Goldman Sachs continues to show up in the discussion though mainly among Democrats. It has the makings of a potent issue in the general election but it's still a minor one in the primary.
The big issue for Republicans at the moment is the very one Whitman wanted to avoid: immigration. This is not a great issue for Poizner (he'd also like to hold onto the Latino vote), but it represents his best chance for a primary victory and he's hammering away at it and forcing Whitman into the never desirable "am not" mode of campaigning.
This weekend I was in a shop in Southern California where I heard the following ad over the radio:
Announcer: Meg Whitman on illegal immigration.The clientèle was largely Hispanic.
Meg Whitman: Don't be fooled by misleading ads, my position on immigration is crystal clear. Illegal immigrants are just that, illegal. I am 100 percent against amnesty for illegal immigrants. Period. As Governor, I will crack down on so-called sanctuary cities like San Francisco who thumb their nose at our laws. Illegal immigrants should not expect benefits from the state of California. No driver's license and no admission to state-funded institutions of higher education. And I'll create an economic fence to crack down on employers who break the law by using illegal labor.
Pete Wilson: This is former Governor Pete Wilson. I know how important it is to stop illegal immigration and I know Meg Whitman. Meg will be tough as nails on illegal immigration. She'll fight to secure our border and go after sanctuary cities. Please join me in supporting Meg Whitman for Governor.
Announcer: Paid for by Meg Whitman for Governor 2010. Meg2010.com.
