LAT/AP: Kerry, Stumping for Angelides, Takes Shots at Arnold, GOP [View All]

[DeepModem Mom]

Kerry, Stumping for Angelides, Takes Shots at Arnold, GOP
From Associated Press
September 18, 2006

WEST HOLLYWOOD -- Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry rallied Democratic support Monday for gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides, while Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a landmark school bill flanked by two leading Democrats, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.

The events, although miles apart and on different subjects, pointed to the fierce competition for the same thing in the governor's race -- Democratic votes. Angelides needs to solidify Democratic support in his bid to oust the incumbent Republican, while Schwarzenegger is expected to need at least a quarter of that vote to carry the Democratic-leaning state.

Kerry appeared with Angelides in a half-empty auditorium, where about 75 people waving campaign signs heard the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee criticize Republican policies in Washington and California.

He said California families are paying thousands of dollars more for gas, education, health care and other costs since Schwarzenegger took office. He also suggested that the actor-turned-governor was trying to reposition himself in the political middle to win a second term, an apparent reference to the governor's recent deals with Democrats to boost the minimum wage, trim prescription drug costs and cut greenhouse-gas emissions.

"We need a governor of the state of California who doesn't become a Democrat for a few convenient moments -- we need a real Democrat, a real leader," Kerry said....

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-091806angelides,0,4924664.story?coll=la-center-politics-cal