February 25, 2004

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Palo Alto Online

Editorial: Simitian for State Senate

Both men are experienced legislators with strong records on education, the environment, and trying to improve the effectiveness of government. Simitian has served for the last three years in the Assembly and decided to give up the seat in order to run for Senate. Lempert, who served eight years in the Assembly, was gerrymandered out of his seat and has been waiting for Sher's retirement while serving as the head of EdVoice, an education advocacy group.

Lempert supporters view Simitian as hardworking and well-qualified, but arrogant, overly ambitious and opportunistic. They say Lempert was victimized by the politics of redistricting and has waited patiently for Sher's seat to open up. They also cast Lempert as the big-picture legislative craftsmen of the two, arguing the Simitian does a great job at pushing through bills to please district constituencies but doesn't do the hard, behind-the-scenes work required for major reform of the law.

Simitian supporters scoff at the suggestion that Simitian should defer to Lempert just because he has been waiting patiently for the last four years for Sher's term to end. They point to Simitian's chairmanship of the Assembly school-finance committee as an example of his ongoing work aimed at bringing about fundamental reform in the way schools are financed in California. They also emphasize the broader support Simitian enjoys from local officials, in the form of endorsements, and from residents, in the form of many individual campaign contributors.

With only nuanced differences on issues, most voters will choose between these two on the basis of their work styles, personalities and conduct during the campaign. We end up giving the edge to Simitian, primarily because of Lempert's decision to attack and distort Simitian's record in his final mailings of the campaign.

These two candidates have plenty of accomplishments around which to focus their literature, and both boast of their commitment to campaign reform. Lempert discredits himself by sanctioning last-minute hyperbole.

Joe Simitian has served the region with distinction for the last three years in the Assembly. He has earned recognition for his work from numerous groups both inside the capitol and in the district, has insisted on excellent constituent service from his staff and has been quick to respond to the unique legislative needs of local communities. He wears his political ambition on his sleeve and is a master at creating opportunities for publicity. But he's got the talent, intellect and support to get away with it, unlike so many others who seek political advancement.

The 11th Senate District will be in capable hands regardless of the outcome of this race, but we give the nod to Joe Simitian.

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