Mark Leno called today to thank us for endorsing him. I reminded him that this was a leap of faith for us, and that I’d gotten a lot of shit from some of my best political friends over the endorsement, and I told him that (a) he better not ever do anything boneheaded like endorsing Michael Yaki again, and (b) he needs to start now trying to repair the rifts that this race has caused. He promised me that was a top priority.
And then after I got off the phone I got an idea, which — like just about everything I’ve said to Leno — is worth putting out in public.
Mark: Why not start the process now by annoucing that you’ll support Debra Walker for District 6 supervisor in 2010?
She’s running. She told me that last week. She’s going to be the consensus progressive candidate to succeed Chris Daly. She’s a queer community leader, a leader in the arts community, an experienced political activist and city commissioner … she’s pretty much perfect for the job.
And she’s a supporter of Carole Migden.
That’s the sort of bold move it’s going to take to prove that you’re serious about bringing people together. And it’s a no-brainer, since Walker is such an extraordinary person and exceptional candidate. Nothing to lose here, Mark, and everything to gain. I have her phone number if you need it.
PS: Update: I’ve apparently been wrong in one of my criticisms — Leno says he never endorsed Michael Yaki. Sorry about the error.