REGION: Watershed election awaits voters' decisions
Anxious, excited electorate poised to make history
By MARK WALKER - Staff Writer | ∞
Carlsbad residents Ashlin Wilbun and Asia Sims wait more than an hour in a long line for their turn to vote early outside the San Diego County registrar of voters office Saturday morning. (Photo by J. Kat Woronowicz - For the North County Times) 
Registrar of voters employee Sandra King, left, talks to Poway resident Cheryl Strukelj as she wait in line to vote early outside the San Diego County registrar of voters office Saturday morning. (Photo by J. Kat Woronowicz - For the North County Times) 
Kathy Hughart, with other members of the League of Women Voters, takes a photo of the computer room at the San Diego County registrar of voters office Saturday morning. (Photo by J. Kat Woronowicz - For the North County Times) Tuesday will be a seminal moment in political history, nationally and regionally, as voters decide whether to elect the nation's first black president and if gay marriage should be banned in California.
Emotions are running high in both campaigns, trumping other contests and ballot measures.
Beyond the significance of a black at the top of a major party ticket ---- although race has been a muted "issue" throughout the campaign ---- the decision on the nation's next chief executive also asks an electorate deeply worried about the economy if a dramatic shift in national policy is warranted.
The question of whether gay marriage should be outlawed by amending the California Constitution is as polarizing in North County and Southwest Riverside County as is the presidential race.
"There's no doubt that the most energizing issues are the presidential election and Prop. 8," said Shirley Bebitch Jeffe, a senior scholar in the political science department at the University of Southern California. "Both are historic in nature, and both are generating intense interest and feelings."
North County law enforcement authorities reported a seemingly record number of campaign-sign vandalism and thefts, with at least three arrests. That is emblematic of the emotional investments in this year's election.
For many blacks, the candidacy of Democrat Barack Obama is much more than a policy debate. It is a chance to realize the dream of Martin Luther King Jr.
For Republicans, the candidacies of John McCain and Sarah Palin represent an opportunity to hold onto the nation's highest offices, and to elec America’s first female vice president.
For gays and lesbians, and those opposed to same-sex marriage, Prop. 8 is the mother of all wedge issues. Opposing sides argue the outcome holds everlasting cultural ramifications. It is the nation's most expensive ballot measure, having generated $60 million in contributions, split almost equally between the camps.
The two campaigns have been charged with highly volatile and evocative terms: Terrorist, socialist, erratic and unprepared. Equality, sanctity, children and God. Muslim and Joe Six-Pack.
Black or white? Red or blue? Gay or straight? Tuesday's results will reverberate for years to come. That is probably more true on the national stage this year than any election in decades.
The presidency
Oceanside's Robert Maxwell, who flew with the all-black Tuskegee Airmen at the close of World War II, will cast his vote for Obama.
"I never thought this would happen in my lifetime," the 86-year-old said last week. "I never would have dreamed we have made the progress we have."
Raised in the Bronx, New York, Maxwell spent his summers visiting relatives in Virginia, where he said he routinely witnessed and was subjected to segregation.
"I also was forced to go to a segregated flying school in Alabama so I could serve my country in a segregated military system," he said.
Shaped in part by those experiences and racist attitudes that still exist, Maxwell said he and many of his friends and family didn’t think Obama could rise to the top.
Skin color is not as important, however, as what Obama offers the country, he said.
"He is the best candidate," he said. "I believe he can handle the job better than anyone we have had in the White House in a long time."
Douglas Oden, an attorney and president of the San Diego chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, says Obama's viability stems "from the fact he is no ordinary person."
"He has that 'it' factor that most politicians lack," Oden said. "He shows brilliance and the intellect and ability to be a great president."
Given the polls that consistently show Obama leading the race, a loss Tuesday would leave many blacks and many whites feeling cheated, he said.
"It will be the biggest blow ever to their view of democracy," Oden said. "The bigger shame will be for America, because we would lose the opportunity to chart a new course."
