gridlore | Vote early and often.

I'm filling out my absentee ballot (our only option, there aren't enough registered voters in our area to get a polling station) and thought I'd share some of my positions with y'all

So, here's how I'm voting in selected races and on some issues:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) Arnie has shown himself to be a moderate Republican, interested mainly in fiscal responsibility without raising taxes. He's also shown an ability to learn from his mistakes. A big selling point for me is his ability to work with Democrats as well as his own party.

Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi (D) Nothing keeps a Governor honest like a second chair from the other party.

Treasurer Claude Parrish (R) He's one of the few candidates in this race who actually has some relevant experience in the field. Also, the Democratic candidate is another Sacramento retread, and I'm sick of seeing the same guys shuffle from job to job.

Attorney General Jerry Brown (D) Moonbeam is back! I'm voting for our favorite ex-Governor/current Oakland Mayor because he has shown me that he is a hard worker and scrupulously honest. Also, his chief opponent is a right-wing loon who shouldn't be allowed within ten miles of our state Constitution.

Insurance Commissioner Dale Ogden (Libertarian) The Democrat is another passenger on the office merry-go-round, the Republican has made a career of running for offices and losing. Ogden at leas works in the industry!

United States Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) How big a lock is this? Until I opened my voter guide I didn't realize anyone was actually running against her. Lady DiFi may not be as "progressive" as some would like, but I agree with most of her votes.

United States Representative (CA 15th) Mike Honda (D) A reliable voice, and he does good work for the District. His opponent has no plan, no real ideas, and a name that sounds like Lovecraft came up with it.

San Jose Mayor Cindy Chavez Honestly, I'd prefer anyone else over these two yahoos, but this is the choice I'm given. This is a case of the lesser of two evils.

Proposition 1-A through E Yes. These measures provide bonds to do desperately needed repairs to out infrastructure.

Proposition 83 - Sex Offenders Yes. I'd prefer a measure that has "gut shoot them and leave them to die" but I'll settle for GPS monitoring.

Proposition 85 - Parental Notification for Abortion No. This is a blatant attempt to interfere in the doctor-patient relationship

Proposition 86 - Cigarette Tax Yes. I consider tobacco to be a dangerous drug. Since we can't ban it, we can tax the hell out of it.

Proposition 90 - Eminent Domain Yes. This measure would limit the ability of local governments to use eminent domain for privately owned projects.