In the June 2 election, my efforts were centered on backing two exceptional individuals for Governor and Insurance Commissioner and opposing SEIU’s Proposition D tax increase in San Francisco. Although both candidates were unsuccessful, Prop D currently appears to be failing. The defeat of the candidates was not unexpected, yet I am heartened to see SEIU’s measure struggling, particularly in light of of the cynical support it received from Nancy Pelosi.
Statewide votes are still being counted but if current results hold, my support in the general election will go to Republican Steve Hilton for Governor and Democrat Ben Allen for Insurance Commissioner. While I have had my doubts that any Republican could win a statewide contest in California, Xavier Becerra is not a strong opponent and it may be that Californians are finally tired of the subpar governance provided by the establishment he represents. Ben Allen is a highly qualified individual for Insurance Commissioner, particularly when contrasted with an opponent whose election would exacerbate the dysfunction currently plaguing California’s insurance market.
Despite losses in two out of three contests, it might surprise you that I find myself hopeful about California’s governance. That’s because a fire has — finally! — been lit under a new generation of political activists who have both the tenacity and the resources to persistently counter the most powerful special interests that began dominating California politics after 1968. I’ll have more to say about this subject later this year but to me, the cavalry has arrived.
