Kamala's Karma

She's smart, she's experienced, and she's running for DA. But she's Willie Brown's ex-girlfriend, and her opponents are trying to crucify her for that.

A A A Comments By Peter Byrne Wednesday, Sep 24 2003

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"Why, Willie Brown just wrote us a letter on her behalf," she adds happily.

The crowd seems fascinated by Harris, an intelligent woman of color who speaks their language, who knows their first names, and who understands that as liberals, they want to maintain law and order -- but with a certain San Franciscostyle noblesse oblige.

Brandon Fernandez

Kamala Harris is under fire from both of her male opponents over her former fling with Mayor Willie Brown.

Brandon Fernandez

Harris and campaign manager Jim Stearns decided to deal with the "Willie factor" by ignoring it as much as possible.

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One woman asks, "What about people who rent? What will make them go to the polls and hit that button for you?"

"Name recognition," Harris replies, as her staffers collect checks.

Kamala Harris is doing everything she can to make sure she has enough money to buy more name recognition before Nov. 4.

She needs at least another $300,000 to do mailings and radio spots. Her goal is to raise $40,000 a week (not counting Muller's money), which means she has to schmooze literally hundreds of people who can afford those $500 max-out donations.

Asked what guarantee she can make that she will not sell out the interests of her rank-and-file supporters to those of her wealthy financial backers, Harris says with real emotion, "How could I turn my back on my people?

"I believe that everything you put out in the world comes back to you. There are consequences for everything. Karma exists, absolutely."