In 2004, Mike Machado won a very hard fought battle against Stockton Mayor Gary Podesto. In a race that went back and forth up until the end, Machado ended up edging out Podesto by a margin of 52.2 to 47.8.
The closeness of that race and competitiveness of the district will likely make this race one of most heavily watched and financed State Senate races in the state. Indeed, the race has drawn a top notch Republican in Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian.
There is however, word now from some people close to the scene that has suggested that neither the Democratic leadership nor Senator Machado himself are convinced that Assemblywoman Wolk can win this seat. Part of that has to do with the southern portion of the district¬the locations that Wolk does not currently represent¬being larger than the north. In addition, that portion is much more conservative than the northern part.
There is thus increasing speculation that Democratic Party leaders are looking around for a top notched successor from the southern portion of the fifth district. Therefore, while Assemblywoman Wolk has dodged one large bullet, she may not escape without a hard fought primary election against a well-financed and party-backed challenger.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
The news that John Garamendi Jr. has decided not to run is very unsettling. He really had a chance to win this with his name and his family ties to the area. He could have garnered some of that more consesrvative vote that Lois will not be able to get.
I was really planning on supporting him, and I know many others who were also. This is really disappointing.
The news that John Garamendi Jr. has decided not to run is very unsettling. He really had a chance to win this with his name and his family ties to the area. He could have garnered some of that more consesrvative vote that Lois will not be able to get.
I was really planning on supporting him, and I know many others who were also. This is really disappointing.
The news that John Garamendi Jr. has decided not to run is very unsettling. He really had a chance to win this with his name and his family ties to the area. He could have garnered some of that more consesrvative vote that Lois will not be able to get.
I was really planning on supporting him, and I know many others who were also. This is really disappointing.
The news that John Garamendi Jr. has decided not to run is very unsettling. He really had a chance to win this with his name and his family ties to the area. He could have garnered some of that more consesrvative vote that Lois will not be able to get.
I was really planning on supporting him, and I know many others who were also. This is really disappointing.
This is the candidate that everyone needs to rally behind. Draft her.
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a17/
This is the candidate that everyone needs to rally behind. Draft her.
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a17/
This is the candidate that everyone needs to rally behind. Draft her.
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a17/
This is the candidate that everyone needs to rally behind. Draft her.
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a17/
Is she in the fifth senate district, there seems to be some overlap but not a lot between her district and the fifth senate district. And it looks like most of the district that she represents is not within the 5th Senate district.
Is she in the fifth senate district, there seems to be some overlap but not a lot between her district and the fifth senate district. And it looks like most of the district that she represents is not within the 5th Senate district.
Is she in the fifth senate district, there seems to be some overlap but not a lot between her district and the fifth senate district. And it looks like most of the district that she represents is not within the 5th Senate district.
Is she in the fifth senate district, there seems to be some overlap but not a lot between her district and the fifth senate district. And it looks like most of the district that she represents is not within the 5th Senate district.
This wouldn’t be the first time the male Democratic leadership has shafted one of our female rep’s from the Davis area. That is exactly how Helen Thomson ended up on the Board of Supervisors.
This wouldn’t be the first time the male Democratic leadership has shafted one of our female rep’s from the Davis area. That is exactly how Helen Thomson ended up on the Board of Supervisors.
This wouldn’t be the first time the male Democratic leadership has shafted one of our female rep’s from the Davis area. That is exactly how Helen Thomson ended up on the Board of Supervisors.
This wouldn’t be the first time the male Democratic leadership has shafted one of our female rep’s from the Davis area. That is exactly how Helen Thomson ended up on the Board of Supervisors.
The common thread here is that both had Craig Reynolds as chief of staff and consultant and Reynolds is such a mean and despicable human that he has managed to alienate himself and his clients from the leadership. So the leadership has continually shafted Helen and Lois.
