Torrico, Hahn, & De La Torre Earn Most Votes
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Voters had their first opportunity to show support for candidates in key statewide races at the San Mateo County Democratic Party Straw Poll held at the South San Francisco Conference Center on Sunday, October 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“The event was an outstanding opportunity for those running for statewide office in California to meet and speak directly to and with Democratic Party activists and delegates in San Mateo County and the Bay Area,” said David Burruto, Chair of the San Mateo County Democratic Party. “It was also an opportunity for local activists to demonstrate early support for statewide candidates in advance of the June 2010 Democratic Party Primary Election.”
Candidates or their surrogates running for the positions of Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction were in attendance including Attorney General Jerry Brown, Assemblyman Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont), former Facebook executive Chris Kelly, Los Angeles City Councilmember Janice Hahn, and Assemblyman Tom Torlkason.
Attorney General and probable candidate for Governor, Jerry Brown, began the event with spirited words about the current state of affairs in California and his vision for the future of the state. In turn, San Francisco Treasurer Jose Cisneros stumped for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom regarding his bid for Governor.
To follow, candidates and representatives for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Insurance Commissioner all outlined their credentials and plans for the offices they are seeking. The 1st Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party Alex Gallardo-Rooker spoke on behalf of Assemblyman Hector De La Torre who is running for Insurance Commissioner.
Attendees at the event were invited to vote for their preferred candidates as part of the Straw Poll event.
The results of the Straw Poll were as follows:
| Attorney General: | |
|---|---|
| Torrico | 85 |
| Harris | 44 |
| Kelly | 31 |
| Delgadillo | 1 |
| Lieu | 5 |
| Nava | 0 |
| Lieutenant Governor: | |
|---|---|
| Hahn | 76 |
| Florez | 40 |
| Lowenthal | 19 |
| Insurance Commissioner: | |
|---|---|
| De La Torre | 55 |
| Jones | 43 |
| Alioto-Pier | 41 |
Tickets were $25 each with all proceeds benefiting the San Mateo County Democratic Party.
The Straw Poll event allows voters to get to know candidates early and decide who they will support, as this event draws the most active voters in the region. This event is also the major fundraiser for the San Mateo County Democratic Party in 2009.
The full slate of declared Democratic Party candidates for state offices includes:
Governor: Attorney General Jerry Brown, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom
Lt. Governor: State Senator Dean Florez, L.A. City Councilmember Janice Hahn
Attorney General: San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, Assemblyman Ted Lieu, Assemblyman Pedro Nava, former Facebook executive Chris Kelly, for L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo
Insurance Commissioner: Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, Assemblyman Dave Jones, San Francisco Supervisor Michela Alioto Pier
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, State Senator Gloria Romero
For more information, please contact us at strawpoll@sanmateodemocrats.org.
Click here for media coverage of the 2008 Presidential Straw Poll