Governor Candidates in Hot Water

Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, credits: Auctionbytes Blog

With the election vastly approaching, Governor candidates Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown are competing for every available vote.  In today’s LA Times, it was reported that a tape recording of Jerry Brown and his colleagues, released by the LA Police Union have Brown and associates conversing about Meg Whitman and her pension reform plan.  In the conversation, one of Browns associates can be heard calling Whitman a “whore” in relation to the way she “cuts deals to gain endorsements”.  In today’s San Jose Mercury News, it was reported that the latest Whitman controversy between she and her ex housekeeper may affect the outcome of the election. Whitman tried to get the latino vote by airing commercials in Spanish and encouraging them that jobs are coming. This housekeeper controversy, "has reinforced the stereotype that Republicans and rich people care not for Latinos”.  Today’s NY times did not report on the election. 

-Emma Hawes

Union Funds Push Brown Ahead

Chart of the California election fundraising totals. Credits: Mercury News 

Over the past few months, republican Governor candidate of California and past CEO of e-Bay, Meg Whitman has spent over $119 million on her own campaign, 19 million of it coming from outside donors, and the rest from her own pocket.  Jerry Brown, the democratic California governor candidate has spent roughly $40 million. Today’s LA Times reported that although Whitman has spent far more than Brown, she has received more funds from outside sources including AT&T and Phillip Morris. In today’s San Jose Mercury News, it was reported that although Whitman’s outside donations outweigh Brown’s funds from businesses and groups, Brown’s outside donations are actually larger when you include the contributions from unions and other special interest s. Today’s NY Times did not have any articles on the upcoming California election, but did have a blog posting stating that Brown is now in favor by 75%.  

Diaz Claims,"I just want to be heard"

Meg Whitman's ex-housekeeper and attorney, Gloria Allred at last week's press conference .  Credit: Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times

Much speculation has been put on the latest Meg Whitman controversy.  Whitman’s ex housekeeper, Nicky Diaz Santillan, made claims last Tuesday that she was treated poorly by Whitman, and that Whitman hired Diaz knowing she was an illegal immigrant.  Although Whitman denies these claims, the question remains, whether or not Diaz was forced to make these allegations or whether they are actually true.  Today’s LA times quoted Diaz saying, “I spoke out because I want people to know who Meg Whitman really is and I am glad that I did. I want to be heard”.  In todays issue of the Silicon Valley Mercury News, they covered the story briefly, only elaborating on the fact that attorney Gloria Allred has declined to say who she received Diaz’s information from and that this is in no way connected to opposing Governor Candidate Jerry Brown.  The NY Times did not report on this.  

Radio Debate Canceled

Brown and Whitman, Getty Images

The somewhat highly anticipated radio debate between Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, the two candidates for Governor of California, has been called off.  San Franciscan radio host, Ronn Owens, had promised listeners the debate of a lifetime, and although both campaigns discussed the possibility of such a debate, neither side formally agreed.  Sterling Clifford, a spokesman for the Brown campaign stated that although there was an “initial interest,” especially following the second and rather heated debate between the gubernatorial candidates, there was no follow through.  Thus, the debate could not be organized.  Those looking for another debate, however, should not fret.  The third and final debate between Brown and Whitman will take place in San Rafael on October 12, 2010.

Whitman, a Hypocrite?

Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, Eric Paul Zamora, Fresno Bee
 

Since the beginning of the campaign, GOP candidate Meg Whitman’s advertising on Spanish-language media outlets have increased approximately 50%, the Los Angeles Times reported.  Although, according to Whitman’s campaign aides, the controversy regarding the illegal employment of her housekeeper, Nicky Diaz, should not affect Whitman’s chances with Latino voters.  However, others seem to differ on such views. The Service Employees International Union, one of California’s largest unions, has launched a $5-million effort to promote the Democratic candidate, Jerry Brown.  “Whitman attacks undocumented workers to win votes, but an undocumented woman worked in her home for nine years,” a union-bought Spanish-language commercial said.  And with Whitman’s promises to be “tough as nails” on illegal immigration, things look a little fishy.  One final debate between Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown is scheduled to take place on Spanish-language television stations on Saturday. 

 

Round Two

Whitman and Brown, European Photo Press Agency

Gubernatorial candidates, Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, hit the floor once again as they took part in a second debate that quickly became heated upon the topic of illegal immigration.  The debate became contentious when the moderator inquired about allegations regarding Whitman and her undocumented housekeeper, Nancy Diaz Santillan.  Whitman immediately accused Brown of using Diaz’s situation for political gain, and noted how “ashamed” Brown should be for putting Diaz’s deportation at risk.  “You should be ashamed for sacrificing Nicky Diaz on the altar of your political ambitions,” Whitman said.  Brown did not take such allegations lying down.   He responded by chiding Whitman for blaming everyone else, yet refusing to accept any responsibility herself.  “Don’t run for governor if you can’t stand up on your own two feet and say, ‘Hey, I made a mistake.’” Brown currently is ahead in the polls 49% - 44%.

The latest budget in state history

Arnold Schwarzenegger Stamps, Getty Images

Governor Schwarzenegger signed a deal, that will allegedly close the state's $19-billion dollar deficit, tonight after five hours of negotiating. No details were released, but it is rumored that they were able "to ward off tax increases."  The details of the new budget are said to be released in a press conference on Wednesday and there could be a vote as early as Thursday. Pension reform is still one of the biggest issues of this budget negotiation. Schwarzenegger wants to reduce public employee benefits while Democratic lawmakers want to come to a compromise with unions. How to raise money without raising taxes was another obstacle in negotiations. Aaron McLear, the governor's press secretary, stated that "'He will not sign a budget that increases taxes...He still feels exactly the same way.'" Californians will find out next week how Sacramento plans to fix the deficit.