Commentary: Culling the field for California governor? Don't look at me, says Betty Yee

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OAKLAND — Betty Yee knows what people are thinking.She’s heard what they’ve said and read the many emails she’s gotten.The former state controller has been running for California governor longer than just about anybody in the cheek-by-jowl field.

And yet the Democrat is bumping along near the bottom, a blip in polls and a laggard in the money chase.But no, Yee said, she has no intention of quitting the race, as she’s been urged, and no fear that, by staying in, she’ll help two Republicans advance to November’s runoff, locking Democrats out of the governor’s office for the first time since George W.Bush was president.“I just don’t see it,” Yee said, given the way Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, the top GOP contenders, are smacking each other around, hoping to emerge as the undisputed Republican standard-bearer.Beyond that, she said, it’s not as if anyone’s running away with the contest; most polls have shown the leading candidate — which depends on the survey — standing atop the heap with around 20% support.That isn’t exactly landslide territory.

California A big field of candidates makes it possible for a Republican to be elected governor.California’s Democratic Party leader told unviable candidates to bow out.“The public is still shopping,” Yee said.

“In the next month or so, we’re going to try to get [a TV ad] on the air, basically make our case and hope that can spread as voters are getting more focused on the race.”Which is not to say Yee is delusional.“As a candidate, I make that assessment every day about whether we’re going to be viable or not,” she said last week, just before stopping by the Alameda County voter registrar‘s office to file paperwork for the June 2 primary.“Right now, it’s less than a 50-50 chance,” Yee said, suggesting it’s her job to boost those odds by getting voters to appreciate what she off...