To those thinking of running for Governor of California, the crisis in Sacramento calls out for bold leadership and it is time for you to get in this race. The political winds of change are upon us, just as we experienced in the last national election. For thirty years we have attempted to govern with Article 13A and a broken political system and now we find ourselves bankrupt, both physically and morally.

We recognize change is not easy and will require a sustained and sincere engagement of the electorate. This is our primary purpose. We are coming together to create a new political environment of hard truths, a transparent government with Sacramento and its people working together for the common good.

We envision real leadership and budgets without ballots, passed on time in Sacramento. To do so, we will be required to pass reforms beyond Article 13A, ballot measures, recalls, term limits and other obstacles perverting our governance.

Promising change because it is in fashion and rattling off the same poll tested issues and rhetoric will not get you our support. Our aim is to fix the structural political defects in Sacramento. Bring us your clear and concise plans for transformational reform and together we will inspire and get California back on track.

Speak out, we will help you change the climate of voter apathy and cynicism.

By the time we get to the general election, the problems will most likely be exacerbated by more failures to address this issue. We are all Democrats, so let’s agree to pursue real change, then we will begin again to responsibly meet the needs of our poor, elderly, schools and protect important social services.

We are ready to serve your campaign, your government, our state. We got your six.

Los Angeles delegate following Mayor Newsom's speech in the men's room of hall a: "It's a nice story about San Francisco, but it has a small population….its easier to do. California is too big and too complex to do those things everywhere."

A few of us attended the Gavin Newsom town hall in Santa Monica last night. The room was freckled with green shirts, green hats and green beads for St. Patricks Day. There were dozens of print media, bloggers and television journalists, flanked by Frank Luntz on his laptop(?).

Running a tad late, the mayor was greeted by a friendly crowd, local politicos and a hand full of celebrities, think Ryan Reynolds without Scarlett Johansson. Following his introduction by local councilman Bobby Shriver, he walked everyone through the paces of his healthcare, education and environmental policy goals and promptly opened the floor to questions. Compared to reports I have read from Oakland and beyond, this event must have seemed like a night off for the mayor.

I think most who attended were equally interested in getting to know the man as much as his solutions. He is as charismatic as advertised and kept everyone engaged throughout the give and take.

The only noteworthy answer he gave was to the first question. A woman asked what he intended to do about the 2/3 rule that is obstructing progress in California and empowering a minority to sell itself to the highest bidder. He gave an answer that I have yet to see reported. He said he favors the 50 plus 1 approach to this reform. He went on to speak more broadly about other reforms and the proposed constitutional convention without any specifics.

On the issues of marriage and equal rights for gay couples, he was the most convincing. He referenced Loving vs. Virginia, said he preferred losing an election on this issue over being on the wrong side of history. This was my first opportunity to meet the mayor in person without any filters.

If I were consulting the mayor, I would encourage him to include more anecdotes about his family. The stories about "liars dice" and such give voters a glimpse of the man behind the politics, which for many is as important at this stage of the race.

As he closed, he asked to begin a dialogue with those of us in the gymnasium. Mayor, we look forward to it and will be in touch.

Readers have asked CCWC; "What sort of candidate are you looking for?" "What issues are the most important to your members?"

Like the majority of voters, we believe Sacramento is broken and needs to be fixed. We also believe it will take more than a democratic governor to overcome the resistance of the minority to change California. It will take a broad victory throughout the state, rural and urban, red and blue, to bring about the reforms necessary to get our government working for/with us again.
 
Our candidate will put forth a specific economic plan that approaches the current crisis as an opportunity to create a new economy. A plan that creates jobs, invests in our schools, protects our environment, and lowers health care costs. Our candidate will partner with the creative genius and risk taking of Californians with tax cuts and incentives to lead the way to recovery and beyond.

CCWC is looking for a candidate who will lead a statewide reform movement that will change the way our state government works. We want lobbying reform, term-limits reform, budget reforms, ballot and initiative reform. California cannot afford another cycle of the status quo. We need our government to play its role in our politic. We reject the politics of confrontation. We seek the politics of accomplishment. We need a fresh voice that will talk straight and will embrace the Obama model of making government work again for people, its true source of power.

We need competence to fix Sacramento. We would like a candidate with a background and experience that meets the moment. We need an inspiring voice, a compelling message that reengages the people with their state government. Our candidate will draw on the people to change California together.

Join us today.