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SABATINO REPORT

April 23, 2007

Response to:  If you want to run for elected office, learn how to do it    By Joan Clendenin  Modesto Bee  4/22/2007

Clendenin is chairwoman of the Republican Party of Stanislaus County and four years ago was on the exploratory committee for then candidate Jim Ridenour.  Her accounting firm was deeply involved in the trial of former mayor Carmen Sabatino.  Her predecessor as Chair of the Republican Party of Stanislaus County was the now infamous Supervisor Jim DeMartini who stated that it was his job to remove a democratic mayor from office. He came to the Sabatino trial to “experience the moment” in the event the former mayor was found guilty.

The Clendenin article is misleading.  The candidate workshops she is co-sponsoring are really auditions. The workshops are probably not partisan.

since Democratic Party activist, Sandy Lucas, is also involved.  Before they begin these workshops with the blessing of the Modesto Bee they should describe in great detail the electoral system we now have in place.

Prospective candidates will be educated about campaign expectations.  Candidates then will be sorted out by the political machine.  Some will be considered for “special” help, while others will be encouraged to run as rabbits with minimal help so that a runoff election is assured.  At that point the machine will pour money and resources toward the candidate they have selected.  Then you as a voter will be given the opportunity to vote.

Is it any wonder why the power brokers oppose district elections, especially if the districts are proposed by former Mayor Carmen Sabatino.