Blogosphere Day: Candidate’s Perspective

On Blogosphere Day, I would like to discuss blogs from the view of an elected official and candidate for higher office. When I first announced I was challenging State Senator Carole Migden in the 2008 Democratic Primary, I knew that there would be serious resistance. That is why it was so gratifying for me to be added to the Calitics ActBlue page within hours of my announcement.

But when I think of the blogs, I don’t think of an ATM. And my race has already proven why.

Within 48 hours of my announcement, there was an outrageous blog post using Fox News talking points against me.

Yet the self correcting blogosphere pushed back hard. The post was condemned online to the point it made the papers and ten days later my opponent called upon her close confidant to take down the post.

A short time later, billboards using my opponents campaign website art began appearing on Clear Channel billboards across the district – without a disclaimer. Again, the blogs called upon her to do the right thing and it made the papers and just yesterday the San Francisco Bay Guardian editorialized against the “Billboard Sleaze”.

And now, yet another emerging scandal about my opponent having three times as much unitemized expenditures as Joe Lieberman began moving on Calitics and was picked up by liberal radio yesterday morning.

So yes, win or lose I’ll always be proud that my campaign raised more on ActBlue than any non-federal campaign last quarter. But I’m prouder still that the blogs are fighting to ensure we have a clean race, because that is what every Democrat deserves in a primary campaign.

Please celebrate Blogosphere Day and Act Blue.

 

Beth Spotswood on Mark Leno

Best Spotswood writes about Saturday night with Mark Leno. It is worth a read, it is really funny.

Pride Parade on Sunday

Your humble editor has been lucky enough to experience marching with Assemblymember Leno during two previous Pride Parades. It is amazing, I lack the words to express how it feels. There is so much energy, so many smiles — it is nothing but adrenaline fueled fun. And it is for such an important issue to boot.

So join Assemblymember Leno this Sunday!

Happy Earth Day, Let’s Chat

Don’t forget to join Mark tonight at 6:00 at www.markleno.com for our special online town hall discussing solutions to global warming.

Once you calculate your carbon footprint, take action to reduce it.

Here is a great list of things you can do to be part of the solution. Go check out the whole list, they not only offer great suggests by tell you the average CO2 reduction from each action and the average yearly cost savings achieved.

Finally, here’s a great printable (PDF) flier on how to get kids involved in global warming solutions. Don’t forget about the online town hall tonight. And use the comments to post any ideas you have for how we can all do our part.

Kicking Off the Campaign

Today, at events in Marin and San Francisco, I’m announcing my candidacy for State Senate in 2008. I am running to offer voters a change and give voters a choice. The issues confronting us today are huge, from climate change to health care for all. We need new ideas, new leadership, and new approaches.

That’s why I want to reinvent the office of State Senate. I want to bring together communities of interest to work on solutions. To that end, this month I’m going to initiate and lead a series of online discussions, what I’m calling “Communities of Interest Policy” talks. These talks will bring together citizens from Sonoma, Marin, and San Francisco to exchange ideas for addressing a variety of important issues, including transportation, the environment, housing, education and health care, among others.

I also believe people deserve a responsive, respectful legislator. I believe strongly not only in what I do but the way I go about it. Collaboration, respect, inclusion have been the hallmarks of my personal life and political career. And during my announcement, I will outline a series of pledges to back this up. Bringing people together — not tearing them down, dividing them or belittling them — is the only way to accomplish lasting, meaningful results and change.

A few have asked me: Why are you running for State Senate? “It’s because you’re out of a job,” they say. “It’s because you have a grudge against your opponent.” Neither is true. Democracy is best served when voters have a choice. A contest of ideas, styles, and substance can only help, not hurt the process. It makes politicians more accountable for their actions and more apt to listen to voters. If I have anything to do about it, this campaign will not divide our community. Indeed, I believe we will only come out stronger. I’m going to run a positive campaign. I challenge my opponent to do so as well.

So the race is on. Election campaigns come and go, politicians are replaceable, but our cause endures. I want to thank you for your help and ask you for your vote and your support. I invite all of you to join with us.

Kickoff Details

Three Events Scheduled for Marin County and San Francisco

WHEN: Friday, March 2

WHERE: #1: 10-10:30 a.m.

Hauke Park

15 Hamilton Drive at Kipling Avenue

Mill Valley

#2: Noon-12:40 p.m.

Yerba Buena Gardens Esplanade

Mission Street next to the Metreon

San Francisco

#3: 1-2 p.m.

New Asia Restaurant (Meet and Greet)

772 Pacific Avenue

San Francisco

WHAT: Hundreds of supporters join Assemblyman Leno at three events today as he announces his candidacy for State Senate, District 3, representing Marin County, the eastern half of San Francisco and southern Sonoma County.

WHY: Leno will discuss his plans for reinventing the office of State Senate that he says will encourage greater public participation and redefine how people look at problems and how we come up with solutions.

Kickoff Invitation