Santa Barbara environmental activist Susan Jordan, who for two years has been on the front lines of statewide efforts to better analyze the need for and potential consequences of potential LNG terminals on or off the California coast, is typically a behind-the-scenes operator who sticks doggedly to the issues.
But yesterday afternoon she joined with other environmental activists to heatedly denounce TV ads by Controller Steve Westly that accuse Treasurer Phil Angelides, his opponent for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, of being a toady to the oil industry and a rapacious land developer who trampled over environmental regulations to make a buck.
"I'm absolutely horrified at the depths to which Westly has sunk," Jordan said in a conference call with reporters.
When I called her personally later, Jordan related that last year she met with Angelides to brief him on the LNG issue and seek his support for a bill that would have required the state to study and rank the various LNG proposals up and down the state. In short order, she said, Angelides studied the issue, understood its implications and took a stance in support of the bill. Meanwhile, Westly vacillated for months and did not take a position.
Jordan says she was impressed by Angelides and "his intelligence, his clarity and his leadership."
"I don't need anyone to ask me who will stand up to the oil companies, because I know the answer," Jordan said.
Did you ask Ms. Jordan who her employer is ? Have you ever heard of Dresner and Wickers Inc.? Google them, their client list is very impressive. And right at the top is Gov. Schwartzenegger.
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that Ms. Jordan was "a behind-the-scenes operator." In this case operating for Governor Schwarzenegger.
It seemes clear to me that Schwarzeneggers camp including Dresner and Wickers feel that Angelides is the prefered opponent.
For obvious reasons, Westly cuts into Schwarzeneggers base. The Gov has a chance with ex-Westly supporters, and Angelides supporters for the most part are already gone.
What do you think Mr. Herdt?
At lunch today I was talking with a politically savy Democratic professional lady. She said she knew she would for Angelides a long time ago, but is now not certain. I said that this race is most unusual for me in that I have not selected a candidate. Both gentlemen have their appeal and their repulsion. Comments like the one from Ms. Jordan have an immediate impact on my sentiment toward Mr. Agelides.