Don Thompson reports for AP on the the California Democratic Party convention and its non-endorsement of either candidate for Attorney General.  Since the California Republican Party ceased to be a viable opposition party, the Dems have been free to let their worst instincts run wild.  Secretary of State Dave Jones is trying to unseat appointed incumbent Xavier Becerra by saying Becerra is not left-wing enough.  He actually got majority support with that approach, 56-42, but not enough for a primary endorsement.

In separate interviews with The Associated Press, Jones and Becerra sharply criticized each other and parted ways on everything from their qualifications and priorities to whether Becerra has been a leader or a follower as he fights Trump's agenda.

Jones accused Becerra of "enabling opioid deaths" because his office has not yet fully implemented a statewide drug database, and of failing to seize guns from thousands of felons, those deemed mentally ill and others who are no longer allowed to own firearms.

Becerra repeatedly accused Jones of being deceptive and questioned if Jones would shirk his constitutional duties when it comes to carrying out the death penalty.

That last part is encouraging.  I'm glad Mr. Becerra understands it is his constitutional duty to carry out the death penalty.

Um, so, Mr. Becerra, exactly why did you sit on your hands for three months after the effective date of Proposition 66 without moving to vacate the now-baseless injunction in Marin County?  I'm glad you belatedly joined my motion on behalf of victims, but I never should have had to file it.

And why have you not to this date sought appellate review of the federal court stay, even though your deputies have explained to the district court in some detail why it is improper and been brushed aside with no explanation?