Democrats who have provided Dean with much of his support, Clark, 34, urged the liberal activists to consider which candidate has the best chance of winning moderate voters in November.
But Dean supporter Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Orange County dismissed the conventional wisdom that Dean is too liberal, too untested and too candid to defeat Bush this fall.
``He is energizing people; he's bringing a new group of people into the process and we cannot run the same campaign we have run over and over,'' she said. ``We will lose that way to George Bush.''
The convention got off to a raucous start Friday when 100 supporters of perennial presidential candidate Lyndon LaRouche Jr. staged a sit-in in the convention hall after being shut out of the young Democrats' meeting.
Organizers said they barred the LaRouche activists because they disrupted last year's meeting.
Today, the convention focus will turn to state races. U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Republican target whose re-election is the state party's top priority, will address the delegates.
Democrats will also hear from leaders looking to fill the power vacuum created when Democratic Gov. Gray Davis was ousted in last fall's recall. Davis will be honored for his two decades as a party leader, but most eyes will be on the new leaders vying to run for governor in 2006: State Treasurer Phil Angelides, Controller Steve Westly and Attorney General Bill Lockyer.
Another thread on one of the above articles:
After Schwarzenegger victory, Calif. Democrats search for message (AP via San Francisco Chronicle ~ BETH FOUHY)
SAN JOSE -- Presidential contender U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich helped California Democrats kick off their annual convention Friday with a fiery address to a cheering crowd eager for a lift.
"We are the party of the people!," Kucinich, D-Ohio, roared, literally bouncing up and down with excitement, and the crowd roared back.
Kucinich promised that as president he would go to the United Nations with "a whole new approach for peace" -- putting U.N. peacekeepers into Iraq and bringing U.S. troops home.
"Don't let any Democratic candidate tell you that we're stuck," he urged the crowd in a dig at his rivals for the party's nomination. "It was wrong to go in and it's wrong to stay in."
But his rivals didn't hear him -- most of them remain in Iowa, waging their last-minute battles before that state's influential caucuses Monday night. Kucinich is the only candidate who will be addressing the California Democratic Party convention this weekend. The Rev. Al Sharpton's address, also scheduled for Friday night, was scrapped after he was delayed due to bad weather back east.
Even without much attention from the presidential candidates, and even with the still-fresh memory of the drubbing Democrats took in last October's gubernatorial recall, party leaders and delegates strove Friday to be optimistic and forward-looking.
"Are we unhappy we lost the recall? Absolutely," party chairman Art Torres told reporters at an opening press conference. "Has it destroyed the spirit of the party? Absolutely not."
Democrats remain focused on delivering the state unto the Democratic presidential nominee this November, Torres said, and this weekend's conference is "really (U.S. Sen.) Barbara Boxer's convention because she is our No. 1 priority in 2004."
Boxer has no opponent in the March 2 Democratic primary, but several Republicans are vying for the right to challenge her in November.
In Sacramento, Torres said, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's personal movie-star appeal remains intact but doesn't necessarily extend to his policies. Democrats have room to be a "loyal opposition," he said, working with the governor on some issues but standing up for their own core constituencies on others.
That theme was repeated throughout the afternoon's caucuses. Addressing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus, state Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said "there's a whole encyclopedia of issues out there that we need to address as Democrats," from the war in Iraq to Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts to health care.
Democrats must be "not the radical, crazy opposition," he said, but rather one that lays out values and policies meeting the needs of all Californians. "We will moderate the radical trend that has been put in place in the governor's office."
A short while later, U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, told the same caucus to build on the party's scars: "We have had the learning experience of the recall."
Elsewhere among the caucuses, Joan Blades -- founder of Berkeley-based online political organizing powerhouse MoveOn.org -- told the Computer/Internet Caucus that groups such as her own are still learning just how far they can flex their grassroots clout. "We're still learning, we keep on learning more things about what we can do as we move forward," she said, adding the Internet's interactivity brings a new dimension to politics, a way to "revitalize the 'small-d democratic' dialogue."
This weekend's dialogue isn't just about 2004, but about 2006 as well. Stickers, buttons and other paraphernalia touting the planned gubernatorial runs of Attorney General Bill Lockyer, state Treasurer Phil Angelides and state Controller Steve Westly abound. There are even some stickers touting state Sen. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, as a 2006 candidate for lieutenant governor, and Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown for Attorney General.
About 75 young supporters of perennial fringe candidate Lyndon LaRouche staged a chanting, singing, clapping sit-in outside the California Young Democrats and California College Democrats caucus.
Later, about twice as many Kucinich supporters -- one clad as Uncle Sam, another wearing a Lady Liberty tiara, many singing old standards like "This Land is Your Land" and "We Shall Overcome" -- formed a throng outside to welcome their candidate.
Among the high points expected today at the convention will be an addresses by Boxer; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco; the ousted Davis, and all of the Democratic statewide elected officials.
Contact Josh Richman at jrichman@angnewspapers.com .
SAN JOSE -- It’s their first statewide gathering since the gubernatorial recall election that snapped their winning streak in the nation’s largest state.
California Democrats here for their annual state convention are reassuring one another that their party still dominates in statewide offices and the Legislature.
But they’re also acknowledging they must face the loss and confront GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ability to amass attention and dollars for the state’s long-faltering Republican Party.
Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres has christened the three-day gathering in San Jose “Barbara Boxer’s convention,” saying activists will focus on helping the Democratic U.S. senator secure a third term in Washington.
