clintschaff's Los Angeles Voter Guide for the CA Presidential Primary
Los Angeles, CA
February 5, 2008
Few election thoughts from a concerned LA voter. I try to keep an open mind about candidates and issues, and have supported organized labor for years. Wanna know more about me? Check out http://clintschaff.wordpress.com.
Don't just get sucked into the sexy presidential election. We are blessed to have 3 slammin' Democratic candidates, so don't forget about the local measures. Get out and VOTE, LA!
U.S. President, Democratic Party
Hillary Clinton
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
A fine choice. You know who she is. You love her or hate her.
I happen to prefer other candidates, but that doesn't mean anyone needs to badmouth her. If she's Democratic candidate, let's all get behind her candidacy and win in November!
But she won't get my vote.
John Edwards
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
Edwards is amazing! His fight for social and economic justice is amazing.
However, he couldn't win South Carolina (where he grew up) and he won't win the nomination. It's great to have his voice in the debate.
If you're one of proverbial "change" voters, you might want to give your vote to another candidate who can win.
Mike Gravel
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
Who?
Barack Obama
Endorsed Vote: Yes
Sometimes there's a man... I won't say a hero, 'cause, what's a hero? Sometimes, there's a man. And I'm talkin' about Barack Obama here - Barack Obama from South Chicago. Sometimes, there's a man, well, he's the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that's Barack Obama.
U.S. President, Republican Party
Rudy Giuliani
Endorsed Vote: No
Fear monger. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Mike Huckabee
Endorsed Vote: No
Nice regular folks appeal, but doesn't believe in evolution and DOES believe the Constitution should change to more closely resemble the Bible. Riiiiiight.
John McCain
Endorsed Vote: No
He's a party insider in Maverick's clothing. His position on the Iraq War is hardheaded and dangerous. Not the "Maverick" he was 8 years ago. Don't be fooled. He's a "patriot" and he might be different than the rest of this crew but he's a relic who no longer reflects America's values.
Ron Paul
Endorsed Vote: No
Again, don't believe the hype. Young people, STAY AWAY FROM RON.
The folks in the San Francisco 2008 guide said it well:
"He calls himself a hardcore libertarian, but he’s anti-choice and opposes gay rights. You can't have it both ways, pal. Believes in "free market" solutions for health care & the environment. Is Isolationist. Sketchy racist past. He’d eliminate the Department of Education. Skeptical of climate change. Opposes public financing. He may be articulate and passionate and angry, but electing a libertarian would be devastating for the social safety net that protects the most vulnerable Americans!"
Mitt Romney
Endorsed Vote: No
Flip flopper to Nth degree. Who knows what he'll be next week, let alone over 4 years?
Proposition 91 Transportation Funds
Endorsed Vote: No
Since the time folks worked to get this on the ballot, another measure, Proposition 1A, was voted in during the November 2006 vote. Even the folks who put this Prop up agree that this initiative is no longer needed. All the cool kids are voting NO on this one.
Proposition 92 Community Colleges. Funding. Governance.
Endorsed Vote: Yes
C'mon -- Let's make it so more kids can go to college. That's what it comes down to. Some good folks are concerned that there's no funding source (i.e. tax) tied to this -- which there really SHOULD be -- but still.... School is cool, as so is Prop 100.
Proposition 93 Limits on Legislators' Terms in Office
Endorsed Vote: Yes
I've got mixed feelings about this one, but overall I'm good with it. Keeps things fresh up in Sacramento, while giving folks enough time to do their job before they have to change to another office. Let's vote for it.
Propositions 94-97 Amendments to Indian Gaming Compact
Endorsed Vote: No
I don't like it. Sure, it means more money for CA programs and services. And, yes, I support Indian gaming. But I'm not cool with casino workers and local communities having no voice, crapping on the environment, etc. Besides, do we really wanna balance the state budget on the backs of poor folks and seniors losing their rent at the gaming tables?
Measure S
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
You want safe streets? Firemen and women to get cats out of trees? Then you gotta vote for Measure S. I haven't fully researched this one just yet, but am leaning toward a yes vote. But will do some more looking until I 'endorse.'
