Backed by tech cash, they’re spending big in an effort to regain control of the volunteer-run organization
In what has become a bitter proxy for the larger battle between moderates and progressives over the future of San Francisco politics, a reformist slate of candidates called SF Democrats For Change — backed in part by big money from tech luminaries — is trying to bring an end to progressive control of the local Democratic Party with next Tuesday’s election.
Through Friday, the SF Democrats For Change slate had raised $1.76 million, compared with $551,000 raised by Labor & Working Families candidates. The slate includes Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Catherine Stefani, as well as Michela Alioto-Pier, a former supervisor. The Labor & Working Families slate includes Supervisor Connie Chan and former Supervisors John Avalos, Sandra Lee Fewer, Jane Kim and Gordon Mar; public defender Mano Raju; and Sal Rosselli, president of the National Union of Healthcare Workers.
Dorsey, who had raised $101,378 for his committee race, cited the party’s endorsement that same year of John Hamasaki against Brooke Jenkins; Jenkins nevertheless won decisively for district attorney. He also pointed to a recent Labor & Working Families email that urged supporters to get out the vote to protect “our efforts to defund public safety initiatives.”
“You have billionaires and, frankly, conservative interests that are trying to buy this election so they can control the Democratic Party,” said Peter Gallotta, an incumbent on the Democratic Party committee. “And by virtue of controlling the Democratic Party, they can set the table for the issues in San Francisco.”
Another is Leah LaCroix, who is running for a third four-year term and had raised only $7,342. She said those trying to “purchase” the party committee are not thinking about the vital role volunteer activism plays in making a strong Democratic Party. “For me, it’s about showing up and doing the work. I don’t believe that money should be the thing that wins out in elections,” LaCroix said.
The “billionaires” and other wealthy interests already control much of the rest of local government except for the Democratic County Central Committee, Anderson said. If the SF Democrats for Change slate wins, he said, expect to see the committee take stances that are more pro-big business and less favorable to labor.
Mahmood, who resists labels and claims support from across the political spectrum, denied the charge in an interview, saying there were appropriate disclaimers.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
President Biden to Skip Democratic National Committee Victory Party in South CarolinaPresident Biden will not attend the Democratic National Committee’s victory party in South Carolina, raising eyebrows and concerns about his age and support among black voters.
Read more »
Colorado Has the Most Minor Political Parties in Decades — Meet the Newest OneThe Forward Party just became the state's eighth official minor political party.
Read more »
Can U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales survive the Texas GOP’s effort to purge its moderates?Republicans once needed a unicorn to hold Texas' swingy 23rd Congressional District. Now that it's a safe seat, Gonzales' credentials are under attack.
Read more »
Coinbase-Backed DeSo SocialFi App Focus Raises $75 Million in One WeekCrypto Blog
Read more »
U.S. Military Launches Air Assault on Iran-Backed Militia Sites in Iraq and SyriaThe U.S. military launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iran-backed militia groups. The massive barrage of strikes hit more than 85 targets at seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, drone and ammunition storage sites and other facilities that were connected to the militias or the IRGC’s Quds Force, the Guard’s expeditionary unit that handles Tehran’s relationship with and arming of regional militias.
Read more »
Koch-Backed Super PAC Will No Longer Contribute To Nikki Haley’s CampaignMarita Vlachou is a breaking news reporter for HuffPost based in London, United Kingdom.
Read more »