Looking back on the past 12 months, it's difficult to believe that an entire year has once again vanished into the chasm of memory. Much has changed in my life since this time last year -- for starters, I'm no longer a college senior about to embark on his thesis and his final semester of school -- but every day continues to be an adventure. I always look forward to tomorrow and hope to make the most of each day.

Before I slip into sentimentality, I'll bid you adieu. Next week I'll be editing Capitol Action Weekly from Upstate New York. Until then, Happy Holidays!

-Gabe

*************************** ADVERTISEMENT *************************** The Christmas Gift that will Last for Generations: The World Peace Rose Garden Memorial, "The garden for the New Millennium" -- a major beautification project for the grounds of our State Capitol.

For a limited time, you are invited to dedicate the names of friends and loved ones in the garden for $25 per name or $100 per business or organization. The names you dedicate will be placed on a permanent plaque in the garden. The gift will be a constant reminder of your gift of your love and thoughtfulness. You will receive receive a Certificate of Recognition, which is suitable for framing and makes a great gift.

Until December 24th, when you dedicate 2 names in the garden, the 3rd name is free. You can make dedications by visiting our Web site at http://www.WorldPeaceRoseGardens.org or call 1-800-205-1223. Areas in the garden also available for major sponsors and you can call us at (916) 381-5433 for more information. *************************** ADVERTISEMENT ***************************

Hart later went on to serve as Gov. Gray Davis' top education adviser, and Imbrecht was picked to head the California Energy Commission, which he later left because of personal difficulties. But both politicians were viewed as top-flight public servants.

A similar situation exists today in the race for the U.S. Senate. The Republican nominee is likely to be Tom Campbell, a Silicon Valley congressman, a Stanford University law professor and a moderate. The Democratic nominee is all but certain to be Dianne Feinstein, the incumbent, a conservative Democrat and former mayor of San Francisco who was first elected in 1992. Other candidates are in these races, to be sure, but the final choice is likely to be between Campbell and Feinstein.

These two politicians evoke a sense of moderacy, independence and bipartisanship that is often lacking in the choices presented to voters, who increasingly seem to face ideologues and party stalwarts rather than talented decision-makers.

The most recent recent Field Poll shows Feinstein well ahead in a potential November matchup, at least in part because Feinstein has far higher name recognition among voters, but the general election is likely to be far closer than the polls suggest after voters begin focusing on the issues.

That's because early polls are rarely definitive and because both contenders, especially Feinstein, are viewed as prodigious fund-raisers. Both tend to stake out middle-of-the-road turf, and both, particularly Campbell, are bright and politically deft. Both have been willing to offer views that appear to be at odds with the mainstream of their parties, such as Campbell's recent position, reported in The Sacramento Bee, favoring taxation of online business and Feinstein's early, strong statements denouncing President Clinton's conduct with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

It is not often that California voters are offered candidates of obvious integrity who seem unhesitant to put personal conviction above political expediency, but the 2000 U.S. Senate race appears to be one of those cases. Perhaps the last best example of this was in 1982, when Republican U.S. Senate contender Pete McCloskey, a maverick GOP congressman who had been the first Republican to call for President Richard Nixon's impeachment on the floor of the House, lost to Pete Wilson. McCloskey, who ran for president in 1972 on an anti-Vietnam War platform, seemed at times to go out of his way to antagonize people. Blunt-spoken and acerbic, McCloskey had little compunction about expressing his views, even when they conflicted with the accepted positions of his fellow Republicans.

It may be too flattering to compare either Feinstein or Campbell with McCloskey, but surely there are similarities between the three. And these similarities mean that voters will at least have an opportunity to pick between candidates of obvious talent and conviction. That's how elections are supposed to be but, unfortunately, rarely are.

Even if the Senate race winds up being a pell-mell fight between candidates seeking to capture the broad, ill-defined middle of the road, that will mean that both Feinstein and Campbell will be forced to adopt positions that are out-of-sync with their party regulars. This, if nothing else, promises to make next year's campaign an exciting one.

Who will win? Who knows?

But whoever loses will be a loss to the state of a good public servant.

This handy directory lists alphabetically all agency and department-level organizations, most division and branch level offices. Names and titles of state offices and officials, with addresses, phone and fax numbers. Where a vacancy exists the position is listed without a name. Convenient 4" x 9" fits in your briefcase or on your desk. With the election of a Democratic Governor, major shifts are occurring in personnel and state agency structure. Order now at: http://www.capenq.com/order or fax (916) 442-1260.

*** NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR 2000 PUBLICATIONS! ***

*** 2000 Pocket Directory of the California Legislature ***

You need the 2000 Pocket Directory now! To be published March of 2000. Stay up-to-date on Legislative contact information. Order the newest edition of "the little red book" today! Place your secure online order through our Web site: http://www.capenq.com/order, or fax (916) 442-1260.

*** 2000 U.S. Congress Directory ***

Order the 2000 U.S. Congress Directory now! To be published March of 2000. Stay up-to-date on Congressional contact information for the entire U.S. Order the newest edition today! Place your secure online order through our Web site: http://www.capenq.com/order or fax (916) 442-1260.

*** UPDATED INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE ***

*** Committee Rosters ***

You asked for it, you got it! The updated listings for both Assembly and Senate committees are now available through our Web site. Point your browser to http://www.capenq.com/gov/info.html for links to the rosters.

*** Current Legislative Rosters ***

Looking for the current rosters of the Assembly or Senate? Head on over to http://www.capenq.com/gov/info.html for links to the current lists -- updated with district, member name, party, room and phone number.