Races For Governor And County Supervisor Go Negative

With election day just over two weeks away, the two leading candidates running for the Republican nomination for governor, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and former E-bay CEO Meg Whitman have been on the attack running TV spots on a constant basis.

In Banning where Poizner spoke at a San Gorgonio Pass Republican Women Federated meeting, he defended his negative campaign commercials. His rationale – they’re working. “No question. My polling is just surging her numbers are plummeting.” Said Poizner. “She was ahead by 50 points about 6 weeks ago and now it’s a horse race. So I am just really pleased that people are hearing my message and they like my message.” Said Poizner.

In responding to her campaign’s negative tactics, Whitman’s Press Secretary Sarah Pompei maintains its the best way to make sure voters aren’t mis-led by Poizner. “Our opponent Steve Poizner has been out there not telling the truth about Meg’s record. Voters are looking for someone with an outside perspective. A true fiscal conservative.” Said Pompei.

And in the race for the District 4 seat on the County Board of Supervisors, the Riverside Sheriff’s Association Political Action Committee is supporting Gary Jeandron. In a recent mailer, they ask the question if incumbent John Benoit is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The Sherrifs Association has also footed the bill for a TV commercial that also paints Benoit in a bad light. “Very uncomfortable, sometimes it’s uncomfortable.” Said Jeandron. “But we can support anything that my campaign has said. We will support and document that anytime and its just trying to draw a difference between the two of us.” Said Jeandron.

So far Supervisor Benoit has stuck to his record and hasn’t resorted to derogatory ads directed at his opponent. At the same time, he admits they can sway voters. “I think negative campaign, everybody says stay away from it, but it does have an effect.” Said Benoit. “There will be a certain number of people who don’t pay enough attention that this is gross exageration and in some cases outright lies.” Said Benoit.

Back at Poizners appearance in Banning, the consensus among voters; negative campaigning is a big turnoff. “I don’t like it. We’re adults, this attack ad business, we all know what they’re up to.” Said John Nobles. Added Cindy Walters. “I don’t like mud slinging, its not necessary. If you have issues and values that you stand for that’s all you need to say.”

Nonetheless, you can count on seeing the on-air snipping right up until election day on June 8th.

A note: Steve Poizner will be in the desert on Thursday. He’s holding a town hall meeting at the Homewood Suites in La Quinta. It’s scheduled to start at 10:30 am.