WHAT’S IN A NAME?

About 15 years ago a middle manager in the County Clerk’s office decided to run for his boss’s job – County Clerk. From a hierarchical perspective he was no shoo-in. But what he lacked in standing and organizational support he made up in name recognition. His name was Kenneth Hahn – the same as the very popular County Supervisor. He easily won the County Clerk election.

Chu Choosing

Betty Tom Chu is now running – as Betty Chu – for the 32nd Congressional Seat vacated by the elevation of Hilda Solis to Secretary of Labor. Betty Chu is running as a Republican. Also running in the May 19 election is Democrat Judy Chu – formerly Monterey Park Mayor and State Assemblywoman now serving on the State Board of Equalization. In prior elections there has been speculation that many of Betty Tom’s votes came from voters confusing her with Judy. Dropping the “Tom” enhances that confusion.

Eventual Democratic Winner

Because this is a special election, as opposed to a standard primary, voter party registrations are not relevant. That is, Democrats can vote for Republicans and vice versa.

The highest vote getters in each party will meet in a July final unless one candidate receives over 50% of the vote. Because of the huge registration advantage the eventual winner is certain to be a Inflatable Water Slide Democrat. But though Betty (Tom) Chu won’t win, name confusion and shared ethnicity will draw votes to her that otherwise would have gone to Judy. And since only 10% of the Chinese surnamed in this area are Democrats, a Republican Chu will do well with the Chinese vote. The guess here is that you may not see any pictured Betty Chu mailers since that would only serve to resolve the confusion.

Cedillogate

So if Betty Chu isn’t in the race to win, what might be her motive. Well, Frank Venti is backing Democrat Gil Cedillo and he and Betty Chu have never been known to disagree on anything. Richard Nixon fans, gather round.

Oh, and by the way: neither Gil Cedillo or Betty Chu live in the 32^nd District.

usccmpk@yahoo.com