Furthermore, it is a legitimate concern that Lois may not be able to win the district having Davis as her base and having little familiarity in San Joaquin county where the bulk of the district lies. That is not an illegitimate concern, however neither will get any favors as long as they are seen as Craig Reynolds’ lapdogs. He is hated, absolutely hated by the leadership.
The common thread here is that both had Craig Reynolds as chief of staff and consultant and Reynolds is such a mean and despicable human that he has managed to alienate himself and his clients from the leadership. So the leadership has continually shafted Helen and Lois.
Furthermore, it is a legitimate concern that Lois may not be able to win the district having Davis as her base and having little familiarity in San Joaquin county where the bulk of the district lies. That is not an illegitimate concern, however neither will get any favors as long as they are seen as Craig Reynolds’ lapdogs. He is hated, absolutely hated by the leadership.
The common thread here is that both had Craig Reynolds as chief of staff and consultant and Reynolds is such a mean and despicable human that he has managed to alienate himself and his clients from the leadership. So the leadership has continually shafted Helen and Lois.
Furthermore, it is a legitimate concern that Lois may not be able to win the district having Davis as her base and having little familiarity in San Joaquin county where the bulk of the district lies. That is not an illegitimate concern, however neither will get any favors as long as they are seen as Craig Reynolds’ lapdogs. He is hated, absolutely hated by the leadership.
The common thread here is that both had Craig Reynolds as chief of staff and consultant and Reynolds is such a mean and despicable human that he has managed to alienate himself and his clients from the leadership. So the leadership has continually shafted Helen and Lois.
Furthermore, it is a legitimate concern that Lois may not be able to win the district having Davis as her base and having little familiarity in San Joaquin county where the bulk of the district lies. That is not an illegitimate concern, however neither will get any favors as long as they are seen as Craig Reynolds’ lapdogs. He is hated, absolutely hated by the leadership.
I thought I paid decent attention to politics, but I’ve never heard of Cathleen Galgiani. I checked out Go Cathleen’s link. It looks to me like Galgiani is just another recycled staffer – and I’m not convinced this overused path to elected office adds anything to our governance.
It really is a shame John Garamendi Jr. decided not to run. He inspired my confidence.
I thought I paid decent attention to politics, but I’ve never heard of Cathleen Galgiani. I checked out Go Cathleen’s link. It looks to me like Galgiani is just another recycled staffer – and I’m not convinced this overused path to elected office adds anything to our governance.
It really is a shame John Garamendi Jr. decided not to run. He inspired my confidence.
I thought I paid decent attention to politics, but I’ve never heard of Cathleen Galgiani. I checked out Go Cathleen’s link. It looks to me like Galgiani is just another recycled staffer – and I’m not convinced this overused path to elected office adds anything to our governance.
It really is a shame John Garamendi Jr. decided not to run. He inspired my confidence.
I thought I paid decent attention to politics, but I’ve never heard of Cathleen Galgiani. I checked out Go Cathleen’s link. It looks to me like Galgiani is just another recycled staffer – and I’m not convinced this overused path to elected office adds anything to our governance.
It really is a shame John Garamendi Jr. decided not to run. He inspired my confidence.
“Machado ended up edging out Podesto by a margin of 52.2 to 47.8. The closeness of that race and competitiveness of the district will likely make this race one of most heavily watched and financed State Senate races in the state.”
Even if it is close, Lois Wolk will win the general election. Granted, she may not be well known right now in the southern part of the senate district. But give her 16 months of campaigning down there and name recognition will not be a concern.
Unlike Garamendi, Wolk is an experienced politician. She is an effective campaigner. I don’t think she’s ever lost an election. She has a good record in Sacramento to run on, and will use that to win the senate seat in 2008.
My expectation is that California will go overwhelmingly Democratic (for Hillary Clinton) in the presidential race in 2008. And when that happens, all the close seats down-ballot will break for the Democratic Party.
