But here's the thing that could make or break the deal: Angelides is simply a better campaigner. Watching the two men at the opening day of the oversight committee for the California Center for Regenerative Medicine, was a rare moment of political theater. Neither man spoke – at any length, anyway – to the other. They worked and sat side-by-side, politely and smoothly performing their public duty. It was a study in ambition and style. Angelides is comfortable and funny as a campaigner. Westly, who has come miles since he first hit the stump campaigning for controller – an office he barely won -- has mastered a shy self-deprecation and calmness that serves him well in public forums. He is earnest and likeable. But Angelides has a quick wit and grace in front of crowds that makes him attractive. And that, when all is said and done, will be where this fight is won or lost.

It is not surprising that the Legislative Analyst's Office proposes more accountability. And, in the view of the Bee writer, has the same recommendations as Michael Kirst of PACE.

I wonder why they focus on accountability? Perhaps it is because they are accountants. They have asked few teachers. They don't have a clue on how to fix the problem because they have not talked to the teachers. So, they turn to prior reports, also by policy people, and they conclude there is a need for more accounting.If they were dentists I think they would conclude that students need more dentists.