(March 29, 2008, updated 8:28 p.m.) -- This afternoon (Sat. March 29), members of the Democratic Party's District Level Endorsement Caucus (Party Central Committee members) meeting at the state Party's convention in San Jose voted to back Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal in her June ballot duel with fellow LB Democrat/Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga.
The vote was: 28 votes for Vice Mayor Lowenthal; 7 votes for Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga; 4 votes for no endorsement.
With nearly 72% of those voting for Lowenthal (surpassing the 60% required for endorsement under Party rules), Vice Mayor Lowenthal becomes the official endorsee of the CA Democratic Party (when the item clears Sunday's consent calendar).
Reaction is pending from the Reyes Uranga camp and will be provided here as received.
Evan Braude, a supporter of the Lowenthal campaign [and a former 1st district LB Councilman] present at the San Jose convention, told LBReport.com at early evening: "We're delighted that Bonnie received overwhelming support. At the endorsement caucus, both candidates got up and spoke."
Mr. Braude also indicated that Vice Mayor Lowenthal and Councilwoman Uranga went before the CA Nurses Ass'n yesterday (March 28)...and today that group annonced that it is giving its endorsement to Vice Mayor Lowenthal.
As previously indicated on LBReport.com, the District Level Endorsement Caucus (Central Committee) vote is subject to a procedurally possible signature-gathering/challenge process (by Reyes Uranga) that could prompt a floor vote at the convention on Sunday. However, LBReport.com is informed that Sergio Carrillo, Region 17 chair of the Democratic Party (who oversaw the voting and would be the logical point of contact) apparently hasn't been contacted about such a procedure.
In the days preceding the vote, Vice Mayor Lowenthal's campaign issued releases announcing the endorsements of LB Mayor Bob Foster (March 28) and Councilmembers Patrick O'Donnell and Val Lerch (March 25).
The ultimate choice for Dem voters in LB, Signal Hill, San Pedro and Palos Verdes comes in June...and recent history indicates that the Party's official choice isn't always the voters' choice.
In June 2006, Warren Furutani, backed by the state Party's endorsement and more money than his opponent, lost to then LB Councilwoman Laura Richardson (who went on to win the 55th Assembly district seat).
In June 2007, State Senator Jenny Oropeza (D., southbay) had the Party's official endorsement to succeed the late Cong. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D., Carson-LB)...and Richardson outpolled her among Dems.
The Lowenthal campaign release has noted that in the Assembly race, roughly 60% of Dem voters live in LB.
