First debate in Leno-Migden brawl

"I know that sometimes I'm in the Capitol chomping on cigars and getting things done – rather than being here." - State Sen. Carole Migden (D-San Francisco), at a forum in San Francisco last night.

Migden is facing a tough reelection challenge from Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) for her district, which stretches into Sonoma County. The San Francisco Young Democrats hosted the debate, which ended in an endorsement vote favoring Leno. Leno supporters say Migden has become out of touch with her liberal constituents, but Migden suggested his challenge was wasted effort: "Mark has the right to run, but is it a good idea? We should put our energy into places where we can make gains." BeyondChron.