Bay Guardian Backs Leno, Landlords Move to Joe NationRandy Shawbyline‚ May. 02‚ 2008The lines are clearly drawn in the critical race to represent eastern San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma in the State Senate. After getting strong pressure from backers of both Mark Leno and Carole Migden, the San Francisco Bay Guardian endorsed Leno this week, solidifying the Assembly member’s progressive base. Meanwhile, leaders of San Francisco’s leading landlord groups---the Coalition for Better Housing, San Francisco Apartment Association, and the Small Property Owners---have made it clear who they are supporting, having scheduled a May 8 fundraiser for Joe Nation’s State Senate campaign. The suggested donation for the event is $500, which means that Nation could easily net over $100,000 in his race to represent tenant-heavy San Francisco. Real estate interests were likely counting on Leno and Migden splitting San Francisco’s progressive vote, but the Bay Guardian recognized the incumbent was too politically damaged to win, and endorsed Leno to help keep the seat in progressive hands. |