He also conceded, however, that party leaders will shape a plan to remind California voters of Democratic priorities and look for ways to win over a growing number of voters who decline to state a party affiliation.
“Are we unhappy we lost the recall? Absolutely. Has it destroyed the spirits of the party? Absolutely not,” Torres said Friday, the opening day of the weekend gathering. “At this point, we’ve got to move on.”
Scheduled the weekend before the Iowa presidential caucuses, the convention is attracting less attention and fewer national names than usual. While most of the Democratic presidential candidates clamored for a time slot to speak to California’s Democrats a year ago, just two long-shot hopefuls appeared in person this time.
Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich spoke at a reception Friday night, hardly the most high-profile time slot. The Rev. Al Sharpton was also scheduled to speak Friday but was delayed because of bad weather. And retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who isn’t participating in the Iowa caucuses, was scheduled to send his son to California on his behalf.
Kucinich told the crowd that he will fight for California workers, if nominated to challenge President Bush, and he urged the delegates to rebuild the Democratic Party in California.
“Let this convention be the beginning of a resurgence of this party,” he said.
Boxer, meanwhile, will headline the convention today, with scheduled speeches to delegates and at a dinner in her honor. Boxer is battling for re-election, with four major Republican candidates seeking the nomination next month to take her on in November.
Democrats arriving Friday said they were determined to avoid dwelling on the recall defeat, but hard feelings permeated the gathering’s opening afternoon.
Delegates and leaders lamented the recall election’s unprecedented format, Schwarzenegger’s star power and U.S. Rep Darrell Issa’s decision to toss $2 million into the effort to qualify the recall for the ballot.
“The recall was a joke,” said Rick Gibson, a delegate from Azusa. “There’s a feeling of anger, not defeat.”
Ronald Sampson, a delegate from Paradise, said party activists must focus on the economy, the war in Iraq and Democratic principles rather than recounting the October loss. He also said he believes that voters will see that Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal does not offer any new answers to the state’s budget woes and instead makes deep cuts to critical state services.
“What we have to do is to explain to the electorate in California that all that should be done was being done and that ... there are no magic answers,” he said.
In a powerful reminder of the recent defeat, however, former Gov. Gray Davis will make an appearance at the convention today.
Torres said he invited Davis, along with some outgoing Democratic lawmakers, to thank them for their service to the party. Davis is expected to make brief remarks during the morning session today.
“I think it’s appropriate to say thank you,” Torres said.
Drove by the convention center today...what a sorry bunch of folks...saw the LaRouchies too. LOL!
The values are the problem , ART!!!!
Let's have some more Recalls!
Democrats must be "not the radical, crazy opposition," he said, but rather one that lays out values and policies meeting the needs of all Californians. "We will moderate the radical trend that has been put in place in the governor's office."
I wish I could remember the screan name of the FReepette that was encouraging folks to support John Garamendi for Governor, during the Recall!!!
I about had a conniption fit!!!
So, is this an apology to frat boys? Or is that apology still pending.
Davis, who briefly addressed the 1,600 delegates in his first public appearance since Schwarzenegger's inauguration Nov. 17, expressed thanks for their support and said Democrats' best days lay ahead.
"You didn't hesitate, you stayed the course, and you believed in our dream," Davis said. "I'm confident the state is in good hands and the Democratic Party will have better days."
(SNIP)
Angelides, who has been sharply critical of the bond measure, said Schwarzenegger must develop alternatives, including possible tax increases.
"The governor should not be threatening voters with mayhem - his argument is hooey," Angelides said. "There are reasonable alternatives."
Angelides declined to say whether he would use his campaign funds to air television ads attacking the governor's proposal.
Davis, who lost his job under heavy criticism for fiscal mismanagement, offered cautious support for Schwarzenegger's plan.
"The governor has taken taxes off the table - that leaves borrowing and cuts," Davis said in an interview. "If you're going to take taxes off the table, then I think the proposition is probably the best option."
Boxer, who announced Friday she had raised $8.8 million for her re-election campaign and had $5 million remaining in the bank, said the message she had taken from the recall election is that voters wanted change.
"No one fights harder for change in Washington than your senator, Barbara Boxer," Boxer said to cheers.
(SNIP)
FORMER Governor Gray Davis was reported to speak for only four minutes (source: KPIX-5).
Is Golden Gate your poster: Garamendi promotion
Warning: have a glass of wine before clicking above.
Conniption Fits can be hazardous to your health. ;-)
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., center, joins hands with Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, right, and California Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres, left, after Boxer spoke to the California Democratic State Convention in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004. Boxer is running for re-election this year. Watching is Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, center left. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Sue McGuire for KCBS-740 AM
(SNIP)
"Barbara Boxer is a candidate that resonates with California voters. Everybody always underestimates her and I think she's going to prevail once again in her bid to be re-elected," said California Democratic Party Chairman Senator Art Torres.
He says while Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's celebrity status may bring out the crowds, it doesn't translate into long-term political support. "Whether you're a movie star or a president, coattails don't matter anymore. George Bush couldn't get his republican candidate elected mayor of Houston, Texas this year, his home state and he's the president of the United States. I don't see how all of the effort that went into Louisiana couldn't get one of his staff members elected governor of Louisiana. It took a great Cajun woman to get elected governor of Louisiana, so coattails don't always make the difference," Torres argued.
(SNIP)
SPIN SPIN SPIN
If he ever gets in to anything other than Insurance Commissioner, it'll be an undesirable miracle!!!
Attaboy, calcowgirl!!! How do you find stuff like that so danged fast??? You musta rode that search engine hard and put'er away wet!!!
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