On the air

Democratic candidates for Governor Steve Westly and Phil Angelides have begun television advertising campaigns here in California, and it's about time. Both carry a slight edge in head to head matchups with Arnold, but both need to get word out to shore up support.

Here's the part that worries me:

But political analysts expect the two to be hitting each other with attack-ad haymakers well before the June 6 Democratic primary. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is not expected to have significant opposition in the GOP primary.

Guys, we know you both want the job. And that's cool. But please do not destroy one another's chances to beat Arnold in November while trying to do it, okay? That's not going to get you anywhere but a footnote as the guy who lost to a weakened Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.

All of California begs you - keep it upbeat and positive. Show us all that the Democrats are a party of ideas. Talk about what you can do for the state. Do not trash your opponent. It will simply save Arnold's camp time and money, and allow him to talk about how he is above the fray and above political campaigning.