[Lancey Howard]

Republicans agreed that, because Whitman is a political newcomer and less well known among party activists, she would face a higher hurdle to jump than Poizner, who has already explained his donations. “It’s less of an issue for Poizner,” said Jon Fleischman

Horse manure.
Poisner has "already explained"?? Oh yeah - - his wife is a Democrat. Oh, well then....

Whitman would have an advantage as the "newcomer". She can explain away her contributions to Democrats as normal extortion (ie., "the cost of doing business"). On the other hand, what's with the contribution to that scumbag Cantwell?

Whatever. The choice between Whitman and Poisner is no better than a choice between pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. I certainly hope a conservative emerges from somewhere.

[calcowgirl]

On the other hand, what's with the contribution to that scumbag Cantwell?

My guess: Whitman is part of the gay rights lobby.