Over 1,000 Nurses Protest Outside Whitman's Home

More than 1,000 nurses picketed outside the Atherton home of Republican candidate for governor Meg Whitman on Thursday.

The California Nurses Association has been at odds with Whitman, holding numerous protests.

As has been their common practice, the CNA hired an actress to play "Queen Meg" at the protest, mocking the candidate.

A heavily police presence was on hand to keep things orderly.

The nurses’ union has endorsed Democrat Jerry Brown. The organization has been critical of Whitman's plans to layoff 40,000 state workers and streamline business and labor rules.

"I mean this is a mean spirited woman, there is no question about that," said Rose Ann DeMoro, Executive Director of the CAN. "And nurses take care of the most vulnerable. And what she is doing is going after the most vulnerable."

Whitman was not at her home on Thursday. She spent the day campaigning in Southern California.

Her campaign did get KTVU in touch with two nurses who support her.

"I think it's very unfair to target Meg Whitman and say because she said 40,000 jobs would be lost that she means the whole state. She's not saying nurses. And our state needs to cut back spending," said retired nurse Alice Hansen.

Whitman has been in a heated battle with the CNA, she has fought back with phone calls, letters, and a website targeting CNA leaders.

Analysts said attacking a union is common for Republican candidates, but attacking the nurses could be a mistake because the public has a soft spot for them.