Also, this area (like everywhere in California) is increasingly Democratic and Hispanic. As such, if all else were held equal, the Democratic advantage should grow by 2-3%, making the seat 6-7% better for Wolk over her Republican opponent. But all else will not be equal. The Democrats will be motivated to come out and vote in 2008 in order to change the course of our Iraq policy and a few other strong motivators.
“Machado ended up edging out Podesto by a margin of 52.2 to 47.8. The closeness of that race and competitiveness of the district will likely make this race one of most heavily watched and financed State Senate races in the state.”
Even if it is close, Lois Wolk will win the general election. Granted, she may not be well known right now in the southern part of the senate district. But give her 16 months of campaigning down there and name recognition will not be a concern.
Unlike Garamendi, Wolk is an experienced politician. She is an effective campaigner. I don’t think she’s ever lost an election. She has a good record in Sacramento to run on, and will use that to win the senate seat in 2008.
My expectation is that California will go overwhelmingly Democratic (for Hillary Clinton) in the presidential race in 2008. And when that happens, all the close seats down-ballot will break for the Democratic Party.
Also, this area (like everywhere in California) is increasingly Democratic and Hispanic. As such, if all else were held equal, the Democratic advantage should grow by 2-3%, making the seat 6-7% better for Wolk over her Republican opponent. But all else will not be equal. The Democrats will be motivated to come out and vote in 2008 in order to change the course of our Iraq policy and a few other strong motivators.
“Machado ended up edging out Podesto by a margin of 52.2 to 47.8. The closeness of that race and competitiveness of the district will likely make this race one of most heavily watched and financed State Senate races in the state.”
Even if it is close, Lois Wolk will win the general election. Granted, she may not be well known right now in the southern part of the senate district. But give her 16 months of campaigning down there and name recognition will not be a concern.
Unlike Garamendi, Wolk is an experienced politician. She is an effective campaigner. I don’t think she’s ever lost an election. She has a good record in Sacramento to run on, and will use that to win the senate seat in 2008.
My expectation is that California will go overwhelmingly Democratic (for Hillary Clinton) in the presidential race in 2008. And when that happens, all the close seats down-ballot will break for the Democratic Party.
Also, this area (like everywhere in California) is increasingly Democratic and Hispanic. As such, if all else were held equal, the Democratic advantage should grow by 2-3%, making the seat 6-7% better for Wolk over her Republican opponent. But all else will not be equal. The Democrats will be motivated to come out and vote in 2008 in order to change the course of our Iraq policy and a few other strong motivators.
“Machado ended up edging out Podesto by a margin of 52.2 to 47.8. The closeness of that race and competitiveness of the district will likely make this race one of most heavily watched and financed State Senate races in the state.”
Even if it is close, Lois Wolk will win the general election. Granted, she may not be well known right now in the southern part of the senate district. But give her 16 months of campaigning down there and name recognition will not be a concern.
Unlike Garamendi, Wolk is an experienced politician. She is an effective campaigner. I don’t think she’s ever lost an election. She has a good record in Sacramento to run on, and will use that to win the senate seat in 2008.
My expectation is that California will go overwhelmingly Democratic (for Hillary Clinton) in the presidential race in 2008. And when that happens, all the close seats down-ballot will break for the Democratic Party.
Also, this area (like everywhere in California) is increasingly Democratic and Hispanic. As such, if all else were held equal, the Democratic advantage should grow by 2-3%, making the seat 6-7% better for Wolk over her Republican opponent. But all else will not be equal. The Democrats will be motivated to come out and vote in 2008 in order to change the course of our Iraq policy and a few other strong motivators.
I sincerely hope the Democratic leadership gives us better choices. I have voted for Wolk in the past but I’m not impressed with lack of suppport on important issues that most Democrats support. Please give us a choice.
Ann
I sincerely hope the Democratic leadership gives us better choices. I have voted for Wolk in the past but I’m not impressed with lack of suppport on important issues that most Democrats support. Please give us a choice.