Tony Krvaric, chairman of the San Diego County Republican Party, said he believes the country is concerned about Obama's policies, not his color.
"I think the vast majority of Americans have moved past that," he said. "What people worry about is that Barack Obama is, essentially, a socialist. The question is whether America turns to the ways of European countries or does America remain rooted in personal responsibility and the capitalist system."
Regardless of the outcome, 75-year-old DeDe McClure, an Obama volunteer in San Diego who was raised in the same Chicago neighborhood where Obama lives, said he has "torn down all kinds of barriers."
"We are ecstatic here and throughout the country that this man has come this far," she said. "It means we have finally realized that folks are folks and we are all Americans. Not black, not white ---- Americans."
Lorraine Watts, president of the Southwest Riverside County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, isn't as rosy about America's race relations.
"This country is still very divided," she said. "There is still a lot of racism. If McCain wins, it will say to me that we still have a lot of work to do."
The GOP's Krvaric said the Obama and Palin candidacies clearly demonstrate "the top offices in the land are open to anyone, regardless of gender or race."
With California leaning heavily toward Obama and registered Democrats now equal to the number of registered Republicans in the county, Krvaric said his task on election eve is "to do everything we can to stop a Barack Obama wave at the county border."
Same-sex marriage
While the presidential contest is paramount for many voters, there is no doubt that Prop. 8 is a close second.
North County and Southwest Riverside County residents have given more than $1 million to help the "Yes on 8" campaign amend the California Constitution and prohibit same-sex marriages.
The campaign has been among the most visible, with the dueling sides appearing on opposite street corners to wave signs in favor of their position.
The debate stokes passionate arguments. Opponents say it would deny them equality. Proponents say it is necessary to preserve the sanctity of traditional marriage.
Temecula's Anne Van Der Linden said same sex-unions are the result of a "warped society that wants to change things for a few people."
"They want to change the world and change what the majority believes," she said. "Its failure will just confuse kids and open the door for leftist radicals to pursue their agendas."
If the measure passes and same-sex unions are outlawed, "it means that people have woken up and won't have sat back and let a few liberals take over."
Escondido's Curtis Fitzgerald, a bisexual man who sits on the board of the North County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Coalition, said Prop. 8 is really about taking away basic rights.
"I don't believe people's religious beliefs should be imposed through government," he said. "If it fails, that will be the end of the battle. If it passes, we are just going to have to continue to work to make sure all people have the right to marry and we'll keep working to make that happen."
Jess Durfee, chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, said he believes Prop. 8 is a tossup heading into Tuesday.
"It's a bellwether for the rest of the nation," he said. "It's gone way beyond the gay community and brought out a level of passion we rarely see."
Tuesday's turnout is expected to be near 80 percent of registered voters. Last week, the voter rolls in California topped 17 million, surpassing the previous high of 16.6 million in the 2004 presidential election.
San Diego County Register Deborah Seiler recently said the strong feelings about the presidential election and Prop. 8 are fueling the unprecedented numbers.
"You would think I would be jaded after 30 years working in elections," she said, "but this is really exciting."
Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.
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Old Timer wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:21 PM:Time to fish or cut bait. If America really is a free country, as we all like to talk about, time to vote so all are free to achieve the best they can from the American dream. If America is just for those special few that want to control other people's lives and is only for the white or wealthy, than this election will tell the story. If the latter prevails, then it is time to tear up our constitution and write another one, where only the chosen few rule - and lets stop playing make believe.
Rebel Against King George wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:11 PM:Ronald George has set himself up as our King with the power to bestow 'fundamental rights' upon favored subjects. Return the power of government back to the people. Vote YES ON 8.
