Why Aimee Allison Matters

by Ben Wyskida‚, Beyond Chron (reposted)

Mon, Oct 23, 2006 7:44AM

Every couple of years, progressives are faced with the terrifying possibility that we might actually win. I didn't live in San Francisco when Matt Gonzalez almost won his race for Mayor, but I know that across the country good lefties indulged in a guilty game of "what if." What if we actually had the opportunity to lead? For Gonzalez, the help came too little, too late. He fell just short, and the race begged the question: If the next opportunity was right in our own backyard, would we know it soon enough to make a difference?

Welcome to October 2006, where that opportunity is here: It’s the District Two race for City Council in Oakland, where Aimee Allison is two weeks away from pulling a stunning upset that would turn the political establishment on its head. Simply put, Aimee Allison's campaign for City Council is the single most important race in the Bay Area this year. It may also be the area's best-kept secret, but with two weeks to go progressives are taking notice of this upstart campaign that could transform Bay Area politics.

First, a quick primer on Oakland politics: In a sentence, its developers vs. everyone else. Eight years ago, Jerry Brown, the Governor who wanted to be President and is about to be Attorney General was elected Mayor of Oakland. This upset people who actually lived in Oakland, like Ignacio de la Fuente, the City Council President.

Read More
http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=3819#more

Add Your Comments