California Democratic Party Convention: First Report

I have to admit -- I was about ready to unscribe from Scott Lay's "The Nooner".

But as of this weekend, he had al the up-to-date information on the California Democratic Party convention in Sacramento.

Here is the first report which he had sent out in late afternoon May 20, 2017:

Well, the first formal parts of the second day of the Democratic Party convention are largely over. Delegates are now voting for state party officers waiting in lines that make LAX to seem like an express lane at the supermarket.

The Democracy is taking democracy very seriously.

Or are they?

Here a few random thoughts...totally unedited.

• With the morning session running overtime, gubernatorial candidate John Chiang spoke to a half-empty hall. While not as polished as fellow candidate Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Chiang delivered a strong speech.

John Chiang does not have a chance, then. He is viewed as too conservative, and has already been endorsed by former Republican elected officials. 

• The audiences for Antonio Villaraigosa and Delaine Eastin were even smaller as delegates fled the convention hall to wait in line to vote. While John Burton assured delegates that the line would be shorter if they waited, delegates wanted to cast their votes and move on to receptions.

Wow! Antonio Villaraigosa probably doesn't have a chance, either.

Maybe Wer the People Rising had something to do with it!

• California Nurses Association executive director RoseAnn DeMaro: "Don't expect the progressives to stay with the party if it doesn't change."

OUCH! These words are prophetic! More to come.

• Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones gave a strong speech, although many delegates I talked to questioned why he continues to run against appointed appointment Xavier Becerra, who gave up his congressional leadership post (and seat) to serve in the office vacated by now-Senator Kamala Harris. Jones made it clear he continues to run for the spot, and there is some speculation that he could.

In Redondo Beach, an appointed member to the city council lost her election--sadly. An appointee is not guaranteed a spot.

Crooked Eric

• 
  Eric Bauman gave a powerful speech, ending with "Delegates, I am Eric Bauman, the son of Gayle Bauman, and husband of Michael Andraychak," with whom he then embraced and kissed.

Notice that Eric does not mention a father. No wonder he identifies as gay--most people in that category usually have absentee father.

• The energy in the hall for both major party hair [chair] candidates was very strong, and it's unclear who has the upper-hand going into the balloting. Results are expected tonight and the party chair election is not expected to go into a runoff, which would occur tomorrow.

Again, prophetic!

• Tonight's formal dinner is being keynoted by Congressman Adam Schiff, who has become a hero during Trump's troubles because of his role as ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. Never really a party insider, many are watching him to see if he positions himself as a successor of Dianne Feinstein, whenever she decides to retire. Some speculate that Feinstein could run (and easily win) for reelection next year, and serve part of a term, allowing the next governor to appoint her replacement if she was satisfied that whoever becomes governor would appoint someone she would be satisfied with.

The same Adam Schiff who related to CNN and other major networks that there is no collusion between Russia and Trump? Wow, what an inspiring guest speaker.

As for DiFi, bets are that she will run for re-election and coast to victory, As far as the Governor appointing a successor, that does make sense, since it would assure no primary challenges are bitter infighting.

Have a great evening. When we get party office election results, I'll send out a message--if I am awake.
- Scott