February 26, 2010 - The Oakland Tribune
The Insider: Highlights from a convivial 21st Assembly District debate

San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon turned in a strong performance Wednesday night at the first debate of the 21st Assembly District campaign, cementing his position as the favorite in the race.

Venture capitalist and political newcomer Josh Becker also came off well, showing that there's more to his candidacy than fundraising prowess, while former Palo Alto Mayor Yoriko Kishimoto's performance left something to be desired.

Gordon's message was clear: The system in Sacramento is broken, and his top priority will be fixing it. The two-thirds majority to pass a budget needs to go, term limits have to be reexamined and the state's initiative process must be reformed.

Gordon was polished and in command. He stressed his experience and demonstrated — in comments on Proposition 13 and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, for instance — that he knows the political terrain of the Bay Area more intimately than his two opponents.
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