The Democrat flops in governors race and why Eric Swalwell could still play a role

The field of candidates for governor was once crowded with big-name California Democrats.By Election Day, it had narrowed to two — Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer — and Republican Steve Hilton.Each of those three campaigns has a story to tell about its own success.Becerra will talk about how he overcame “racist” criteria on polling and fundraising to become the first viable Latino candidate for governor (after Eric Swalwell imploded in a sudden sex scandal).Steyer will talk about how he fought billionaires and special interests — after spending over $200 million of his own money, a record for California (and it was just the primary).Hilton can justifiably talk about the power of his policy ideas, and the importance of projecting a positive message about the state’s future.But what about the also-rans?Several political heavyweights never quite got off the ground.The most prominent was San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Mahan had a record of accomplishment to point to, and a giant war chest of Silicon Valley money.But he entered the race too late, after the field of candidates was already bursting with big-name Democrats.And his moderate pitch did not appeal to a Democratic Party base that is furious about the Trump presidency and eager to hear more strident voices.Katie Porter, the former US representative, and a protégée of liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren, was an early front-runner.But when she walked off the set of a CBS News interview last fall, she provoked questions about her temperament. Those doubts were reinforced by media reports about how she had treated staffers and even her former husband.Former LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa seems to have believed he was the heir apparent to the governor’s mansion, after finishing second to Newsom in the 2018 primary.But he struggled to find a message.And while his criticisms of fellow Democrats were refreshing, they weren’t what the party base wanted to hear.Villaraigosa had also been out of public office for...