Ann
I sincerely hope the Democratic leadership gives us better choices. I have voted for Wolk in the past but I’m not impressed with lack of suppport on important issues that most Democrats support. Please give us a choice.
Ann
I sincerely hope the Democratic leadership gives us better choices. I have voted for Wolk in the past but I’m not impressed with lack of suppport on important issues that most Democrats support. Please give us a choice.
Ann
Rich is probably correct on this.
The Republicans put a lot of resources into trying to defeat Machado, and failed. Schwarzenegger also went after him.
It is hard to imagine them doing this again (Schwarzenegger’s team will definitely be out of the picture) and, while it may be possible to characterize Wolk as more liberal than Machado (without getting into whether it is true or not), marginal increases in Democratic registration, especially among Latinos, provide additional insulation
why people wanted Garamendi, Jr. in the race, other than animus toward Wolk, is hard for me to understand, not being a candidate, he had no formulated agenda
–Richard Estes
Rich is probably correct on this.
The Republicans put a lot of resources into trying to defeat Machado, and failed. Schwarzenegger also went after him.
It is hard to imagine them doing this again (Schwarzenegger’s team will definitely be out of the picture) and, while it may be possible to characterize Wolk as more liberal than Machado (without getting into whether it is true or not), marginal increases in Democratic registration, especially among Latinos, provide additional insulation
why people wanted Garamendi, Jr. in the race, other than animus toward Wolk, is hard for me to understand, not being a candidate, he had no formulated agenda
–Richard Estes
Rich is probably correct on this.
The Republicans put a lot of resources into trying to defeat Machado, and failed. Schwarzenegger also went after him.
It is hard to imagine them doing this again (Schwarzenegger’s team will definitely be out of the picture) and, while it may be possible to characterize Wolk as more liberal than Machado (without getting into whether it is true or not), marginal increases in Democratic registration, especially among Latinos, provide additional insulation
why people wanted Garamendi, Jr. in the race, other than animus toward Wolk, is hard for me to understand, not being a candidate, he had no formulated agenda
–Richard Estes
Rich is probably correct on this.
The Republicans put a lot of resources into trying to defeat Machado, and failed. Schwarzenegger also went after him.
It is hard to imagine them doing this again (Schwarzenegger’s team will definitely be out of the picture) and, while it may be possible to characterize Wolk as more liberal than Machado (without getting into whether it is true or not), marginal increases in Democratic registration, especially among Latinos, provide additional insulation
why people wanted Garamendi, Jr. in the race, other than animus toward Wolk, is hard for me to understand, not being a candidate, he had no formulated agenda
–Richard Estes
I disagree Richard. This is going to be one of perhaps two seats that Republicans will have a chance to pick up. Aghazerian (sp?) is a sitting Assemblyman, which will make him formidable and Republicans will dump huge resources into the district.
I disagree Richard. This is going to be one of perhaps two seats that Republicans will have a chance to pick up. Aghazerian (sp?) is a sitting Assemblyman, which will make him formidable and Republicans will dump huge resources into the district.
I disagree Richard. This is going to be one of perhaps two seats that Republicans will have a chance to pick up. Aghazerian (sp?) is a sitting Assemblyman, which will make him formidable and Republicans will dump huge resources into the district.
I disagree Richard. This is going to be one of perhaps two seats that Republicans will have a chance to pick up. Aghazerian (sp?) is a sitting Assemblyman, which will make him formidable and Republicans will dump huge resources into the district.
