Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:28

Races For GOP Governor Nomination, Amador County Assessor Decided Today

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slide2-races_for_gop_governor_nomination_amador_county_assessor_decided_today.pngAmador County – Heated races on both a local and state level will be decided by California voters today, as well as the fate of a number of proposed propositions. Money seems to play an important role in the race between well-funded Meg Whitman and underdog Steve Poizner for the GOP nomination for Governor in the 2010 election. Whitman, the former President and CEO of Ebay, has contributed $71 million to her campaign, compared to the $25 million spent by Poizner, who currently serves as Insurance Commissioner for the State. Both Republican candidates have spent a combined total of $103 million, making this the most expensive primary in California’s history. The contest has been ugly at times, and much of the candidates recent energy has been focused on who can claim to be the most vehemently opposed to illegal immigration, cited as “the number one” issue amongst conservative voters. Most polls indicate Whitman as the favorite to win. The winner will face off against Democratic nominee Jerry Brown, the former California Governor and current Attorney General. The only contested local seat is that of County Assessor. Incumbent Jim Rooney is being challenged by Jay Elias, an Auditor and 23-year employee of the Amador County Auditor’s Office. Rooney is citing his track record and numerous accomplishments during a time of budget reductions as the reasons to reelect him, while Elias is running on a platform of “public service over politics” and pledges to introduce further efficiencies to streamline office operations. The two candidates squared off in a well-attended debate hosted by Elias last Wednesday. Five propositions are also up for public consideration. Proposition 13 provides that construction to seismically retrofit buildings will not trigger reassessment of property tax values. Proposition 14 would change the primary election process for congressional, statewide and legislative races. Proposition 15, also known as the California Fair Elections Act, would repeal the ban on public funding of political campaigns. Proposition 16 imposes a new two thirds voter approval requirement for local public electricity providers. And Proposition 17 allows auto insurance carriers to base prices in part on a driver’s history of insurance coverage. All the propositions have strong support and opposition from both elected officials and/or major corporations. Arguments for and against each proposition are outlined in the June ballot book. TSPN will bring you the results of our election coverage on Wednesday after the final votes are tallied Tuesday night. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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