Times-Standard - 07/28/2006
Help wanted? Democrats, Allies Seek Liberal Candidates
for Nonpartisan Seats
by James Faulk
EUREKA -- In a recent e-mail to supporters and fellow Democrats, the
Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee recently sent out a recruitment
letter of sorts, seeking people to run for political offices up and down
the county.
Most of the positions are supposedly nonpartisan seats on various city
councils, but party and political organizers make no secret of the fact
that they want to stack the deck with liberal officials.
”The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee wants to help
our community stay a desirable and livable place for future generations,” said
the e-mail. “An important part of that effort is to help elect
progressive candidates to office.”
Dennis Huber, a spokesman for the political action committee Local Solutions,
said it's part of an ongoing effort to find candidates that progressives
can support.
The most important race this year, he said, is the Eureka City Council
and mayoral races, because of the ongoing debate over the future of the
Balloon Tract, and the proposed Marina Center.
”It's what we're trying to learn how to do,” he said. “More
and more, it's fair to say that there's a reluctance on the part
of citizens to serve in government.”
The plethora of complicated and controversial issues doesn't help, he
said, along with pay that doesn't get anywhere near that of a full-time
job.
Mike Harvey, a local Republican stalwart, found nothing wrong with the
practice.
”To be honest, I think it's a smart move and I think Republicans
... need to look to supporting candidates who have similar views to what
we hold,” he said. “Whether it be supervisor or whatever
race, building an effective farm team for candidates is essential
for building the party and maybe moving up to higher office.”
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