State Treasurer and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil
Angelides will be visiting Hollister Sunday for a luncheon at
Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, where he will speak about his
campaign and mobilize local Democrats to vote in the special
election on November 8.
Hollister – State Treasurer and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides will be visiting Hollister Sunday for a luncheon at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, where he will speak about his campaign and mobilize local Democrats to vote in the special election on November 8.
“Since Angelides announced his intent to run in March, we’ve been campaigning up and down the state,” said campaign spokesman Brian Brokaw. “We’ve been as far north as Eureka and as far south as Calexico, and Angelides is looking forward to spending time in San Benito County.”
Angelides will speak at noon, following his appearance at Simon Salinas’ birthday brunch in Salinas. Approximately 100 local Democrats and interested citizens are expected to attend the $50-per-plate fundraiser. While Angelides has visited Hollister before, this is his first time visiting the county on the campaign trail for governor.
“I’m thrilled and honored about this visit,” said local Democratic Party Chair Jeanie Wallace. “It isn’t every day a state elected official comes to town. I’m very impressed with him as a candidate. I think he’s committed to Democratic values and won’t sell out.”
Angelides is popular among the Democratic Party faithful. The state’s two U.S. Senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, as well as House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Assembly Speaker Fabio Nunez, are as co-chairs of the Angelides campaign.
“Angelides grew up valuing the middle-class work ethic and the responsibility of our society to honor that ethic,” said Wallace. “Which is, I think, a priority for the state, but especially for our county.”
While Angelides’ visit was planned to promote his own campaign, his current priority – and that of the Democratic Party – is to get the vote out for the upcoming special election.
“First and foremost, Angelides wants to talk about the special election,” said Brokaw. “He thinks it’s the wrong thing for California. It bashes teachers and nurses, slashes funding for schools and is turning students away from our colleges and universities. It’s proof that the current governor is beholden to special interests. Angelides has a different set of values.”
“We need help getting people to walk precincts before the election,” said Wallace. “While the luncheon is for anyone, not just those who want to volunteer, we’re hoping seeing Angelides speak will inspire people to get involved.”
According to Wallace, the San Benito County Democratic Central Committee will be hosting more public officials in the coming year.
“We want to bring most of the candidates running for state office here, so Hollister residents can meet these people and decide for themselves how to vote,” she said. “Really, I love these fundraisers. They’re a great way to get everyone together, and remind us of the common values we all share and are committed to.”
Tickets for the luncheon are still available, with “scholarships” available for students and low-income citizens. Those interested can call 637-8012 or 637-1017 for information.