but, last time, Schwarzenegger intervened separately from the Republicans, sending out supporters to canvas the district, along with some independent campaign committee expenditures, too, I think
with Democrats like Susan Kennedy on staff, that’s not going to be there this time, so the Republicans will have to make that up, just to stay even, plus, public sentiments toward the legislature are relatively positive (in contrast to public attitudes towards Congress, which is, believe it or not, less popular than Bush), so a background as an assemblyperson will not be a liability
–Richard Estes
but, last time, Schwarzenegger intervened separately from the Republicans, sending out supporters to canvas the district, along with some independent campaign committee expenditures, too, I think
with Democrats like Susan Kennedy on staff, that’s not going to be there this time, so the Republicans will have to make that up, just to stay even, plus, public sentiments toward the legislature are relatively positive (in contrast to public attitudes towards Congress, which is, believe it or not, less popular than Bush), so a background as an assemblyperson will not be a liability
–Richard Estes
but, last time, Schwarzenegger intervened separately from the Republicans, sending out supporters to canvas the district, along with some independent campaign committee expenditures, too, I think
with Democrats like Susan Kennedy on staff, that’s not going to be there this time, so the Republicans will have to make that up, just to stay even, plus, public sentiments toward the legislature are relatively positive (in contrast to public attitudes towards Congress, which is, believe it or not, less popular than Bush), so a background as an assemblyperson will not be a liability
–Richard Estes
but, last time, Schwarzenegger intervened separately from the Republicans, sending out supporters to canvas the district, along with some independent campaign committee expenditures, too, I think
with Democrats like Susan Kennedy on staff, that’s not going to be there this time, so the Republicans will have to make that up, just to stay even, plus, public sentiments toward the legislature are relatively positive (in contrast to public attitudes towards Congress, which is, believe it or not, less popular than Bush), so a background as an assemblyperson will not be a liability
–Richard Estes
Saw this report by Hank Shaw, the Stockton Record Reporter who got the story straight from the horse’s mouth.
SD 5: Garamendi’s out
Looks like Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, will have a clear field for the Democratic nomination for termed-out state Sen. Mike Machado, D-Linden. UC-Merced Vice-Chancellor John Garamendi, Jr. has decided not to make the run. He had reportedly shifted his residence from Merced to one of the Garamendi family seats in Walnut Grove (the other is up in Mokulemne Hill) and was seriously mulling the idea of representing San Joaquin, as his father (now lieutenant governor) once did.
My guess as to why he dropped? Money and the Margee Ensign Effect. Wolk is out raising cash (we’ll find out how much soon) and matching that could prove difficult. Lois is also collecting endorsements, too. But another, perhaps more serious issue for JGJr. is his position at UC-Merced. Like University of the Pacific dean Margee Ensign, who had an abortive run against then-Rep. Richard Pombo last cycle, Garamendi must get permission from the university to campaign: The Ivory Tower generally frowns on its officials stumping while they’re supposed to be working full time.
I will see what John says and report back…
UPDATE: Talked to JGJr., and he basically confirmed what I’d thought about UC-Merced. He did not speak to the Wolk challenge, but I got word from another source that a couple of private polls were done in SD 5 showing Wolk leading Garamendi in a theoretical matchup. Starting behind in cash, endorsements and polling is a tough place to mount a challenge…no wonder John took a pass.
Here’s the link: http://blogs.recordnet.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=sr-hshaw&redirCnt=1
Saw this report by Hank Shaw, the Stockton Record Reporter who got the story straight from the horse’s mouth.
SD 5: Garamendi’s out
Looks like Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, will have a clear field for the Democratic nomination for termed-out state Sen. Mike Machado, D-Linden. UC-Merced Vice-Chancellor John Garamendi, Jr. has decided not to make the run. He had reportedly shifted his residence from Merced to one of the Garamendi family seats in Walnut Grove (the other is up in Mokulemne Hill) and was seriously mulling the idea of representing San Joaquin, as his father (now lieutenant governor) once did.
My guess as to why he dropped? Money and the Margee Ensign Effect. Wolk is out raising cash (we’ll find out how much soon) and matching that could prove difficult. Lois is also collecting endorsements, too. But another, perhaps more serious issue for JGJr. is his position at UC-Merced. Like University of the Pacific dean Margee Ensign, who had an abortive run against then-Rep. Richard Pombo last cycle, Garamendi must get permission from the university to campaign: The Ivory Tower generally frowns on its officials stumping while they’re supposed to be working full time.
