Differences between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman
Contents
Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman[edit]
The 2010 California gubernatorial election was contested by Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Meg Whitman. The election occurred during the Great Recession, with the state facing a $19 billion budget deficit and an unemployment rate exceeding 12 percent. Brown, who was the California Attorney General at the time, had previously served as governor from 1975 to 1983. Whitman was the former CEO of eBay and ran as a political outsider, emphasizing her corporate background. Brown won the election with 53.8 percent of the vote compared to Whitman's 40.9 percent.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Jerry Brown | Meg Whitman |
|---|---|---|
| Political Party | Democratic | Republican |
| Career Background | Attorney, Oakland Mayor, Governor | Corporate Executive (CEO of eBay) |
| Prior Elected Office | Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General | None |
| Personal Campaign Spending | Minimal personal funds | $144 million (self-funded) |
| Platform Focus | Budget austerity, green energy, experience | Cutting 40,000 state jobs, tax cuts |
| Stance on AB 32 (Climate Law) | Supported and implemented | Proposed a one-year suspension |
| Public Union Support | Strong support from labor unions | Opposed by most major unions |
Political experience and campaign strategies[edit]
The contrast in professional backgrounds formed a central theme of the campaign. Brown utilized his decades in California politics, presenting himself as a seasoned hand capable of navigating the state's complex legislative environment. His campaign messaging often alluded to his reputation for frugality, a trait associated with his first two terms as governor.
Whitman campaigned on the premise that state government should be managed like a private corporation. She argued that her experience at eBay and Bain & Company qualified her to eliminate waste in Sacramento. Her policy proposals included a plan to reduce the state workforce by 40,000 employees and the elimination of the capital gains tax.
Campaign spending reached record levels during this cycle. Whitman spent a total of $178.5 million, with $144.2 million coming from her personal wealth. This surpassed the previous national record for self-funding by a candidate. Brown spent approximately $36 million, relying heavily on traditional donors and independent expenditures from labor organizations.
Issues and controversies[edit]
Environmental policy was a point of contention. Brown supported the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) and linked the development of "green jobs" to California's economic recovery. Whitman proposed suspending the law, arguing that its regulations placed an undue burden on businesses during an economic downturn.
The campaign was also marked by a controversy involving Whitman's former housekeeper, Nicky Diaz Santillan. In September 2010, it was revealed that Santillan was an undocumented immigrant who had worked for the Whitman family for nine years. Whitman stated she was unaware of Santillan's status and terminated her employment upon discovery. Brown's campaign used the incident to question Whitman's character, while Whitman accused the Brown campaign of orchestrating the revelation.
Brown faced criticism regarding his past performance as governor and mayor. Republicans pointed to the "lame duck" years of his second term and the crime rates in Oakland during his tenure as mayor. Despite these attacks, Brown maintained a lead in most polls following the primary.
References[edit]
- ↑ Nagourney, Adam. (2010, November 2). "Brown Wins Race for California Governor." The New York Times. [1]
- ↑ York, Anthony. (2011, February 1). "Final tallies show Whitman spent $178.5 million on failed governor's race." Los Angeles Times. [2]
- ↑ CNN. (2010, November 3). "California Governor Results." CNN Politics. [3]
- ↑ Finnegan, Michael. (2010, September 30). "Housekeeper controversy jolts Whitman's campaign." Los Angeles Times. [4]
