No, no, no!

A thousand times no:

State Treasurer Phil Angelides sharply attacked Democratic rival Steve Westly on Wednesday for the first time in the gubernatorial primary campaign as polls show Westly increasing in popularity among voters.

Angelides portrayed Westly, the state controller, as the "sidekick" of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger while addressing an Oak Park crowd of more than 100 supporters, including his family. He added that Westly has "gone back and forth on the issue of (raising) taxes" and has offered "no plausible plan" to pay for increases in education funding.

"On the tough fights that have faced this state, too often Steve Westly cuts and runs," Angelides said. "He does what's easy, not what's right."

If this is all you have, Phil, then please, drop out of the race. I know I've supported you up until now, but attacks are only going to give Arnold's side free fodder for the fall. It's just a bad idea.