Due to an editing error (and it was a doozy), we neglected to include Supervisor Dave Potter in our previous Election Alert email! So please see the first item below, and while you're at it, refresh your memory about our other candidates and positions in the June 3 primary. You can also see our page with all the local Democratic candidates.

Dave Potter is one of our most important voices on the County Board of Supervisors and the only voice for the Central Coast on the California Coastal Commission.

Now in his 3rd term, Dave has represented the 5th District since 1996. He previously served on the City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Board for the city of Monterey. He's the county's representative locally, statewide and nationally for legislative advocacy, tourism, economic development and historic preservation.

This extensive experience in local government has helped make Dave one of the county's most successful leaders, known for bringing people together to achieve results that work for all of us.

Find out more about Dave at davepotterforsupervisor.com.

The June election will be a turning point for Monterey County. With Republican Ila Mettee-McCutchon we would have more fighting over growth, neglect of services, and government for the few. Democrat Jane Parker, however, will provide the inclusive problem-solving skills that our county government needs:

"My priorities are to solve our budget crisis, provide high quality health care to all Monterey County residents, implement smart growth policies, and reduce youth violence.

I believe that too many people have become disconnected from their county government because it doesn't seem to represent them. Too many decisions seem to get made that are in the interest of the few rather than the many." 

To learn more, or to donate money or time to Jane Parker's campaign, visit electjaneparker.com. 

The recall of Jeff Denham has always been a people-powered effort, and that is especially true now, as Monterey County Democrats continue to support the recall of Jeff Denham. Denham misled voters about his pay and helped delay the state budget last summer weeks beyond the mandatory July 1 deadline. We face a far larger budget crisis this year and already Denham and the Republicans are insisting on crippling cuts to schools and health care, even at the cost of another budget delay.

Voters deserve better. As consumers, we wouldn't wait three years to trade in a broken cell phone, a TV on the fritz or new car that turned out to be a lemon. 60,000 voters signed petitions to put the recall on the ballot, and on June 3 voters will get the chance to fire Denham and replace him with someone who will represent their needs fairly and honestly: Simon Salinas. Read more...

Not only will voters in the 12th Senate District fire the failed Jeff Denham, but they will replace him with Simon Salinas, an experienced legislator who knows their needs. He represented the Salinas Valley in the Assembly from 2000 to 2006 and currently serves on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. Salinas will not only be an improvement over Denham, but he will provide leadership on the state's fiscal woes:

"Some say California is facing a budget crisis. I say the crisis we face is one of will and imagination. How we step up and meet our challenges defines us as a state and as a people. We cannot - we must not - sacrifice the future of a single child in California to make up for the failings of a political system that puts partisan interests ahead of the needs of our citizens."

For more information, and to support his campaign, visit simonsalinasforsenate.com.

The only two propositions on the June ballot are rival measures dealing with eminent domain. Wealthy landlords spent millions to get Prop. 98 on the ballot to eliminate rent control and other important renter protections like the fair return of deposits. 98 could also stop future water projects, destroy local land-use planning, erode environmental protections and lead to higher taxpayer costs.

Prop 99, the Homeowners Protection Act, is real eminent domain reform. It prohibits government from taking homes to transfer to private developers. 99 has no hidden agendas and no adverse consequences like Prop 98 does. Read more...

If you have not yet registered to vote, or wish to reregister as a Democrat, you have until May 19 to do so for the June 3 election. Registration forms are available at our campaign headquarters in Monterey (60 Bonifacio Plaza, just off Alvarado near the Britannia Arms pub) and Salinas (931 E. Market St.) or at the Monterey County Elections Office (1370 B S. Main St., Salinas) - or by clicking here.

Early voting starts: May 5 / Registration ends: May 19 / Vote-by-mail deadline: May 28.

Poll Day: June 3

Poll locations: smartvoter.org 

Invest in Democratic victory in 2008 - and earn benefits at the same time! VictoryShare holders get free or discounted admission to special events, such as our VictoryShares brunches with Congressman Sam Farr, Assemblymembers John Laird and Anna Caballero and other leaders we're lining up right now!

Your investment is critical at this time to help us win in 2008.