Kevin wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:24 PM:*** VOTE NO on PROP 8 ***
Eliminating fundamental rights is wrong. Despite what Prop 8 supporters claim Prop 8 does in fact take away rights which include pension plan survivor benefits, no guaranteed leave when family member is ill, long-term care insurance, state veteran benefits, tax exemption of inheritance, exemption from testifying against spouse, tax exemption of assets between spouses and marriage.
Fred wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:33 AM:We still haven't been told of the expendature for Joe the Plumber's wardrobe!
Lady wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:47 AM:ALL of you voting for Obama had better start praying to God now,as you are in for a BIG awakening. You better take whatever money IF any you have and run. IF you really read about where this man came from,where he got ALL his money.YOU would NOT be voting him in ,like most " JUST" because he's black.You better wise up or God help us...VOTING McCain,VOTING YES on 8....
Racism and Hatred wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:02 AM:I stood on the corner with an Obama sign and the threats, filth and racism that came from the mouths of the passing vehicles was sickening.
Bigotry is alive and well in north county.
I find it sad that this area is so intolerant. I find it sadder that parents would slow down their cars so their kids could yell slurs out the windows. That's the society we live in.
Vote for change and kinder more tolerant society.
OBAMA wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:39 AM:Vote for Obama Hussein and Allah will be with us!
Wanda wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:42 AM:Actually, Lady, at 5:47 AM, I did read about "...where he got all his money...", in the June 2008 issue of "The Atlantic Monthly". There's a very good article entitled: "The Amazing Money Machine". It's available on line if you can stop regurgitating innuendoes long enough to read it :)
Old Timer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:02 AM:These far right conservatives never give up on their scare tactic dogma. It really is all about political party and winning first and America last. They claim that obama, the gays, the hispanics etc. are so unAmerican when they themselves are the sickness of the country. God wants us all to live together and our American constitution gives the the rights and privilages to do so, yet these Rush Limbaugh brainwashed conservatives act more like nazis than Americans. America is for all her citizens, not just the chosen few. If you can't accept that then maybe you should be the one seeking a more ultra conservative country so you can live in the world you think is superior.
Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:34 AM:Racism and Hatred @ 6:02 AM, if you think the slurs were just because of your position you are very naive, just follow this blog for a few days. Had you stood on the corner with a sign endorsing No on 8, Yes on 8, McCain, Bilbray, Leibham, Gallo, Diaz, No on 4, Yes on 4 etc., you would have received different but equal slurs that you would perceive just as sickening.
Peace is the only way
Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:47 AM:Old Timer @ 8:02 AM,
Old Timer I am a Conservative that takes exception to your Nazi remark. I challenge you to find any posts of mine that come anywhere near the teachings/beliefs/actions of Nazi's. Take a step back and reflect on your comments before you hit "Post Comment".
A Real Old Timer for Peace
Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:21 AM:Wheat did the term "watershed election" originate from?
Old Timer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:22 AM:There is a great sickness is our country both on the far left and far right. While the far right seems to take pleasure in stating that people are communists and socialists for believing in a progressive view point, the far left responds to these zealots with their dagger of nazi or facist. Both of these factions are wrong, but they seem to gether the crowd mentality by those unable to think America first. My earlier comments are not directed at conservatives like Karl (above) but at those that follow the herd of hatred. It is time for like minded Americans to speak out against this sickness that has festered and is destroying our country. This will take both the right and left well meaning people to finally stand up for what America is really suppose to be about.
Stop the Hate wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:52 AM:Stop the hate
Vote No on 8!
to Kevin wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:56 AM:I challenge you to show where ANY of the "rights" you listed are granted as RIGHTS. They certainly are not in the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights. There have been laws passed ALLOWING these activities but they are NOT RIGHTS!
