Westly/Angelides debate at 7:00 pm tonight (California governor).

[Clarkie1]

Steve Westly and Phil Angelides will debate at 7:00 p.m. tonight. It will be broadcast on CBS channel 5 in the bay area. I don't know where it is being broadcast in other areas of the state. This will be the first debate I have viewed between the two, and I plan on marking my absentee ballot I received in the mail today after the debate (and perhaps some discussion on this thread).

[Clarkie1]

1. The "excitement" begins in 1 minute...n/t

[Clarkie1]

2. Westly is winning the debate.

He had a much better answer on the three-strikes bill. Angelides said he supported it, Westly said he would reform it.

Also had a better answer on same-sex marriage. Angelides said he supports it, but Westly pointed out he was supporting it years ago and Angelides is only supporting it now that he is running for governor.

Angelides wants to raise taxes; Westly wants to close tax loopholes and collect back-taxes owed first. He has collected billions this way as the controller.

Angelides is running a smear campaign against Westly, but in this debate Westly continues to stay postive and not respond with smears.

Westly supports free community college...great idea. Points out that for every 1 student at U.C., there are 10 at community colleges.

Both candidates have been endorsed by the Sierra Club, although Angelides advertisements imply he is the only one to have earned their endorsement.

Angelides merely styles himself the "anti-Arnold." Westly more sensibly points out he has worked with the other side when there is common ground, and fought against them when they were wrong. Westly seeks bi-paritisan solutions; Angelides is an "old-style Democrat."

Absolutely outrageous...Angelides continues the smears and asks Westly "are you sure you are running in the right primary?" Angelides is really turning me off...bubbling in Westly now on my absentee ballot.

Over and out.