Officially, the California race between Steve Cooley and Kamala Harris for Attorney General remains ‘undecided.’ But the totals from the latest vote count appear to tell a different story.
Harris holds big lead over Cooley in undecided California attorney general race
via Southern California Public RadioKamala Harris picked up more than 9,000 votes yesterday in the still-undecided race for California attorney general. The San Francisco district attorney now leads L.A. County’s DA, Steve Cooley, by nearly 52,000 votes.
About eight-and-and-a-half million ballots have been counted; there’s a stack of 500,000 still to go.
Some political observers, like L.A. City Councilman Eric Garcetti, said last week that back-of-the-envelope calculations don’t give Cooley much hope of winning.
… We’ll know for sure when the secretary of state ratifies the results December 10.
As I’ve written previously, the California Attorney General’s race has significant implications for the distribution of medical cannabis in California, as Cooley had pledged to prosecute dispensaries that engage in over-the-counter cash sales of marijuana to authorized patients.
Present Attorney General guidelines, issued under former A.G. (now Governor-elect) Jerry Brown in 2008, authorize the distribution and non-profit sales of medical cannabis in California by qualified “collectives and cooperatives,” but warn that ’storefront’ business that engage in the for-profit sales of medical marijuana “are likely operating outside the protections” of state law. Cooley has long maintained that California dispensaries that engage in over-the-counter sales to customers do not meet a legal definition of ‘collectives’ or ‘not-for-profit’ entities.
By contrast, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris has previously voiced strong support for protecting the legal rights of patients who use cannabis medicinally, stating, “We will not prosecute people who use or sell marijuana for medicinal purposes.”
Just goes to show that many medical marijuana dispensary owners and drug dealers voted against Prop 19. You can see the difference in the percentage totals, because those people wouldn’t want to vote in someone who would be more aggressive in convictions and arrests towards them, but wouldn’t want their profits being reduced by Prop 19.
I feel like this is win-win. If Harris wins, justice is served to the people in general. If Cooley wins, justice is served to those criminally selfish medical MJ profiteers who mobilized ignorant people against prop 19.
Maybe I don’t understand the libertarian/other small 3rd party position on things, so educate me:
I am assuming that ending pot prohibition is (or should be) a cornerstone of any liberty-leaning 3rd party. I am also assuming that the War on Weed would be considered the first war we need to end. (since it’s basically draining our country from the inside).
With this in mind…
There are times when I personally believe that a libertarian, green party, etc. needs to sacrifice a candidate in the name of defeating a common, dangerous enemy.
Steve Cooley is the type of politician that wishes to end cannabis reform. He epitomizes the arrogance/ignorance of Bush-era cannabis ideology. There is no compromise in people like him. He represents the most irrational side of the Republican party. A vote for him may as well be a vote for Nixon.
I am very concerned that the libertarian/green parties unintentionally help vote in people like Cooley.
I’m just saying that we as Americans have common enemies sometimes. We have to prevent new anti-pot politicians from rising up the ranks.
As a registered Republican in California, all I can do is vote Democrat when it affects the pot reform movement. Since most Republican politicians in CA are like Cooley, they in fact lose 2 votes from me.
Harris isn’t the poster-child for us, but she at least lowers the “pot hate level” of the political scene as a whole.
Anything we have to do to get a more pot-friendly politician base must be done. We have two gigantic political parties, and we must thin the numbers of their pot-haters. We won’t do that by scattering the votes of the pot-friendly folks.
Thanks for reading!
Cooley Not Cool!
That would be an excellent T-shirt.
Number 3, Matt Buompensiero – I don’t label myself anything, but I usually vote libertarian and green party, especially for federal and gubernatorial seats, so I will give a stab at answering your concern…
I feel that both the D’s and the R’s are both ‘evil’ even if one is the lesser of evil. I can’t consciously vote for someone who I disagree with on many issues just because they are soft on marijuana. We have also been duped by many Democrats in the end, ie President Obama and my governor, John Lynch.
