I was at an Obama-watching party last night early (at Elbow Room...who the heck put it there?? A Repub stronghold, people actually left the patio saying "I'd better move inside before I get into trouble by saying something.") Hillary just won't quit, will she?

Then I moved to Ashley's party. I wanted to meet her and ask her one question: Will you attend the Fresno Reel Pride festival as Mayor, supporting a major City event, despite any personal feelings you might have?

She thought for a bit. A Mayoral candidate THOUGHT for a bit. Then she said "Yes. Yes I probably would support such City events. I wouldn't want to alienate anyone in the City of Fresno."

I wrote her a check.

Then I spoke with the myriad crew of folk at her event...from top Repub-types to top liberals. Usually people at such things are either: a) drunk, or b) drunk on power.

These folks were just...normal. They all spoke highly of Swearengin and her work ethic and mom ethic and abilities to fix problems calmly.

I spoke to her one last time and she said "let's talk more about this." Now...I'm just a shlub. No major contributor, and let's face it, not necessarily someone a politician wants on their public roster of supporters, but she has emailed me several times and called once.

If she's not a candidate of the people, I don't know who is...and I really LIKE Henry T!

Oh, I forgot the real reason I'm writing: The Fresno Bee election coverage last night was HORRIBLE. NOT live. NOT up-to-date (it fell wayyyyy behind the Fresno County election site, which was ALSO well behind the actual results. Thank goodness for KMJ radio).

i knew from day 1 that henry t. perea would be the top dogg. looks like he's going to have a battle with ashley. but i think henry t will previal, especially if the young people get out and vote.

Looking at these two candidates made me curious as to how many former mayors I could name...

Aside from having to do a history report in 3rd grade on Chester Rowell and some trips to the Fulton Mall for Passport: Fresno back in the 80's, I'm not too familiar with Fresno history.

But (of course) there is a Wiki page of mayors, so test your knowledge and see how many you can name before checking your answers here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mayors_of_Fresno,_California

I can't say I have more than a website viewing's knowledge of either candidate's stance on "the issues", but (although Ray Appleton and his KKKMJ listeners/followers might disagree), I would say it's about time for a Latino mayor in a city that's >40% Latino.

Although, it would be a nice "first" to have the wife of a local sportscaster as mayor...was Vic "The Brick" ever married?

Si se puede!

Ugh. Dale Doig? I totally forgot about him...he was mayor when I moved here! Utterly forgettable.

I also didn't realize Arthur Selland died in office. Interesting site, thanks for the post.

And yah, I actually also didn't think (shameful) about having a Latino mayor in an area that's actually >50% Hispanic.

And if someone actually married 'Vic the Brick' and I can't get a date, I'm ending my life now. Well, not now, but on Nov 6, after I watch Obama get elected!