With some surveys showing Barack Obama opening up a double-digit lead nationally in the race for the White House, John McCain needed a dramatic showing in last night's debate to change the momentum of the campaign.

When confronting the weighty question of whether to amend the state constitution, voters should make a decision based on common sense and fairness – not inflammatory television ads that generate more heat than light. But when the issue is as emotional as gay marriage, this may be too much to ask.

In his 30-plus years in the Sacramento spotlight, Treasurer Bill Lockyer has earned a reputation for bluntness in his dealings with Republicans and fellow Democrats alike. This was most famously on display in 2003, when embattled Democratic Gov. Gray Davis began gearing up to fight the recall campaign against him by having his notoriously ruthless campaign team spread unsubstantiated dirt about challenger Arnold Schwarzenegger.