I would NEVER ever vote for someone I disagree with on more than 50% of the issues, so you can’t say my libertarian or third party vote is a vote against a mainstream candidate.
Also, the large majority of Libertarians (who unlike me weren’t always libertarian from voting age) are ex-Republicans. So if anything, libertarian voters are abstaining from voting republican and give the democrats an advantage.
It is my belief that there is not a lick of difference between an R or a D. They are just different wings of the same war mongering bird of prey. I honestly feel that voting for the lesser of two evils is exactly what both parties bank on to keep them both in power. Their partisan hackery is all a facade while they are all in bed with each other behind closed doors.
I am very very proud of my votes. I assure you that I would NEVER vote for the lesser of two evil’s, so it is impossible to claim that my 3rd party vote is really a wasted vote for the greater evil’s benefit. I vote consistently with my conscience.
Paul
Is the new enemy preventing legalization the “Medical Marijuana Industry” and it users?
Alot of the analyse that Ive been reading stated the if the growers/medical marijuana supplier, medical marijuana users, and medical marijuana facilities had voted yes to prop 19 it would have passed or come very very close.
In creating a select group of the population that can legally use (many under BS diagnosis) and a very lucrative mirco economy blossoming from it can we every overcome this…. “Monster that the Movement itself has created” ?
[Paul Armentano responds: There are likely several reasons why Prop. 19 fell short at the polls. For instance, exit polling indicates that if younger voters had participated at a rate equal to the 2008 Presidential election then Prop. 19 would have finished at just above 50 percent. But that didn’t happen. Certainly, it was disappointing to see Prop. 19 fail to receive majority support in counties like Humbolt and Trinity (where Prop. 19 only garnered 40 percent of the vote). It was also disappointing to see certain medical dispensaries outwardly oppose Prop. 19 based on false allegations. That said, casting blame after the fact does no good. Ultimately, measures such as these are won or lost based on the opinions of the millions of voters who are NOT a part of cannabis community, and next time we must collectively do a better job at persuading them.]
@Ben,
Heh I wouldn’t mind Cooley winning. It would be sweet justice to the for profit medical growers that rallied in support of NO on 19. They killed legalization.
Ha, Ha, beat you to it !
I already said what you have stated above several posts ago .I just used a different name .
Vote for Kamala Harris for Attorney General Southern California, please. As a California native I am begging you to not blow this one.
I think the next step in our hemp revolution should be have people run for political offices by only wanting to legalize hemp. Who would have thought these laws would still be revalent after all these years. I think that we have members of our gevernment that feel the same way we do about these issues should equal victory for us. Someone who is against the prohibition of weed sits as a member of congress. If they can get elected to the Senate with this being known they can get elected to President if they campaign for the end of the Drug War.
Watched an interesting show on Netflix. “Hemp Revolution”. It was amazing to watch these scientist and doctors talk about all the uses for this weed and how they thought it was weird it is illegal and prohibited. I wonder how they would react now about it still being illegal and prohibited.
Check out the movie it really was informative.
Looks like all the haters are back. I guess thats what you get when you fan the flames. First off if all the people in the emerald triangle voted for this Prop 19 it still world of failed by more than 500,000. votes so please stop blaming this on growers and dispensaries. Thanks Paul for not agreeing with the crazies this time. Also what Sad Voter said about voting your conscience, look what that got us in the Bush/Gore election.
Cooley should not attempt to reach beyond his level of competence. Social issues are way over his head. Maybe he can run for dog catcher. But I wouldn’t vote for him. Think of the poor dogs.
#12 Mike – Look what it got us in the Bush/Gore election?
First of all, it was the green party that “ruined it” for Gore, not the libertarian party. I did not vote for Nader then. I respect Nader, but I do not agree with his solutions. I wrote in Ron Paul before he had any notoriety back then. Like I said, Libertarians take away votes from the Republicans (Bush) if anything.
But again, I think that is an unfair comparison. I fail to see a lick of different between Gore and Bush. Gore is against marijuana legalization and Gore is pro-interventionist war.
