Blogging live from the 2006 California Democratic Party Convention.
Gubernatorial candidate and California State Treasurer Phil Angelides arrived to a roaring crowd and chants of "Go Phil Go!" and "Let's Go Phil," that marched with him up to a rally. As usual, Phil was introduced by his lovely daughter Megan Garcia. Megan talked about how Phil and his wife Julie instilled in their kids the ethic of service to one's community. Megan mentioned her own service (Peace Corps in Senegal) and the service of her sister (student government treasurer - just like their dad).
Phil rallied the packed crowd talking about how his campaign is rocking the vote with young, middle aged, and older Dems. Most importantly, he's talked about stopping the persistent "march from the right." He cast his campaign as a march on the state capitol here in Sacramento, to take back the governor's office from B-movie actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
If the intro rally and vibe at the convention is any indication, Phil is going to take the party's endorsement (he needs 60% of the vote this weekend - delegates help us out!) and the primary on June 6.
This is the candidate that has been the only one to consistently stand up to the broken promises and failed policies of Arnold.
He's been a strong advocate for labor and the evironment. He's endorsed by the Sierra Club, the UFW, the CTA, etc. He's also supported by campaign co-chairs Barbara Boxer, Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinstein and California Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunez. He's the Democrat's Democrat - who won't compromise his liberal values.
His record as treasurer has been impeccable, recently spearheading an effort by the California State Teachers Retirement System (one of the largest pension funds in the country) to disinvest from Sudan.
Stay posted... We'll be making updates throughout the weekend so keep refreshing.