( I won't hold my breath waiting for Whitman to accept a debate)

Wow - some fireworks on the Sacramento Bee's Capitol Update...

Senator Jim Brulte decided to remind voters that we are electing a Governor, not a created image.

Brulte points out in his missives the serious dichotomy between the approval ratings of Entrepreneurs and Corporate CEO's as illustrated by recent Rasmussen polling.

"Like Democrat Steve Westly, Meg is running based on her experience at eBay. Voters were unmoved by the millions of dollars Westly spent touting eBay's success (in a 2006 gubernatorial run)...as Republicans will be too. Voters simply don't buy the connection that running an online auction company is the best training ground for our next governor. And never in modern history has there been a worse time to be running on the 'corporate CEO' brand."

Now, Mitch Zak - never one to back down from a challenge issued the following retort (just like an American Bulldog would) -  "...If they're interested in a side-by-side, Steve Poizner vs. Meg Whitman, we'll take that discussion every day of the week and twice on Sunday."

COOL!!! - DOES THIS MEAN WHITMAN WILL DEBATE NOW??? Maybe that's too much to ask, but maybe she'll start talking to local media instead of her establishment friends back east... But when you remember Whitman Principle number one - Campaign Nationally, there go the local media appearances, when you recall Whtiman Principle Number two - when you can't, script it... there go the debates...

Undeterred - Jim Brulte asked the same thing of Mitch Zak: "I would like to thank you for proposing a debate between Meg Whitman and Commissioner Steve Poizner. In response to your challenge issued in yesterday’s Capitol Alert, “If they're interested in a side-by-side, Steve Poizner vs. Meg Whitman, we'll take that discussion every day of the week and twice on Sunday," I would like to say – Steve is free this Sunday. Or any Sunday for that matter.

Steve welcomes the two debates you have proposed. In fact, the first can be on how we create jobs and revitalize California’s economy, while the second can be on how we make California’s education system the best in the nation. I know Steve is looking forward to presenting his vision in both of these areas. I’m sure, based on your recent challenge, that Meg is too."

Is Meg Whitman Ready for Prime-Time? My good buddy Mitch tossed the gauntlet and Poizner has picked it up - will Whitman answer the bell?

I'll let Senator Brulte Close - "I look forward to the debates. I was disappointed by the fact that Meg declined the invitation from The Sacramento Press Club to debate the propositions prior to the May 19th special election. But this news that your campaign has changed its stance on debates and is now open to discussing the issues affecting California is very much welcome.

We look forward to hearing from your campaign to set up the exact time and location for the debates. See you on Sunday.