To #7 and Paul Armentano,
While there is no doubt in my mind that specifically “Stoner’s against prop 19” had ulterior motives and conflicts of interest, not in the interest of the common marijuana user, and all of their claims must be assumed ‘disinformation’ because they failed to cite specific wording in the bill to support their claims…
did you not read Russ Belville’s blog entry “10 Lessons Learned from Marijuana Election Defeats”??? Are you saying that Mr. Belville was spreading disinformation? There are legitimate concerns about prop 19 that should be addressed in the future for this to work.
[Paul Armentano responds: I did read Russ’ cogent analysis and at no point implied that I took issue with it. Could reformers in the future do a better job making our case to the public? Of course. Could future efforts do a better job drafting language that better addresses the public’s concerns? Of course. Both go without saying.]
Once a narc – always a narc! Once a defier of law – always a defier of law! But once you defy the will of the people – it’s bye bye Cooley! Isn’t it funny that polls taken after, I say after, the vote is over, still show the majority in favor of legalization. Could that have anything to do with Leonart [DEA]threatening California with aggressive enforcement of federal law if Prop 19 passes. Cooley and Leonart what a pair. Thank God cooler heads prevail.
the cannabis HIGH is in cultural opposition to the aggression and dominance of the all the powerful corporate model.
imagine if woodstockism had engulfed the nation instead.
peace
If a politician hates pot, he/she will stand for other issues that are against what I believe. Examples are: extra funding for prisons; building more prisons; improper usage of the police force; turns a blind eye to police corruption; less money for education; and degradation of our privacy and private lives.
I wish that voting was as simple as “pick the better of two goods” but it isn’t.
We all know that the R and D candidates are biased for corporations and against individuals. They are both retarded on social issues. I wish a Libertarian could save the day.
I hate to sound cynical about our voting process, but I know it’s a sham. All I can do right now is vote the lesser of two evils. The media blocks out candidates that don’t have millions to spend. The media blocks out libertarian views, even if they make perfect sense. The media only cares about two parties.
A strong 3rd party candidate is as rare as Ross Perot. Where’s our new Ross Perot? It’s not Ron Paul, who along with his son Rand is diluting their visions of liberty with the $%@$%@$#%ing Tea Party Psychosis. They are all for limited government until the Big Bad Republican Base puts them in line.
We can only decide between two fools and we might as well pick the fool who isn’t as retarded on social issues. Both parties are complete garbage on financial matters as well as “National Security”.
I do my homework on Democrats in major races before I vote for them. I know all about people like Feinstein and Lynch. They’ll never get my vote either, because they are already the pinnacle of Democratic evil. Sadly, her future Republican opponent will probably try to be worse than her to avoid that “soft on crime” label. Then, when given a choice of Satan or um… Satan, I’ll vote libertarian.
But… Obama vs. Romney? Near-Satan vs. Super-Satan? Obama all the way, since the libertarian will be atmospheres behind the two demons.
As a longtime MMJ user the choice was obvious: YES on 19, YES for Harris, and ugh… Jerry Brown over $hitman.
The difference between Gore and Bush? John Walters, for one.
@ #12 Mike
“Looks like all the haters are back.”
We never went away. And we’re not just haters, we’re lovers … lovers of freedom. OUR freedom to GROW and USE cannabis, not YOUR freedom to SELL it at obscene Prohibition-inflated prices.
“I guess thats what you get when you fan the flames.”
The flames have not faded, and need no fanning. Not for those of us who see your kind for what they really are: a NEW, INSIDIOUS, INTERNAL enemy, right in among the TRUE freedom fighters of this divided movement.
“First off if all the people in the emerald triangle voted for this Prop 19 it still world of failed by more than 500,000. votes so please stop blaming this on growers and dispensaries.”
And we’re not just haters of greedy and short-sighted Prohibition Profiteers for their few votes, but for their active and effective campaigning against Prop. 19 … so it’s for all the votes of anyone who was persuaded by them to vote NO or to NOT VOTE in support. You convinced some sick people and many more not-so-sick people to act (or, not act) in their own best interests.
