Lincoln's ideas are still good for today's politicians. (Publisher's Notebook).

We are in for months of campaign rhetoric that will eventually cover the widest possible array of issues as signatures for the recall of Gov. Gray Davis near the number to put it on the ballot, and, as pre-race candidates to run against President Bush are trial-ballooning their campaign planks.

What I would really like to have happen is instead of the attack-and-slander campaigns, have the candidates take a look back in history at what Abraham Lincoln said during his campaign. Here is what he had to say:

"Ten Cannots"

"You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift."

"You cannot help small men by tearing down big men."

"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong."

"You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer."

"You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich."

"You cannot establish security on borrowed money."

"You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than income."

"You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred."

"You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence."

"You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could do for themselves."

Speaking of words, I want to share a few with you about how we as individuals can improve our lives both personally and professionally. All of us need to be reminded from time to time about how we can strive for greatness.

"Just For Today"

"I will live through the next 12 hours and not try to tackle all of life's problems at once."

"I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful. I will learn something that requires effort, thought, and concentration."

"I will be agreeable. I will look my best, speak in a well-modulated voice, be courteous and considerate."

"I will not find fault with friend, relative, or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself"

"I will have a program, I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it."

"I will save myself from two enemies -hurry and indecision."

"I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won't count."

"I will do two things I don't want to do, just for the exercise."

"I will believe in myself. I will give my best to the world and feel confident that the world will give its best to me."

- Author Unknown

It looks like it is going to be a long debate season, but perhaps the Lincoln style will win Out.

To the balance sheet:

Credit: To Leon Santoro, winemaker and general manager of Orfila Winery in Escondido for capturing a Double Gold Award from the Tasters Guild 16th annual International Wine Competition in Grand Rapids, Mich. Orfila's 1999 Sangiovese was selected from among 1,956 other entries from around the world. They also won another Double Gold, four Gold and two Silver Awards at the competition. This has been a great year for the winery and for Leon too. Earlier this year he was selected by the California Travel Industry Association as Winemaker of the Year. He was cited for his continued support of the tourism industry statewide. Congratulations to Leon and his team at Orfila.

Credit: To the San Diego Chargers football club for its tremendous contribution to the children of San Diego County. On June 5, the Chargers' organization awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships, grants and computers to students, educators, coaches and schools in the county. Through their Charger Champions program, more than $1.2 million has been given to local school kids for the last 4 years. Superintendent Alan Bersin congratulated the Spanos family for setting the example for all businesses to follow. Professional sports teams do a lot in the communities they reside in, but none do a better job than the San Diego Chargers. Thanks to Alex and Dean and their entire team of players and staff for keeping the kids of the region in the game.

Credit: To our Indian gaming tribes for stepping up to help California with its budget crisis. The governor said he would seek $1.5 billion, which is nearly. $600 million more than all the Nevada casinos put in its state's coffers. Chairman Anthony Pico of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, speaking for the casino tribes, said the $1.5 billion was putting the tribes in economic slavery but that the tribes would amend the current compact with the state to adjust their contribution to the Special Distribution Fund to be equal -- the same rate every corporation pays in California state taxes. In other words, if the state raises corporate taxes, the tribes will take the same increase. That is the way the system is supposed to work.