Thursday, May. 01, 2008

Election Conection

NEWMAN COUNCIL BACKS DeMARTINI: City Council meetings in Newman might get a little testy during the next month. Mayor John Fantazia is running for the District 5 board of supervisors seat, and all four council members have endorsed his opponent, incumbent Jim DeMartini.

DeMartini's campaign announced this week that he has the endorsement of Councilmen Mike Crinklaw, Ted Kelly, Robert Martina and Ed Katen. City Treasurer David Reed and former Councilman R.T. Applegate also have endorsed DeMartini.

"I think this nearly unanimous support from Newman elected officials confirms what my campaign is all about, that I have a record of standing up for the people of the West Side," DeMartini said.

Fantazia said he was "a little disappointed," but added, "everyone has a right to endorse who they want."

So much for home-court advantage ...

DENHAM BILLS BACKED: While beleaguered by a recall attempt in his district, state Sen. Jeff Denham has had two bills approved in Sacramento by the state Senate.

One, Senate Bill 1204, would allow state and local agencies to offer politicians, office-seekers and other public officials the option of filing statements of economic interests electronically. The bill passed 38-0.

The Senate also passed SB 1137, which would create guidelines for lenders and homeowners to meet and avoid foreclosure. That bill passed 28-10.

Both bills now move to the state Assembly. Denham, R-Atwater, represents the 12th State Senate District and faces a recall challenge June 3.

BERRYHILL FUND-RAISER: Bill Berryhill, Republican candidate for the 26th Assembly District, is holding a fund-raiser today in Escalon. It will be at the home of Jim and Brigit Mayol, 26144 E. River Road, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. It will include entertainment, appetizers and beverages. For more information, call 735-0234.

CHIESA EVENTS: Vito Chiesa, candidate for the Stanislaus County Supervisor District 2 seat, will have a fund-raiser tri-tip dinner Friday at the Stanislaus County Fairground in Turlock. Cost is $50. For more information, call 883-0444. ... There will be a meet-and-greet on Wednesday at the home of Stephen and Donna Carkeet, 1703 Edgewood Drive, Turlock. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. ... There also will be a wine and cheese open house May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the home of Mike and Ann Badiou, 11312 Doerksen Road, Denair. Donations accepted. To RSVP, call Ann Badiou at 634-3445 or Cathy Morelli at 874-3022.

WEIDMAN FUND-RAISER: The Friends of Les Weidman election committee is holding a "Fiesta Fundraiser"on May 9 for his campaign for Stanislaus County supervisor. It's at the home of Julio and Rosa Hallack, 3130 Fulkerth Road, Turlock. It will include a Mexican dinner, drinks and Latin music. Social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Donation levels: Hermano $100. Compadre $50. Amigo $25. The public is invited. For more information, call 541-5914 or e-mail friends@lesweidman.com.

KELSEY FUND-RAISER IN WINTON: Deidre Kelsey, running for Merced County's Board of Supervisors District 4 seat, is having a tri-tip fund-raiser barbecue Saturday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Winton Community Park, Winton Way and Olive Avenue. Cost is $10 per person. Tickets are available by calling 563-6573 or via e-mail at supervisorkelsey@yahoo.com.

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY: Stephen Frank, publisher of the California Political News and Views (www.capoliticalnews.com), will be the guest speaker at the meeting Monday of the Republican Party of Stanislaus County (Central Committee) at the Eichel Building, 118 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto. Frank, also past president of the California Republican Assembly and founder of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies, will talk about the political climate in California and the impact of the Internet on politics and the presidential election. John Franklin and Dana Ferreira, coordinators of Friends of Jeff Denham Against the Recall, will report on the campaign. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. with a hosted hospitality, Frank talks at 6:30 p.m., and a business meeting follows. The event is open to the public. For more information, call Joan Clendenin at 985-3091 or e-mail joanclendenin@comcast.net.