“Thanks Paul for not agreeing with the crazies this time.”
Whether you or the highly respected Mr. Armentano agrees with these people or not says nothing of their sanity.
You’re crazy if you think you can make the actions of the Med-Pot Industry fade away in the minds of people across the globe who were waiting for this to happen. People who suffer more than you do now, or ever would have under an imperfect legalization. You turned a global issue into a local one. You’ve prolonged this devastating and deplorable WAR, for the sake of protecting your own profit margins.
Anyone making money from marijuana under Prohibition is suspect. Med-Pot growers, dispensers, doctors and marketers did not bring down 19 – but they sure as hell helped. I’m a patient in California and an active researcher of the relevant information, so I know exactly how it went down.
Since ANY form of legalization is bound to reduce profits, I know exactly how it will go down in future elections as well. Your true colors will show.
This is not about hate or revenge. This is about getting every victory we can in this century-long, worldwide struggle for OUR health and happiness. Some persons need to be educated or persuaded, others need to be neutralized. This new situation where a young Med-Pot Industry has taken sides with all other Prohibition Profiteers over technicalities-of-law must be addressed.
The news (SFgate) reports that Kamala Harris is the new AG for California. A ray of hope toward real change!
I need some help
I wondered and searched to find the many names police use to describe drug addicts, in watching a few recorded drug busts, it became painfully clear, the drug cops treat these human beings like non human beings.
Let me start with blacks
HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU SAY NIGGER?
africoon
afro-anthropoid
afroid
americoon
baboon
bangkok nigger
black (as in payback black)
black ass
black hole (ho)
black tiger bait
blackamoor
blackie
blacky
blood (or crip)
blubber lips
blue gum
blue lip -s (as in blue lipped little chimp)
bone nose
bongold
bootlips (bootlipped turd)
boy
brillohead
bro-hammer
browny
negroid
nig
nigger
niggerRiacan
nigglet (rug rat)
niggroids
nignog
nog
o.j.
obsolete farming equipment
octoroon (one-eighth nigger)
perp
pickaninny
piece of shit
porch monkey
potato nose
quadroon (one-quarter nigger)
r.n. (resident nigger)
raggamuppet
redbone (light-skinned negro)
rubber lips
sambo
saucer lip
savage
semi-simian
serf (shit serf)
shine
shitlips
shitlips
shitskin (shit skin)
shitter
shvarts
slave
snow ball
snow queen
spade
spear chucker
splib
spook
spoonbill
strange fruit
sub-ape
subhuman
suspect
tar baby
bubba (or bubba brown)
buck (male)
burrhead
chimp
congoid
metal mouth
coon
cotton picker
crackhead
crumb-snatcher (nigglet)
crip (or blood)
dafn
dark waste of space
darkie (or darky)
defendant
doo-doo brown (Mr.)
eggplant
ethiop
fecal critter
fuckwit
ghetto dweller
golly wog
gorilla
groid
gutter monkey
high yella (light0skinned negro)
ho (female)
jig
homo-simian
hood rat
inmate
jigga
jiggaboo (or jigaboo)
jigroid
jungle bunny
kaffir
knuckle dragger
koko
L.O.O.T.er
liver lip
liverlips
LOOTer
majete/pinche majete
mau mau
melanzana
mestizo (bastard)
midnight at noon
mississippi wind chime
monkey
mollie
moon cricket
moose lips
morgue dog
moving target
mud people
mud puppy
mud shark
negro
thicktongue
thief
tree ornament
turd
turd cricket
turn gobbler
turd-worlders
tyrone
uncle tom
velcro head
webster
welfare queen
welfare rat (male)
welfare slut (female)
http://www.chimpout.com/forum/showthread.php?138711-Names-to-call-niggers
I feel certain the list is longer than I thought, when I search for Jews, Arabs, unwed mothers, homosexuals,
The Holidays are close on the calender
prop 19 was not what we the people wanted. It was a decent bill to help a majority of people, but it ultimately was designed to help just a handful of people across the state profit from cannabis sales in some of the most unimaginable ways…
If mexico decides to legalize the production of cannabis we entreprenuers are screwed. Its a very interesting turn of events. I had a warehouse to cultivate cannabis, and i was, but since prop 19 got shot down, i think i will be renting a home in the mountains to conduct my business. maybe in 2 years ill go full legit, not that im not currently. but hopefully by then i will be able to retire abroad. with cannabis having coined another millionaire here. in honest profits for a commodity that does require a high degree of risk/reward. I am taking a risk, so my reward is worth it. im not forcing anyone to buy my pot.
