[mattdono]

Is it really great news?

I mean, yes, it is great to get an endorsement, but how much weight does this carry in California?

California is not seen as the state that respects law enforcement. I mean from the Marxists in the Bay Area to the illegals coming across the border in San Diego (many of which, somehow, seem to be able to vote for DemocRATs?), it doesn't seem that there is a healthy respect for these folks.

I am not a Californian and I am not being a contrarian or trying to put down the law enforcement officers of the state; rather, I really wonder how much weight this endorsement really will carry inside the state?

Please don't misunderstand, I wish it did, but I get the impression that it doesn't.

[Gophack]

In California, crime and law enforcement used to be the single most important issue. When crime dramatically decreased after the passage of the Three Strikes, You're Out inititiave in 1994 (and the Republican sweep of the state), education moved into its place as the most important issue.

Clinton, for example, stole the crime issue from Republicans and it was difficult for Republicans to combat him on it. Davis attempted to do the same thing, and in 1998 it worked. Even though Lungren was the Attorney General, Davis worked double time to secure the law enforcement endorsements by promising the moon and the stars.

But crime is going up, and people don't like that. Crime is on the rise as an important issue, though it hasn't come up as far as education. Davis losing the COPS endorsement IS a big deal for a lot of reasons: he no longer has the lock on crime as an issue, and money.

Hope that helps.

[daviddennis]

I don't know, but I can tell you this: Davis uses that endorsement almost obsessively in his campaign video, including footage of him working with cops.

I think it's fair to say that this is a a major loss for him, and a giant blow to his pride.

My hunch about the 1998 endorsement is that they knew he was going to win, and he was running as a fiscal conservative tough on crime. Now they know he's the man of hollow promises; better late than never.

D

[nimc]

This does mean a great deal. Your stereotype assumption about California voters is misplaced. Law and order is very high on the majority of likely voters.

.