The Run for Matsui's Seat

After the shock of losing a long time and respected Democrat, there is set to be a special election for Bob Matsui's seat.  Twelve candidates have filed papers to run, none of which has ever held political office before.

The front runner is Doris Matsui, the widow of our late Congressman.  Doris has been a long time lobbyist, but has never run for office.  Her website really doesn't cover her stance on important positions, but she has been "blessed" by the Democratic Party Establishment (Nancy Pelosi).

Doris Matsui's Website

More after the jump

Chances are the Doris Matsui will make a solid Democratic Congresswoman, however it is troublesome that she has already been "chosen" for the spot a month before the primaries are set to occur and without knowing much about her political stances (I mean what wife completely mirrors her husbands politics?)

I have not read up on all of the candidates, but there are two that should be of interest to Californians who are going to be voting in this primary.  The first is Julie Padilla, a truly progressive Democrat who has taken time to address all the issues.

Julie Padilla's Website

The second candidate that appeals to me is Pat Driscoll, the Green Party Candidate.  I have rarely voted Green, but this guy sounds great.

Pat Driscoll's Website

Both these challengers are for an end to the occupation of Iraq, are outsiders to the process and deserve our attention.  If we want to stack the deck in our favor, it is time to start working on state level candidates, voting and funding people who best align with what we believe in.  If Doris fails to take more than 50 percent of the vote, we will get a run off and learn more about where our next Congressman/woman stands.  I say we put up a fight.