I will see what John says and report back…
UPDATE: Talked to JGJr., and he basically confirmed what I’d thought about UC-Merced. He did not speak to the Wolk challenge, but I got word from another source that a couple of private polls were done in SD 5 showing Wolk leading Garamendi in a theoretical matchup. Starting behind in cash, endorsements and polling is a tough place to mount a challenge…no wonder John took a pass.
Here’s the link: http://blogs.recordnet.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=sr-hshaw&redirCnt=1
Saw this report by Hank Shaw, the Stockton Record Reporter who got the story straight from the horse’s mouth.
SD 5: Garamendi’s out
Looks like Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, will have a clear field for the Democratic nomination for termed-out state Sen. Mike Machado, D-Linden. UC-Merced Vice-Chancellor John Garamendi, Jr. has decided not to make the run. He had reportedly shifted his residence from Merced to one of the Garamendi family seats in Walnut Grove (the other is up in Mokulemne Hill) and was seriously mulling the idea of representing San Joaquin, as his father (now lieutenant governor) once did.
My guess as to why he dropped? Money and the Margee Ensign Effect. Wolk is out raising cash (we’ll find out how much soon) and matching that could prove difficult. Lois is also collecting endorsements, too. But another, perhaps more serious issue for JGJr. is his position at UC-Merced. Like University of the Pacific dean Margee Ensign, who had an abortive run against then-Rep. Richard Pombo last cycle, Garamendi must get permission from the university to campaign: The Ivory Tower generally frowns on its officials stumping while they’re supposed to be working full time.
I will see what John says and report back…
UPDATE: Talked to JGJr., and he basically confirmed what I’d thought about UC-Merced. He did not speak to the Wolk challenge, but I got word from another source that a couple of private polls were done in SD 5 showing Wolk leading Garamendi in a theoretical matchup. Starting behind in cash, endorsements and polling is a tough place to mount a challenge…no wonder John took a pass.
Here’s the link: http://blogs.recordnet.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=sr-hshaw&redirCnt=1
Saw this report by Hank Shaw, the Stockton Record Reporter who got the story straight from the horse’s mouth.
SD 5: Garamendi’s out
Looks like Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, will have a clear field for the Democratic nomination for termed-out state Sen. Mike Machado, D-Linden. UC-Merced Vice-Chancellor John Garamendi, Jr. has decided not to make the run. He had reportedly shifted his residence from Merced to one of the Garamendi family seats in Walnut Grove (the other is up in Mokulemne Hill) and was seriously mulling the idea of representing San Joaquin, as his father (now lieutenant governor) once did.
My guess as to why he dropped? Money and the Margee Ensign Effect. Wolk is out raising cash (we’ll find out how much soon) and matching that could prove difficult. Lois is also collecting endorsements, too. But another, perhaps more serious issue for JGJr. is his position at UC-Merced. Like University of the Pacific dean Margee Ensign, who had an abortive run against then-Rep. Richard Pombo last cycle, Garamendi must get permission from the university to campaign: The Ivory Tower generally frowns on its officials stumping while they’re supposed to be working full time.
I will see what John says and report back…
UPDATE: Talked to JGJr., and he basically confirmed what I’d thought about UC-Merced. He did not speak to the Wolk challenge, but I got word from another source that a couple of private polls were done in SD 5 showing Wolk leading Garamendi in a theoretical matchup. Starting behind in cash, endorsements and polling is a tough place to mount a challenge…no wonder John took a pass.
Here’s the link: http://blogs.recordnet.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=sr-hshaw&redirCnt=1
Galgiani is waaaay to moderate and could easily be a Reep the way she votes.
Galgiani is waaaay to moderate and could easily be a Reep the way she votes.
Galgiani is waaaay to moderate and could easily be a Reep the way she votes.
Galgiani is waaaay to moderate and could easily be a Reep the way she votes.