Hume's Endorsement Deficit

Hume's personal endorsements from 2006 start migration to Murphey camp

If endorsements are any barometer of electoral success, last week was disastrous for Elk Grove Council Member Pat Hume's reelection bid.



Former Hume supporter Bob Lent now supports Murphey 

First came news that one of Hume's opponents, George Murphey, had won the all-important endorsement from the Elk Grove Police Officer's Association.

"The Elk Grove Police Officer's Association took great care in our choices for Elk Grove City Council," association president Dan Koontz said. "After a thorough review, George Murphey was the clear choice not only for Elk Grove Police Services, but for the city of Elk Grove."

On top of that, Hume's colleague on the city council, Vice Mayor Steve Detrick, also announced his endorsement of Murphey in an e-mail announcing a major fundraiser being held by a former Hume supporter, Bob Lent. In the 2006 not only did Lent support and advocate for his Elk Grove Rotary pal, he gave significant financial support for Hume.

Adding to his woes, if Hume were to visit Murphey's endorsement page on his campaign's website, he would find several community leaders who have dumped him in favor of Murphey. Amongst Hume's significant 2006 supporters who have switched allegiance are Tom Shine and Shirley Peters.

While the question of  the importance of endorsements is always open for debate, the fact that several people who strongly supported Hume in 2006 are dumping him like a bad in habit in 2010 can't bode well in his efforts for a second term.