When it comes to choosing a Governor, California voters are a study in contrasts.  Despite the state’s left-leaning reputation, there have only been five Democrats elected to the top office since 1894.  Democratic strategist Garry South says to win here, a successful candidate has to be conservative on issues such as taxes and progressive on social issues such as abortion and the environment:

 “If a democrat doesn’t have that package and you allow the Republican, as Angelides did in this case, allow Schwarzenegger literally to co-op the center from you, you’re going to lose.  It doesn’t matter how blue the state looks on Presidential election nights.

South says it’s early to speculate about 2010 – but L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom have both been mentioned as possible candidates.