Leno and Sanchez Spurred by Recent GainsRandy Shawbyline‚ Feb. 19‚ 2008While attention was focused on Obama and Clinton, the campaigns of Mark Leno and Mark Sanchez advanced last week in their respective races for State Senate and District 9 Supervisor. Leno secured the unexpected endorsement of Mayor Gavin Newsom, while his campaign was also encouraged by Joe Nation’s entry into the race and reports that incumbent Carole Migden is having trouble raising money. Sanchez, currently President of the School Board, became the first Supervisor candidate in 2008 to collect enough private donations to qualify for public funds. Both Leno and Sanchez are benefiting from the “big tent” political approach that Barack Obama has used to successfully woo independents and even Republicans. These candidates are not content rounding up the usual suspects, and instead seek to expand their political base. Matt Gonzalez used this approach in his 2003 mayor’s race, and other Green elected officials like Ross Mirkarimi, John Rizzo and Jane Kim have done likewise, collectively creating a real opportunity for San Francisco progressives to transcend political sectarianism to achieve a broader progressive majority. |