Bass Snubbed By Democrats?

Democratic Party Brochure - circulating in Tuolumne County

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The Tuolumne County Democratic Central Committee has endorsed candidates for the November election, but a very recognizable local name is missing from the list.

The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors seat is non-partisan, but District One Supervisor Liz Bass has never hidden the fact that she is a registered Democrat. Bass has served two terms on the Board, and also previously served on the Sonora City Council. Back in 2000 she became the city's first female Mayor.

Flyers paid for by the California Democratic party are being passed out in the community listing "official endorsements." They include President Barack Obama, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congressional Candidate Jack Uppal and District Five Tuolumne County Supervisorial Candidate Domenic Torchia. However, there is no mention of the District One Supervisors race.

"I'm bewildered, actually," says Bass. "I was never notified that there was any type of endorsement contest, or thing like that, so I was very surprised."

The endorsements have also been listed in different e-mail announcements sent out to many local party members.

The Chairperson of the Tuolumne County Democratic Central Committee is Sharon Marovich, who provides insight on the endorsement process.

"The people we endorse generally come to our meeting, make a presentation, and ask for our endorsement," says Marovich. "Supervisor Bass did not come to any meeting, and to my knowledge, did not ask for our endorsement."

However, supporters of the Bass campaign feel that there could be more to it.

Bass openly admits that she has been criticized in e-mails circulating by some local Democratic party leaders over the past couple years, regarding votes made by the Board of Supervisors. "Whoever put this idea together (endorsements), there is something about me that they don't like," adds Bass. "This is just a very odd thing. I do have an independent mind. This might have to do with what they feel are Democratic values."

This Friday there will be a Grand Opening for the Democratic Headquarters at 47 North Washington Street. There will be information on candidates that are being endorsed. Marovich notes that the committee is also weighing in on the T.U.D. race. Of the nine candidates running, they are endorsing one, David Axelrod. The decision was made at the committee's last meeting, after the earlier referenced flyers were printed. 

Bass is challenged by Sherri Brennan in the November runoff election.

Written by BJ Hansen