Tuesday Cookys

Constant Readers,

Just a few things for the "Doodads of Knowledge" file.

1. No One Knows Free Speech Like Carole

Today a Federal Magistrate Judge ruled that California State Senator Carole Migden (who should just go ahead and change her first name to "Embattled") can spend $647,000 of disputed campaign funds to run for re-election. This money is much needed because Migden recently failed to get the Democratic party's endorsement and the $1.5 million in campaign funds that would have come with it.

Back in March, Migden filed a Motion for a Preliminary Injunction in the United States District Court for the Eastern District asking for a temporary halt on the Fair Political Practices Commission's ability to enforce California Government Code section 89519 (which Migden didn't really deny breaking).  She argued that, because enforcement of the law was prohibiting her from using the $647k to communicate with voters, it impinged on her constitutional right to free speech.

The Judge found that Migden will "suffer irreparable harm" without the $647k and that there is a possibility that she could win her case on the merits. So he granted the preliminary injunction until the case on the constitutionality of the law can be tried later this year. After the June primary. 

No word on the amount of harm this will cause the Heavy Guys.

2. Join Me For A Candlelight Vigil At A District 12 Election Site

Next Tuesday will be a day of sadness and disenfranchisement for your ol' pal Melissa. Why? Because I can't vote for Jackie Speier in the special election being held on April 8. The bureaucrats say I have to "live in her district." But I think that is bullcrap. The Constitution says I get to vote in an election for a congressional representative - it doesn't say anything about whose representative. I say the founding fathers intended for me to vote wherever there is someone awesome. Herbie Hancock would totally have voted for Jackie.

So, all you lucky "constituents" mark your calendars for next Tuesday's election. Do it for the the oppressed people of Nob Hill.

My friend Alex Clemens wrote the Usual Suspects today entirely in Yoda-speak. Brilliant, it is. Here's what he wrote about Jackie:

PASSED, SHALL THE TORCH BE?
Happened, it did, many years ago, in the Area of the Bay. For the leader Ryan, the young valiant Speierwalker worked, she did. Fell, did the Ryan, tragically and senselessly, laid low by the forces of the Dark Side. And time came, it did, that the valiant Lantos became leader and battled against the Dark Side as well. And, just as it was foretold, when mighty funeral pyres burned for the Lantos, returned to claim her seat, the Speierwalker did. Others, they make honorable claims as well. But predict, do they, the learned seers, that the story shall soon be told of the Speierwalker taking up the crown of the vanquished Ryan, returning to the Washington, and battling the Dark Side. The Force is strong in this one.

Comments

[Greg]

in a bit of irony I can vote in my new place or in my temp place last fall (gasp!) down the street from Ed Jew's casa de indecision!

westsiders, represent!

I still consider on of my best moments in consulting doing the last Jackie Speier accomplishment piece in 2002......she IS our hero!

[vansmack]

You know, I have the Mrs. absentee ballot for D12 here. Maybe I could let you fill it out for her....

[VenerableBede]

Wow, you could vote thrice as the Mrs. and I will be gone as well, and since I wasn't planning on voting for her anyway. :) Although my friend Justin would probably be upset too since he's all about cults and societies (the Emperor Norton is one of his faves).