"I understand that politics is tough and that constituency groups have to address their interest," he said.

He did betray his medical training, which is the core of his being, to please a key constituency group.

For now, at least, the candidates have made sure that the traditional constituency groups have fallen in line as well.

Reed was a favorite of organized labor and the Democratic constituency groups.

Democrats say they have come to realize that some of their traditional constituency groups are particularly vulnerable.

"Apparently, teachers are the only constituency group in California that still wants to pay taxes," one state official said dryly.

"You just can't govern without being able to heal and deal with different constituency groups," he said.

"The major constituency groups in the state will make the difference."

It has elements intended to appeal to an array of constituency groups including social conservatives, women and business.

"He brings a skill of extraordinary organization and working different constituency groups."