Elk Grove Dems Rally Around Candidates at Fundraiser


  Bera’s status against Lungren buoys event



Dr. Ami Bera addresses supporters

A spirited group gathered at an Elk Grove restaurant last night for a fundraiser and to support local Democratic candidates.

Organized by the Elk Grove Community Connection and the Elk Grove South County Democratic Club, dozens of supporters gathered to snack, talk politics and lend support to several candidates.



Delivering the keynote speech was Dr. Ami Bera who is running for Congress against Republican Dan Lungren for California’s 3rd district. Bera’s campaign has been in the national spotlight as the race has been classified a “tossup.”

Bera said the 2010 election was more important than 2008 as it will indicate what direction the country will go for the next several years. Bera said when Republicans are asked what their agenda is should they take control of Congress, he said they have stated they would return to their pre-2006 agenda.

“I don’t want to go back to that agenda,” Bera told the enthused gathering.

Acknowledging the closeness of his race and his campaign's momentum, Bera noted his campaign’s large group of volunteers who have made more that 225,000 phone or personal contacts would make the difference.

“This is something the Republicans cannot duplicate,” he said.

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(l-r) Gary Davis, Genevieve Shiroma and Doug McElroy.

Along with Bera, other candidates who spoke were Elk Grove Council Member Jim Cooper who is running for Sacramento County Sheriff, Elk Grove City Council Member Gary Davis who is running for reelection, Elk Grove City Council candidate Davies Ononiwu, SMUD Director  Genevieve Shiroma who is running for a fourth term, Board of Equalization District 2 candidate Chris Parker and Cosumnes Community Services District candidates Rob Brewer and Doug McElroy.

Cooper, who is in a tight race against Scott Jones, cited his long law enforcement career and experience on the Elk Grove City Council saying that he has the leadership skills so desperately need now at the department.

“We can make it better, but it starts at the top,” Cooper said.

Cooper also referenced current sheriff John McGinness, a semi-regular guest on local radio station KFBK, who has endorsed Jones.

Jim Cooper said the sheriff's department needs a change
in leadership starting at the top.

“It is a great department looking for leadership,” Cooper said. “[McGinness] is more interested in talking on the radio than administering the department.”

Organizers of the event were pleased with the enthusiasm and their slate of candidates saying it was a great success.

"This first ever event was a complete success. We were thrilled at the turnout and it was wonderful to see our local candidates interacting with members of our community,” Elk Grove Community Connection representative Connie Conley said. “Great conversation, great food while supporting local businesses - winning combination for sure."