I just talked to a long time friend who's a well-known figure in Oakland Politics. When I asked him who he was backing for Mayor, he said "Ignacio's my friend, but he can't beat Ron Dellums (pictured to the left). In polling he's way ahead (of Ignacio) by factor of three-to-one. Dellums has 51 percent, but Ignacio can't get pass 17 percent."
When I asked why Ignacio (who's at the left) didn't just drop out of the race considering the terrible poll numbers, my friend says "Ignacio knows this, but is going forward anyway. Ron (Dellums) may have a harder time with (Oakland mayoral candidate Nancy) Nadel."
Nancy Nadel's (pictured at right) the true dark horse in this campaign. The District Three Councilmember appeals to the same progressive base as Dellums, doesn't have anywhere near the number of naysayers as De La Fuente, and is female -- an advantage in a city well-known for electing women elected officials. Nancy's one very glaring weakness is that she reaches out only to one particular class of Oaklanders, and virtually ignores Oakland's business leaders. For someone who's district includes Oakland's downtown, this is a terrible pattern to maintain. Ignacio has the support of Oakland's business leaders, but not it's progressive, middle class, hill area, and now black leaders. Plus, he's regarded by some as a man with an attitude and a not-so-thick skin.
My friend observed that another reason for Ignacio's poor showing in the polls is that he's got a lot of entrenched enemies, and thus few to really step forward to publicly speak for him who don't have their hands in his political pockets. The City Council President has an unfortunate knack for getting upset with some over small matters, then making hurtful remarks or actions, and this author's no exception to that rule.
Still, Ignacio -- who's always wanted to be Oakland's Mayor - fights on.
Comments
As to my post on how Jerry treats his staff, it's still in my system, Gil. Click here to read it
I must inform Jerry Brown aides, especially Gil, that when they come to post on Blogger, I can see their IP adress and location information. It reads "City of Oakland."
This tells me that you all are writing these bogus comments using Oakland taxpayer money.
Why not use it to help the people of Oakland, rather than Jerry's AG campaign.