Phil Angelides

Anyone facing an incumbent governor with near-universal name recognition has an uphill battle. But unusual things in California politics have happened before — like Schwarzenegger getting elected in the first place. Angelides is the consummate Democrat — liberal on social issues and fighting for government programs for the middle class. He is running a campaign partly modeled on Bill Clinton's successful bid for president in 1992. But far more than Clinton, Angelides has been emphasizing tax increases — always a danger. He was battered in the primary by fellow Democrat Steve Westly and had to play catch-up in the weeks following.