Posted on 10/22/2006 8:20:17 AM PDT by SmithL
THE TWO major-party candidates for California secretary of state could not be more different in style or in philosophy about the role of the office.
Incumbent Bruce McPherson, a Republican, is an engaging, low-key centrist with great faith in modern electronic voting systems and great concern about the potential for shenanigans at polling places. Sen. Debra Bowen, a Democrat who brings a lawyerly edge and high-tech guile in her approach to public policy, is highly skeptical about the current safeguards on electronic voting systems.
One trait these two veteran politicians share is a high level of competence. It's unfortunate they are running for the same statewide office. Either of these two candidates, who both offer legislative experience and straight-shooter reputations, could do a capable job as secretary of state.
McPherson, appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace Democrat Kevin Shelley after his resignation, proved an excellent choice to restore integrity to an office embroiled in scandal and charges of partisan gamesmanship.
While McPherson has handled the job with professionalism and a nonpartisan sensibility, one of our concerns is his contentment with the efficacy and impregnability of modern voting systems. He derisively accuses Bowen of running on the problems in "Ohio and Florida," as if the lingering questions about the past two presidential elections could be easily dismissed.
There is a tendency in mainstream politics to dismiss skeptics of electronic voting as kooks or conspiracy theorists -- the "black helicopter crowd" is the vogue term of marginalization for them. In truth, however, there are highly qualified scientists on both sides of the question of whether modern voting machines are vulnerable to hacking or manipulation.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
"EDITORIAL - THE CHRONICLE RECOMMENDS: Why Bowen earns our vote"
Because she is a leftist like the Chronicle?
"low-key centrist..."
I must admit that I'm not qualified to interpret this choice of words by the Cronicle since I don't know who the candidate is. Judging from the fact that it's the Cronicle making the recommendation, though, you naturally suspect that he's a liberal, and probably gay. Difficult to imaging the Cronicle supporting any other kind of Republican.
Certainly, I ALWAYS want my politicos to have "a lawyerly edge" and a "High-tech guile" in an age where we have the Patriot Act and Government wiretapping programs.
I told you y'all a long time ago: when the dimwits protestede the Patriot Act and other intrusive government security programs it was simply because they weren't the ones invested with that power --- it was given to decent men, represented by GWB and John Ashcroft --- and that all of their protests were not so much aconcern about civil liberties, but a warning of what they would do if they had that power.
Now, apparently, a "lawerly edge" and "high-tech" guile are perfect qualifications for your next jack-booted democratic representatives.
Um, the Chronicle didn't endorse the "low-key centrist."
FWIW, the Comicle considers Nancy Pelosi to be a low-key centrist.
Why waste all this newsprint?
A simple "We endorse the canidate with the D next to their name"
would've been perfect...
Secretary of State
Bruce McPherson (R) and Debra Bowen (D). October 18, 2006 (Archived)
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