Senator faces primary challenge from well-known Democrats { Carole Migden }

AP via SFGate ^ | 5/23/8 | STEVE LAWRENCE, Associated Press Writer

[SmithL]

San Rafael, Calif. (AP) -- A state senator with Carole Migden's resume would normally cruise to re-election in the liberal San Francisco Bay area.

But a wild ride on Interstate 80, a record fine for campaign finance violations and challenges from well-known members of her own party have made the San Francisco Democrat the most vulnerable incumbent on California's June 3 primary election ballot.

"You have all the elements that create probably the most interesting race in the state right here in San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties," said Al Pross, a coeditor of the California Target Book, which analyzes legislative and congressional campaigns.

Migden is a hard-charging, 59-year-old New York City transplant whose legislative achievements include creating California's domestic partner program. She's running for a second term in the Democratic primary against Assemblyman Mark Leno of San Francisco and former state Assemblyman Joe Nation of San Rafael.

They're seeking to represent a district that stretches from the crowded neighborhoods of northeastern San Francisco to the Sonoma County wine country.

The race has split San Francisco's gay community — both Migden and Leno are gay — and divided much of California's Democratic establishment.

[17th Miss Regt]

She's running for a second term

She's drunkenly staggering for a second term

Minor correction...

[Uncle Hal]

Unfortunately for me, this idiot is my state senator. I live in an area where the Democrats control everything so it really does not matter because a Democrat will be elected no matter what.