Leno v Migden Debate on Nov 17
Today's debate between incumbent State Sen. Carole Migden and her challenger Assemblymember Mark Leno, scheduled at 3:00 pm at the State Building on Golden Gate Avenue, signifies the end of gay identity politics.
Migden backers argue that Leno’s candidacy is destructive because it diverts financial and activist resources away from battling Republicans. In other words, Democrats should not challenge incumbent Democrats, particularly when the incumbent votes progressively on core issues.
What’s interesting about this argument is that it coincides with the longtime defense of the fabled Brown-Burton machine. The machine avoided nasty fights among Democrats by deciding who would run in certain races, and where resources would go in others.
Ironically, one of the biggest beneficiaries of a San Francisco Democratic Party political machine long scorned by the Bay Guardian and other progressives has been Carole Migden. Since leaving the Board of Supervisors in 1996, Migden has won a string of uncontested races for the Assembly, State Board of Equalization, and the State Senate.
Former club president Jeff Sheehy lashed out at Leno for what he considers to be a "grudge match" against Migden. His comment that Leno is at fault for causing division in the community was met with loud boos.
"This race is going to divide this community and it is going to divide this club," he said after admonishing those who disrupted him. "It is disgraceful we are even having this race."
The Milk Club release on the debate:
When: Saturday, November 17, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: The State Building, Milton Marks Auditoreum, 455 Goldengate Ave. (between Larkin & Polk)
Who: Belva Davis, Moderator; Candidate: Senator Carole Migden, Assemblyman Mark Leno, Police Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese
What: The Harvey Milk Club is pleased to host a debate on Saturday, November 17th between candidates for the 2008 California state senate race in District 3. The debate will be moderated by award-winning journalist Belva Davis. This election is of special interest to San Francisco’s LGBT community because two of our leading LGBT elected officials, Mark Leno and incumbent Carole Migden, are both running, and the community would like to see an LGBT candidate win. We are fortunate to have two such strong LGBT candidates running. Other candidates participating in the debate include Joe Alioto Veronese.
District 3 covers the eastern half of San Francisco, all of Marin County, and much of southern Sonoma County. The Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club has not yet endorsed any of the candidates. The debate is an excellent opportunity for the Club and the public to learn more about the candidates and where they stand on the issues important to our community.
1 comment:
well said, michael, larry kramer
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