The Service Employees International Union ran a full-page ad earlier this week in The Bee as part of its drive to unionize about 2,000 workers at Community Medical Centers.

The ad, which called for a “fair election agreement,” featured 57 signatures. Not surprisngly, a majority were Democrats, union activists, clergy and liberals.

Then there was Clovis Council Member Nathan Magsig, a Republican and candidate for the District 5 seat on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Not only were some local Republicans shocked to see Magsig’s signature, but a few of his fellow signees said he didn’t belong in the ad because of his support for a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clovis.

“The guy votes for Wal-Mart one week, then turns around and says ‘give me a purple t-shirt, boys,’” said John Hutson, referring to the SEIU’s signature clothing choice. “What’s up with that?”

Hutson, who signed the open letter, is active in the Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare Counties Building and Construction Trades Council.

Local Republican strategist Michael Der Manouel Jr. said Magsig’s name “doesn’t belong on that list, because the unionization of that hospital will make it non-viable.”

There was even speculation that Magsig’s signature was an attempt to curry support from labor after the Wal-Mart vote as he vies with fellow Republican Debbie Poochigian to replace Supervisor Bob Waterston.

For Magsig, the explanation was simple: He signed a letter that calls for offering workers a choice, nothing more. He wasn’t currying favor with anybody.

“I believe people should have the choice to choose whether or not they want to unionize,” he said. “That’s in compliance with the law. It’s not my place to be pro-union or anti-union.”

At least one person isn’t buying it. Hutson said the signature combined with the Wal-Mart vote shows Magsig is trying to have it both ways. Because of that, he said he’ll support Poochigian in the supervisors race — and work to have the local building trades union endorse her as well.