In The News
Alejo kicks off State Assembly campaign
Council member raising money for run
Saturday August 15, 2009
By Register-Pajaronian
source: http://www.register-pajaronian.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=7578&page=72
The Register-Pajaronian, August 15, 2009
http://www.register-pajaronian.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=7578&page=72
Alejo kicks off State Assembly campaign
Council member raising money for run
By JON CHOWN OF THE REGISTER-PAJARONIAN
Published: August 15th, 2009, Register-Pajaronian, Page 1
"He's our Obama. He's on his way to higher drama," sang Bernie Feldman at Luis Alejo's campaign kickoff event held at Jalisco Restaurant in Watsonville Thursday evening.
Alejo, born and raised in Watsonville , is running for state Assembly for the 28th District, an oddly shaped district stretching from south San Jose all the way down to King City.
And Feldman wasn't the only one singing the young City Council member's praises. More than 50 people - not only from Watsonville, but from all over the tri-county region - were at the event to hear what Alejo had to say.
"Luis is one of the most intelligent , hardworking young men I've met in years," said Todd McFarren, a former Watsonville mayor. "He's got fire in his belly."
"He's taken on different issues that are sometimes controversial, but make a difference for people who don't have a voice," said Diana Jimenez, board president of North Monterey County Unified School District. "Fundamentally, his heart is in the right place."
Anna Caballero is currently holding the seat, but she is expected not to run for re-election and instead try for the 12th District State Senate seat, which will be open in 2010 as Jeff Denham is termed out of office. Besides Alejo, Hollister Mayor Eugenia Sanchez, Gilroy Unified School District trustee Francisco Dominguez and San Benito County Supervisor Jamie De La Cruz have announced their candidacies for the seat.
"All the candidates have to run their campaigns as if Anna Caballero is running for senator ," Alejo said, pointing out that the big day was less than a year away because whichever Democrat wins the primary will be expected to win the November election. "The real race is June 8, 2010."
Louis Smith, a Republican from Moss Landing, said he would support Alejo regardless of who won his party's nomination. "I admire his service to the community," Smith said.
Alejo said that, by December , candidates will be judged on their ability to raise money. So far, he has raised more than $15,000. Those with funds will be deemed viable, and those without won't . Alejo already has campaign offices in Watsonville , Salinas, Greenfield, Hollister and Gilroy. Les Gardner, former chairman of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Party, came from his home in Felton to show his support.
"I've known Luis for six or seven years and I've really enjoyed seeing him grow in his experience and ability to show leadership," Gardner said. "It would be wonderful to have a young person who grew up in Watsonville represent the district ."
PHOTO: Luis Alejo speaks to his supporters during a campaign rally held Thursday at Jalisco Restaurant in Watsonville. Behind him are Todd McFarren (from left) and Bernie Feldman.