So far, State Senator Jeff Denham, R-Merced, is running
unopposed for the 12th District seat
– a fact that has surprised even the incumbent himself and
garnered support from local leaders on both side of the political
spectrum.
Hollister – So far, State Senator Jeff Denham, R-Merced, is running unopposed for the 12th District seat – a fact that has surprised even the incumbent himself and garnered support from local leaders on both side of the political spectrum.
“In a competitive district like this I would expect a challenger,” Denham said. “But there is always the possibility of a write-in candidate. I’m just going to keep working hard in the capital and in the district.”
With the filing deadline still over a month away, Denham’s work on the campaign trail has already yielded enviable results. Denham said Wednesday that he had nearly reached the halfway mark of his $3 million re-election funding goal.
The third-year senator recently nabbed key endorsements from the majority of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, Hollister Mayor Robert Scattini, District Attorney John Sarsfield and County Superintendent of Schools Tim Foley.
“I like what he’s doing and he’s a good guy – the kind of guy you can talk to, very cordial,” Scattini said. “And I’m a democrat.”
Denham said he was honored to have a broad base of support from the county’s leadership.
“It’s been exciting to receive so much bi-partisan support,” he said.
Although local Assemblyman Simon Salinas, D-Salinas, considered challenging Denham for several months, he decided not to enter the race in January citing family reasons. Salinas, who instead announced recently he will run for the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, said he wasn’t surprised that no one had stepped up to the plate.
“It’s tough to challenge an incumbent,” he said. “If someone was going to challenge him they would probably come from the Central Valley.”
Salinas also pointed out that securing early endorsements was always a good campaign strategy.
“You want to take them away from potential opponents early,” he said.
Supervisor Reb Monaco, one of four supervisors to endorse Denham, said once Salinas bowed out supporting Denham was an easy decision.
“Jeff has done well for our county,” he said. “He has fought hard for rural crime funding, the Williamson act, education and in-home healthcare money.”
And for Supervisor Anthony Botelho, Denham is a shoe-in for a victory come Nov. 7. Botelho credits Denham for his work on the Senate’s Agriculture Committee – he cited Denham’s rural crime initiatives, as well – and strong commitment to education.
“When you do that good of a job it’s pretty hard for someone to challenge you,” he said.
The senate primary will be held June 6.
Brett Rowland covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
