Republican Party Unity At Risk With Supervisor Showdown

PALM DESERT – A political showdown is in the works with two well-known Republicans fighting over the Coachella Valley’s county supervisor seat. For the first time in recent memory, some Democrats think they have a chance to win this local election.

Remember when Republicans Gary Jeandron and John Benoit were good friends? They stuck together in the 2008 race. Former Palm Springs Police Chief Jeandron lost his assembly race to Democrat Manuel Perez.

Republican insider sources wishing to remain anonymous say Jeandron was saddened that Supervisor Roy Wilson picked State Senator Benoit to replace him before he died. So, the race is on to become the Coachella Valley’s most powerful local political leader.

We asked Jeandron at his Thursday campaign kickoff, why he was going against a fellow Republican?

He answers, “I’m actually not running against anyone. I’m running my own campaign. I’m running as a County Board of Supervisors candidate who has good ideas.

We pressed, “But John Benoit wants that job too.”

Jeandron replies, “I understand. My focus is not on John Benoit. My focus is not on my opponent.”

Jeandron says he’s he’ll work for one dollar and won’t take money from the county retirement system. Benoit’s campaign would not talk on camera, but their statement has a long list of endorsements that reads as a “who’s who” of power brokers. It includes Rep. Mary Bono Mack, Assemblyman Brian Nestande, Former Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff and 90 percent of local city council members.

Local Democrats are excited at the prospect of a split conservative vote and potentially changing a county Board of Supervisors that are all middle-aged white Republican men

Ellie Kurpewski with Democrats of the Desert explains, “I believe it gives the Democratic Party an opportunity now to put someone forward who can win this seat.”

We ask, “Do you have anyone in mind?” Kurpewski answers, “Not going to reveal that yet. I think that’s up to the candidates themselves to reveal they’re going to be running.”

When asked, “Have people expressed interest in running?” Kurpewski replies, “Yes. We have had those who have expressed interest. They’re just kind of looking at their options.”

But Republicans do enjoy an advantage in voter registration and unless somebody gets a majority vote in June they’ll be a run-off election.