O.K.! – Alright! – Way to go!
Now that we have taken care of Cooley and sent him packin’ – we have big trouble – I say big trouble -with Michele “the bell’ Leonart. The problem is – she refuses to do her job. Her job is to stay out of sovereign states with Compassionate Use Acts as there is no competing governmental interests. I wll not cast my vote for anyone who had anything to do with her appointment. Oh ya! Michele “the bell” don’t ever threaten me with aggressive federal action again. You’re a hanging chad for your leader at the voting polls.
P.S. to 25
RING MICHELE’S BELL
Letter to DC
Cannabis shall be become non scheduled
Gather, be comfortable, GOD BLESS YOU
Matt Buompensiero – You are right that Ron Paul is not the answer, as much as I respect him. He is just plane too old now. I think you are wrong about the tea party thing. Ron Paul had his own event called a tea party, before the unrelated tea party express Palin thing started. In recent interviews, Ron Paul has been very skeptical about the tea party, rightfully saying it is mostly just neocons in a new suit. Rand Paul made a poor move associating himself with the teaparty, but I do not trust Rand at all and I do not think he is every going to be a viable candidate for president. At least he is staying true to his anti-war views, which were looking a little blury before he was elected, but I just don’t trust him.
I think Gary Johnson is our guy. He’s not a full blown libertarian, he is more realistic. But unless he started campaigning yesterday, there is just no way that he can pull off a successful 3rd party bid now. He needs the name recognition like Ron Paul.
Y’all can keep on voting for the dems, who might be the slightly lesser evil.. I’ll continue voting for candidates who don’t lie about ending the drug war and the foreign wars. Even if it is fruitless.
rumor has it that alot of important officials will be watching the ratings of this… lets overwhelm them?!!?!!?!?!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114552811944141
Talk about a missed opportunity! California as a leader among states in sooo many progressive ways- dropped the ball. Why didn’t all of you guys get it together to rally around Prop.19? The rest of America was watching and waiting for you guys to lead the way. Medical users, consumers, free providers and profiteers should have all gotten together. Not everybody has time and space to grow- so there will always be a market. So what if you don’t make a huge profit. At least you would sleep better not looking over your shoulder constantly. As it is- the closer we get to 2012 elections the harder it will be to get free from tyranny. God help us if idiots Newt or Palin get into the white house. Yall get it together and show us the way to liberty and Happiness. Bman
To Nic #23, Not cool, total jerk, old stuff, and had nothing useful to add to the debate about legalization of Cannabis.
@31 Bman
The war on drugs, is a war on people, is not cool.
My simili comparing slave mentality to current mentality regarding substance abusers, I stand behind my words what is the difference between a nigger slave, a drug addict, tell me Bman, what burden do you insist to add on some persons back?
Free The Slaves
Free Cannabis
When Cannabis prohibition finally ends, tell me Bman, where will you turn your gaze?
Can we believe everything we hear on the news about the Tea Party? No. Stop letting the g’ment divide us. It takes time, and too much of our already precious time, but learn what Tea Party is saying in your area. Go to a meeting or two, then decide.
It’s all about Legalization of Cannabis here, no more no less.
Just read a good spoof of Prop. 19 on Uncyclopedia, “California Marijuana Initiative”. I guess google “uncy” then the article’s name to get there. Laughed a few times.