I still didn't know, even as I walked (well, shuffled in line) through the door of the Seaside Elementary cafeteria, how I was going to vote. Well, I knew I was voting no on the two propositions, but you know. The governor thing.

I got to the table and signed my name in the book, and I still didn't know.

I moved down the table and gave my name to the lady who crossed it off in the different book, and I still didn't know.

I took my ballot and went to one of the little portable polling box on a stand, and even as I slid the punchcard ballot into position with the pegs in the holes at the top, I still did not know.

Of the four remaining plausible candidates (counting Davis), I have the most respect for McClintock, because everything I've ever heard of him indicates a completely honest, straightforward, and knowledgeable guy willing to answer any question you would like to throw at him. Unfortunately, he's also a very definite conservative, and I heard something about he'd like to abolish the California Coastal Commission (state agency that regulates coastal development and access). BZZT.

Davis. Ah, Gray, you weasel. I voted for him last time, in the "real" election, due to his opponent being an even bigger dope. Could I bring myself to do it again? Sure, he showed up for the signing over of Ahmanson Ranch to the state the other day (yay!), but then, he's lately been showing up for just about anything that stands a chance of endearing him to anybody, including giving illegal immigrants drivers' licenses. Watch for the response to that in the next round or two of initiatives, the only way (aside from gubernatorial desperation) that anything real ever seems to get done in state government these days (key word "seems" -- it's a very bad way of running things, initiatives). And Bustamante is part of this too; he and Davis may not like each other, but both of them are as inside as you get, and not in any good way that I've heard of.

ach, too tired. to be continued! ah, the suspense!

contents of the purple tricycle are copyright 2003 carrie lynn king unless otherwise noted.