What do you call a techie with a political agenda and a little spare time? Governor! Well, probably not. But that hasn't stopped these geeks from jumping into California's recall race. They're pushing everything from Linux to photovoltaics. Strangely, they're all opposed to cyborgs.
Garrett Gruener
Democrat, age 49
A founder of AskJeeves and VC firm Alta Partners. Ready to spend millions on campaign.
Big idea: Public-private effort to develop new educational and environmental tech.
Ken Hamidi
Libertarian, age 56
Iranian immigrant who won a landmark free-speech lawsuit against ex-employer Intel.
Big idea: Tax breaks for businesses that hire American programmers.
Eric Korevaar
Democrat, age 44
Sold AstroTerra, his optical wireless communications firm, for $100 million in 2000.
Big idea: Install photovoltaics in half of all new buildings.
Georgy Russell
Democrat, age 27
Veritas software engineer (and purveyor of Georgy for Governor thongs).
Big ideas: Linux in government, solar and wind power, and an end to the exploitation of workers on L-1 visas. Oh, and legalizing pot.
Chuck Walker
Republican, age 47
Ex-mayor of Scotts Valley, home of Seagate and Borland.
Big idea: A revised tax policy to get tech employers - and jobs -égoin' back to Cali.
START
hype list
Why Stock Options Still Rule
Grassroots Geeks for Governor
Ranking Privacy at Work
The Graffiti Early Warning System
Optical Alchemy
Your Guide to New York's Spycams
The Architecture Zoo
How Brown Gets Around
Foam Depot
Jargon Watch
The Robot Air Corps
Frosty the Painkiller
Darpa's Gambling Man
Wired l Tired l Expired
On the Record
