And now in this zany, recall-election year in California, we offer some thoughts on the two candidates who are ...

	Lisa Leslie and the Sparks have dominated the WNBA for two seasons -- which is one reason people root against them.

No, not running for governor. Rather, the two entries from the Golden State who are in contention to win the WNBA championship. The "Big C'' is guaranteed a representation in the "W'' finals, since the Western Conference showdown is between Los Angeles and Sacramento.

And maybe "undecided'' Californians not in those two cities (along with folks from the 49 states who don't face the possibility of the "Kindergarden Cop'' being sworn in) are mulling over which one to support. So ...

You might root for the Monarchs to make the finals because:
1. They aren't the Sparks.
2. You think Kara Lawson didn't get enough TV exposure while at Tennessee.
3. You don't want Yolanda Griffith to repossess your car.
4. That catchy "Mighty Ruthie'' commercial jingle still plays in your head.
5. Think safety first. The more Ticha Penicheiro is on the court, the less time she'll be no-look driving on the highway.

Now here's why you might root for the Sparks to make the finals:
1. uh ...

(Have you seen the "SpongeBob Squarepants'' episode where SpongeBob becomes a stand-up comedian, tells a joke and the only sound from the not-amused audience is a cricket chirping? And then he tells another and even the cricket goes silent?)

OK, that's enough. Sure, the Sparks have their fans. They're a very talented team. However ...

A lot of people don't care for the Sparks. It's not only because they've won the past two championships, although that has a lot to do with it. But it's also the attitude the Sparks project: We're going to enjoy stomping on you.

I have a pal who ranks among his favorite horror-movie scenes -- after Joan Collins getting whacked by a killer Santa Claus in "Tales from the Crypt'' -- the end of the original "Friday the 13th.''

That's where Jason's killer mom (played by Betsy Palmer) attacks the last survivor of the camp. And instead of disposing of her immediately like she did all the previous victims, she sort of toys with her.

At one point, the girl is throwing dumb stuff like spatulas at the pursuing killer to try to slow her down, and Betsy just smirks as they bounce off of her. Then, rather than just finishing her off, Betsy pounds her head into the sand first, enjoying the humiliation.

Of course, things don't work out so well for Betsy -- the girl beheads her -- and some WNBA followers would like to see the Sparks get the same treatment, figuratively speaking.

The Sparks couldn't care less, though. They are convinced the only people who can beat them are themselves. It doesn't matter to them if they irritate opposing players and fans with what seems like some extra-curricular elbows and such, because who are the two-time defending champions? They are.

So, alas, we'll try again on the reasons you might root for the Sparks:
1. You're a Californian thoroughly convinced by now that nothing good comes out of Sacramento.
2. As a Stanford disciple, you're still clinging to the remnants of 1997 and resigned yourself to Sparks fever once they picked up Vanessa Nygaard.
3. You'd like to see "Grandmama'' Jennifer Gillom get a ring before she qualifies for Social Security benefits.
4. You once ate in the same restaurant as Lisa Leslie and she didn't even try to swat your food away.
5. Gee, maybe the Sparks are just misunderstood.

Mechelle Voepel of the Kansas City Star is a regular contributor to ESPN.com. She can be reached at mvoepel@kcstar.com.