James Gore, Lobbyist

In a recent poll, twenty-eight percent of likely voters interviewed said they support progressive Deb Fudge in her campaign to replace outgoing Supervisor Mike McGuire; 21 percent support the well-liked former Healdsburg Mayor Pete Foppiano; and 12 percent support former lobbyist James Gore. What is particularly interesting here is whether Gore, a Washington lobbyist for the wine corporations, can buy the election with money from the Sonoma County grape barons. With their hefty donations, Gore has raised more cash than the other four candidates combined. Gore is unqualified and an employee of the 1%, but can he (and they) buy an election? Look for Gore billboards, found alongside the roads with major vineyards. (This election represents current GOP thinking in Sonoma County.  Because Republicans seldom win, the GOP runs corporate Democrats like Gore for office. In this case what is at stake is majority control of the Board of Supervisors by corporations.)