The Modesto Bee endorses this candidate for CA Senate District 5

Susan Talamantes Eggman is eminently qualified to represent in Sacramento the Fifth Senate District, which includes Riverbank, Salida and most of Modesto as well as San Joaquin County and Galt.

Raised in Turlock, Eggman is an Army veteran and a former social worker who came to politics later in life with her election to the Stockton City Council in 2006. San Joaquin voters chose her to represent them in the California Assembly in 2012. Now terming out of office there, a slide over to the Senate is a natural move for her. People in Stanislaus County are fortunate to have someone of her experience and stature representing them as well.

A Democrat, Eggman recently teamed with Republican Heath Flora of Ripon and others — including our outgoing Sen. Cathleen Galgiani — on legislation benefiting nearby levees. That’s just the latest example of Eggman reaching across party lines to get things done.

Eggman was the 157th woman ever elected to the California Legislature, which throughout history has been dominated by more than 4,500 male representatives. Sending her to succeed Galgiani in the Senate keeps us on a path toward greater diversity.

Eggman is experienced, connected and smart. She’s also principled, with a strong backbone.

When asked about Stanislaus County supervisors’ directive to look the other way should businesses violate COVID-19 orders, Eggman said, “Refusal to follow public health in part contributed to the outbreaks we’ve had in the Valley. She noted that “the poorest of the poor” and people of color have disproportionately suffered as a result.

She’s right.

Her Republican opponent, Jim Ridenour, led Modesto well as mayor for two terms, from 2003 to 2011, the latter years being a time of extreme trial because of the recession. He remains a popular figure in Stanislaus County, capturing 24% of the vote in a five-way, top-two March Primary to advance to the Nov. 3 ballot with Eggman, who received 34.9%.

Eggman has energy

But Ridenour doesn’t have the same spirit or drive we saw in years past. Some of his answers seemed disconnected from The Bee’s questions, especially when centered on complex policy issues now confronting the State Legislature.

Asked about campaigning during a pandemic, Ridenour had little to contribute other than the thought that mailers will be important. Eggman, a former professor, has an organized corps of volunteers invigorated by young people, our future leaders. They’ve collected and distributed face masks, hand sanitizer and diapers. They are making a difference.

The Bee put a series of policy questions to both candidates in a Zoom debate. In every instance except one, Ridenour’s responses essentially matched Eggman’s. Yet at the end, Ridenour said with scorn that voters should choose him because Eggman is “one of the most liberal Assembly members in the state.” Huh?

Eggman’s service in Assembly committees ranged from agriculture to natural resources to utilities, all areas vital to the Valley’s well-being. She knows the players, the governor’s administration and our people, and she will be effective in the Senate on Day 1.

This story was originally published October 5, 2020 at 5:00 AM.