San Mateo County Democrats Select Candidates at Straw Poll Event
Examiner.com | October 19, 2009 | By Bruce Balshon | LINK TO ARTICLE
Voters had their first opportunity to show support for candidates in key statewide races at the San Mateo County Democratic Party Straw Poll held at the South San Francisco Conference Center on Sunday, October 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“The event was an outstanding opportunity for those running for statewide office in California to meet and speak directly to and with Democratic Party activists and delegates in San Mateo County and the Bay Area,” said David Burruto, Chair of the San Mateo County Democratic Party. “It was also an opportunity for local activists to demonstrate early support for statewide candidates in advance of the June 2010 Democratic Party Primary Election.”
Candidates or their surrogates running for the positions of Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction were in attendance including Attorney General Jerry Brown, Assemblyman Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont), former Facebook executive Chris Kelly, Los Angeles City Councilmember Janice Hahn, and Assemblyman Tom Torlakson.
Attorney General and probable candidate for Governor, Jerry Brown, began the event with spirited words about the current state of affairs in California and his vision for the future of the state. In turn, San Francisco Treasurer Jose Cisneros stumped for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom regarding his bid for Governor.
To follow, candidates and representatives for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Insurance Commissioner all outlined their credentials and plans for the offices they are seeking. Speaking on behalf of Assemblyman Hector De La Torre was Alex Gallardo-Rooker, the Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party.
The Straw Poll event brings together the most politically active Democrats in the greater San Mateo County region, early in the campaign season. It allowing party activist to meet and declare support for the Democratic candidates.The event will serve as the San Mateo County Democratic Party’s biggest fundraiser in 2009.
This event also provides San Mateo County political analysts the chance speculate whether Sunday’s straw poll results will determine who will be elected in the elections.
| Candidate / Office | Total Votes | San Mateo County Votes |
| Attorney General | ||
| Torrico | 85 | 38 |
| Harris | 44 | 29 |
| Kelly | 31 | 11 |
| Delgadillo | 1 | 1 |
| Nava | 0 | 0 |
| Lieutenant Governor | ||
| Hahn | 76 | 44 |
| Florez | 40 | 20 |
| Lowenthal | 19 | 11 |
| Insurance Commissioner | ||
| De La Torre | 55 | 31 |
| Jones | 43 | 17 |
| Alioto-Pier | 41 | 24 |