Rights wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:09 AM:The Rights are in the state constitution. Read the initiative. It specifically says that Prop 8 eliminates rights. Get a clue! Spend a little less time in church and take a civics class.
kenneth wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:28 AM:hail ceaser!! (2008 ad )
however the vote turns out tommorrow ( i am voting no) at least one good thing will be accomplished: hypocrites will be revealed to all.
isn't it funny how some few religous zealots (not the majority ) can have soo much influence. those zealots will be the first ones to preach to you about their christian persucution and evils done to them by the immoral evil incarnate Romans of days long gone by......that Prop 8 is the will of the majority so it must be good and god blessed.... but the last to remember in those long gone days that the Romans were the majority- not them.
all hail the new ceaser.
kenneth wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:15 PM:also by the way......on a personal note i hope and pray this never happens to ANYONE else even those who vote yes...the next time you have to bring your loved one to the emergency ward of any hospital and with less than 10 minutes to decide if a new drug can be used ( 1 hr time limit from start of stroke ) which can improve, worsen or kill the patient they are not removed from the room for NOT BEING family right after the doctor told MIKE AND I this little bit of information. 3 yrs. now and the pain is still just as strong today as it was then. I thank those attending nurses for bringing me back in that room and forgive the doctor but no one else should have to live with that pain...let alone cause it. Mike is still alive and the drug helped!
Time for Change wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:22 PM:***Vote Obama***
We need to end capitalism now. Government should provide shelter, food, clothing, jobs and health care for all. It's worth giving up individual rights so everyone can be equal. It's not fair to reward those who succeed over those who are disadvantaged.
So What on Prop. 8 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:30 PM:Marriage is a function of religion. The government has no right to SANCTION OR DENY the religous act of marriage. It violates the seperation of church and state. Anti Prop 8 advocates need to keep government out of religion and Pro Prop 8 advocates need to keep religion out of government. Petition rights of marriage to religious organizations NOT GOVERNMENT. I am not voting on Prop 8!
But So What on Prop. 8 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:12 PM:I believe that the word should be "get", as in "Anti Prop 8 advocates need to GET government out of religion and Pro Prop 8 advocates need to GET religion out of government".
Who issues the marriage license?
Government.
Government IS IN the marriage business.
to Rights wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:46 PM:I HAVE read the California Constitution and did not see anywhere that marriage is a right. I again challenge anyone to cite the Article and Section that defines marriage as a right. If marriage is not a right, rights are not being taken away by defining the requirements to get married.
to Rights again wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:12 PM:I did find the following in the California Family Code:
300. (a) Marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil
contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the
parties capable of making that contract is necessary. Consent alone
does not constitute marriage. Consent must be followed by the
issuance of a license and solemnization as authorized by this
division, except as provided by Section 425 and Part 4 (commencing
with Section 500).
(b) For purposes of this part, the document issued by the county
clerk is a marriage license until it is registered with the county
recorder, at which time the license becomes a marriage certificate.
To But So What on Prop. 8 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:16 PM:GET government out of the marriage business.
But So What on Prop. 8 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:37 PM:That's my point, To But So What on Prop. 8, GET the government out of the marriage business or accept the FACT that the state cannot discriminate in issuing marriage licenses based on sexual orientation or the gender of either or both parties involved.
Prop. 8 discriminates.
Vote No on 8!
To But So What on Prop. 8 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:43 PM:Forcing one's views onto another by the use of government discriminates, whether for or against Prop 8. Pass or fail, Prop. 8 discriminates against personal liberty by forcing one to accept another view over their own. A losing situation for personal liberties in a free society.
Marriage is not about religion wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:14 PM:My husband and I were married by a judge at a park. Before the ceremony, we went to a gov't office to get a state-issued document called a "marriage license." My marriage began the moment the judge signed that document. NO CHURCH INVOLVED! To end my marriage, I'd have to go back to that gov't office and go through a formal divorce process. My church can't end it because it's a legal union. I'm sure there are marriages that exist only in churches. Take Warren Jeffs of the polygamous FLDS Church, for example. He married lots or women, presumably with the blessing of his church, but without state-issued marriage licenses, none of his marriages are legal. Prop 8 has nothing to do with religion -- it's about preventing one group of people from getting marriage licenses, which means they can't make their unions legal. If churches don't want to preside over same-sex marriages, they don't have to (read the California Supreme Court ruling!). But churches have no right to tell us who can get legal marriage licenses -- that's not just discrimination ... it's crossing the line of separation between church and state. VOTE NO ON PROP 8!!!
