By Karen Ocamb

Rising gas prices, the war in Iraq, fear about the nation's $8 trillion-plus debt ($1.95 billion per day since Sept. 30, 2005), and growing irritation with government incompetence and corruption foreshadow a gathering storm that may swamp the Republican majority in Congress in the November 2006 elections, much as Newt Gingrich's “Contract with America” conservatives wrested control from the Democrats in 1994.

To counter that anticipated voter rebellion, GOP hardball guru Karl Rove is expected to again use anti-gay state ballot initiatives to drive religious conservatives to the polls. Also, in a particularly mean-spirited gesture, on June 5 -- which also just happens to be the 25th anniversary of HIV/AIDS -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist plans to re-introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to prohibit marriage equality.

The November battle build up begins on June 6 when primary voters must chose candidates they think best represent their political philosophy and/or can win. Democrats are linking their opponents to President George W. Bush whose approval poll numbers linger in the 33 percent range.

That strategy flops in California. Once the darling of the GOP, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger got a flat “no” when he asked Bush for federal money to repair damaged levees, and on May 5 Schwarzenegger said the federal government “has failed the people of America in a terrible way, in a disastrous way, when it comes to this immigration situation.” Additionally, Schwarzenegger intrigued independents and blue-dog Democrats by hiring open lesbian Democrat Susan Kennedy as his chief of staff. Though his poll numbers are now low, many politicos expect Schwarzenegger to bounce back to face a weakened Democratic opponent in November's general elections.

Meanwhile, ultra conservative state Sen. Tom McClintock, who is running for lieutenant governor, crafted a tenuous party unity at the state GOP convention last February by telling activists he

was running as a “ticket” with Schwarzenegger. During the recall, McClintock was the “anti-Arnold” candidate preferred by religious conservatives who still tout his “principled” credentials such as his stand against marriage equality. “The reason marriage is fundamentally different from a civil contract is that marriage is formed for a fundamental purpose -- that is, to

bring a new life into the world," McClintock said during the debate on the same-sex marriage bill last September. The “wink and nod” implication of embracing a unity party “ticket” was that a Schwarzenegger win would also sweep McClintock into office -- which would make McClintock acting governor with power to issue executive orders and make appointments every time Schwarzenegger left the state.

That prospect chills Democrats, many of whom remember what happened when then-Gov. Jerry Brown left the state to explore presidential possibilities. Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Curb tried to appoint an appellate court judge and make other appointments as the de facto chief executive. Brown rescinded the moves, but many wonder if Schwarzenegger would do the same if McClintock helps him stay in office.

That's why, Democrats say, the race for lieutenant governor and all the other “down ticket” races matter so much. (Log Cabin Republicans will also be endorsing gay-positive Republicans, including, presumably, Schwarzenegger.)

In this issue, there are interviews with the three Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor - Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, state Sen. Jackie Speiers, and state Sen. Liz Figueroa -- to better inform your vote on June 6. Who do you think should face McClintock in November? Who do you think is best qualified to be acting governor? Your vote matters.