The Republicans are pulling out their old playbook as their candidates campaign for Governor. They continue to blame working people and environmental protection for our economic problems.

Meg Whitman articulated the Republican strategy for California when she officially kicked off her campaign last week. Her approach starts with two immediate actions if she were to be elected.

Immediately lay off 40,000 employees. There is no word on what services would be eliminated to accommodate that loss of 17 percent of the state workforce. The Republican party seems unable to make the connection between services and employees.

Suspend AB32, California's landmark legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, on her first day as governor. Once again, Republicans do not recognize that we are on a path to sustainable living, whether they want to go there or not. Returning to irresponsible use of resources is not the answer to our problems.

We need to make sure people know what we are up against in 2010. It is extremely important, no matter who you support at this early stage, that we unite in the goal of electing a Democrat as Governor. That's the only way we will get back on the path of returning California to prosperity.