Nancy Pelosi is a compelling national figure, destined even — if November’s political stars align in her favor — to be an historic figure. San Francisco’s very own member of Congress, if enough Democrats win seats in its chamber, could become the first female speaker of the House of Representatives, second in line to become president.

San Francisco would be justly proud, that city’s faithful voters knowing they’d sent the personification of all things progressive back to Washington to redo the misspent Bush years. But isn’t transparency at the top of the progressive agenda? Judging by her recent dissenting vote on earmarks, we’re not sure she understands that.