Mesina wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:52 PM:Seems that the population self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) becomes more and more. According to my experience on the site *BiLoves dotcom* (a site for coming out, explore sexuality, etc.), there are about 100 members per day and they are very active. You can imagine.If you come here frequently, you may find what you are looking easily and quickly.
Rights is right alright wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:32 PM:A particular activity doesn't have to be spelled out in the Constitution to make it a right, as the commenter at 2:46 p.m. falsely implied. I've heard respectable arguments against gay marriage, but hers isn't one of them.
You'd agree that I can get a drivers license and drive on the road, wouldn't you? Oh, whoops! It's not in the Constitution so it's not a right, according to the "Gays are going to destroy society" crowd. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and a similar clause in the California Constitution provide for equal protection before the law, which means that you can't allow one person to get a license and drive a car while denying the other person access to the state DMV. The same logic applies to marrying the person of your choice. The state of California has created a legal framework for marriage and a government that supports it in the form of family-law courts and county clerk-recorders. To deny this to one group of people while providing it to another is a violation of California's equal-protection clause.
If the Cal Supreme Court's ruling has a weakness, it's recognizing heterosexuals and homosexuals as classes that deserve absolutely equal protection. I'd argue that they do, but it's a long argument.
To wanda wrote on Nov 4, 2008 5:49 AM:From Lady
That is "what is public" not ALL of it,you are the one "not to bright" Keep digging :))Good LUCK to you IF you are a " Obama Mamma"
Wanda wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:20 AM:Well, To wanda, at 5:49 AM, I'm left wondering what "That" is.
Otherwise, your put down: "not to bright" would be easier to take seriously if you could spell "too" correctly.
to Rights is right alright wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:25 AM:You ALMOST got the point. Yes, you can get a Drivers License IF you can pass all the requirements as established by law. You do not have a RIGHT to get a Drivers License. That is MY point. The US and California Constitutions define what RIGHTS we have. Getting married is NOT one of them!
But So What on Prop. 8 wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:38 AM:To But So What on Prop. 8, you say - "Prop. 8 discriminates against personal liberty by forcing one to accept another view over their own".
You need never personally accept homosexual marriage, that is your right.
I need never personally accept your position, that is my right.
Our right to our personal beliefs would not be infringed by the defeat of prop 8.
Our right to discriminate against homosexuals ON A PERSONAL LEVEL would not be infringed by the defeat of prop 8.
Discrimination against homosexuals by a business or other PUBLIC entity would continue to be banned by the defeat of prop 8.
Religious institutions, churches, are NOT considered to be PUBLIC entities and can continue to discriminate any way that they want.
Therefore, your argument has no basis in fact.
I voted No on Prop 8.
But to Rights is right alright wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:46 AM:The California Constitution does list the right not to be discriminated against based on, among other things, sexual orientation.
Getting married is not a right, I agree.
Since the state of California is in the business of issuing marriage licenses which have no presequisites other than being of legal age and paying a fee (and until recently a blood test) and since the California Constitution declares the right not to be discriminated against based on sexual orientation, the state of California cannot discriminate against homosexuals getting a marriage license.
Quod Erat Demonstrandum.
That which has been demonstrated by the California Supreme Court.
to But to Rights is right alright wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:03 AM:Can you advise WHERE in the CA Constitution is lists the right not to be discriminated against based on sexual orientation? I read through it the other day and did not find it. I did find that you can not be discriminated based on sex (male vs female), race,
creed, color, or national or ethnic origin. I found no mention of sexual orientation.
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