by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Over the flip, I'll be posting some legislator's remarks on the marriage decision.  I'll only get a few now, so any editors should feel free to add some or throw them in the comments.

by Be_Devine [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

4-3 DECISION!!   THE GOOD GUYS AND GALS WON!!!!!

The decision can be read here.

The conclusion of the majority is:

in light of the conclusions we reach concerning the constitutional questions brought to us for resolution, we determine that the language of section 300 limiting the designation of marriage to a union “between a man and a woman” is unconstitutional and must be stricken from the statute, and that the remaining statutory language must be understood as making the designation of marriage available both to opposite-sex and same-sex couples.  In addition, because the limitation of marriage to opposite-sex couples imposed by section 308.5 can have no constitutionally permissible effect in light of the constitutional conclusions set forth in this opinion, that provision cannot stand.

The Court goes on to say: "

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Recipients of awards from the Consumer Federation of California for 2008 from left to right, Senate President pro Tem Elect Darrell Steinberg, California Progress Report publisher Frank D. Russo, former Assemblymember and State Senate candidate Hannah-Beth Jackson, CFC founder and former President of the California Federation of Labor Albin Gruhn with attendant, Assemblymember Mark Leno, and Assembly Judiciary Chair Dave Jones. Not pictured, Senator Alan Lowenthal. Photo by Russell Collins Stiger

By Frank D. Russo

I was deeply honored to receive the Consumer Federation of California’s 2008 Consumer Journalist Award on behalf of the California Progress Report in a ceremony in the basement of the state Capitol cafeteria. Others honored by the CFC, a consumer organization founded in 1960, included a number of my heroes, and the audience of over 100 included many distinguished guests and representatives of organizations I cherish. I joked that over half of the crowd had written articles for the California Progress Report—which in fact was accurate.

What makes this award particularly memorable to me is that the CFC last bestowed this award on former Chronicle consumer reporter David Lazarus, who now writes for the Los Angeles Times. I consider Lazarus a giant in the field of business and consumer reporting.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Disclosure: I do some work for the Mark Leno Campaign.

I'll admit that I'm always a bit reluctant about getting up early to do precinct walking, or well, to do precinct walking at all. Mostly it's the hills in my neighborhood. That makes for some exhausting work with a big ol' sack of lit on your back. I mean, I do it, but I kinda prefer phonebanking and that kind of thing. I hope I don't get my grassroots card torn away. ;)

So, the lure of a donut helps to motivate me. And having a great candidate like Mark Leno. And balloons! Last Saturday, the Leno campaign held a little party for the opening of the second campaign office in SF's Castro District.  There was a great attendance from community members and local leaders.  SF Assessor-Recorder (and possible mayoral candidate in 2011) Phil Ting made an appearance, as did SF Democratic Party chair Scott Wiener. Scott and SF Young Dems President Luke Klipp, who was also there, are both running for election to the San Francisco DCCC. And both are endorsed by me!

The conversation was good, and the donuts tasty. Check the flip (or my Flickr set) for a photo slideshow from the event.

by Be_Devine [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

In an admittedly unscientific online poll at the Marin Independent Journal's website, Mark Leno is leading Joe Nation by a wide margin.  Leno has 66.7 percent of the vote to Nation's 27.5 percent.  

In the "is she really still here?" category, Carole Migden registers a whopping 5.8 percent.  

Cast your vote and see the latest numbers here.

I am fairly certain that it was the money we raised for Leno during last week's Calitics Challenge that gave him the "Calitics Bump."  Keep contributing  to his campaign here. 

by DFA Staff [courtesy of Blog for America]

Condi Must Go Campaign:

National Journal

Washington Post

The New York Times

Ed Fallon for Congress:

The Politico

Jimmy Dahroug for New York State Senate:

New York Daily News

Mark Leno for California State Senate:

The San Mateo Daily Journal

Enjoy.

Danny
Communications Director

by Be_Devine [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

If you read Spots or have ever had the opportunity to see me fail in trying to start a chant, you know I have a big mouth.

So here's your chance to make me put my money where my mouth is.

I am going to match, up to $500, the contributions made to Mark Leno's campaign through the Calitics Act Blue page through midnight Friday night.

See why on the flip, and donate right here:

Although Migden has imploded, she continues to play the spoiler role in this race. It's now a two-person race. In one corner we have Mark Leno, a champion of some of the most progressive legislation in California. In the other corner we have Joe Nation, who is one step away from being a Republican. SD-03 is a solidly Progressive district that would be best represented by Mark Leno. But Migden's refusal to drop out of a race that she cannot win creates the very serious risk that Nation could win.