◼ Party questions
Recent mailings of misleading fliers to Republican voters is something of a puzzler. Three local candidates paid to present themselves on advertising that claimed to be an advisory to Republicans on who and what to support. Many of the recipients believed these false tracts offered information sent by local Republican organizations (Humboldt County Republican Central Committee and the Humboldt Republican Women Federated.) These voters were for the most part dumbfounded as to why their organizations would be advocating for Democrats: Bonnie Neely, Paul Gallegos and Patrick Cleary.
Those running for office too often overreach in strange ways. But if it's so great to be a Democrat, and so worthwhile to vote for a Democratic candidate, why oh why would you present yourself as a Republican?
Many Republicans believed for more than two decades that Bonnie Neely was confused because we saw her functioning as a RINO. (Republican In Name Only.) Her recent change to Democrat was heartwarming. We thought, “That's great, now she knows who she really is.” But she's confused again and pays to be a Republican at certain times. That needs checking out.
It's plenty timely to review those many years in office, since suddenly she is promising jobs after opposing most job opportunities for Humboldters in her 24 years as supervisor.
If these candidates aren't sure what party they represent, how much sense does it make for them to ask to represent the citizens of Humboldt County?
Colleen Hedrick
Eureka
5/28/2010
UPDATE:
◼ FPPC strengthens rules for slate mailers - Sacramento Bee
