John Laird, Problem Solver, vs. Sam Blakeslee, Waffler

John Laird is hands-down one of the best legislators California has had this decade. He is a rational thinker committed to dealing with the critical issues facing California. During his time in the California Assembly, John co-authored California’s landmark climate bill, AB 32, amassed a perfect environmental voting record and was a leader in the Assembly for six years. He is supported by CLCV in his candidacy for Senate District 15 on California’s central coast, and should be supported by anyone who cares about good government and problem solving.

His opponent in the Aug. 17th special election, Sam Blakeslee, is a different sort. Though he acknowledges the fact of man-made climate change, Blakeslee just can’t seem to figure out what to do about it. Blakeslee opposes California’s AB 32, calling it a  “rates and dates approach” (whatever that means) as reported today’s San Luis Obispo Tribune editorial labeling Blakeslee a “waffler”.

Waffler indeed. Though he opposes AB 32, he can’t bring himself to either support or oppose the polluter-funded Proposition 23, which aims to repeal AB 32. He just waffles. His lifetime environmental voting record of 25%, recorded in CLCV’s Environmental Scorecard, is one quarter as good as John Laird’s 100% score.

The past decade was the warmest ever recorded, exceeding the record set in the 1990’s. Warming is good for waffles. It is not good for the climate. We need a decisive leader at this critical time. John Laird is that leader. If you want waffles, make your own.