Cunneen, Campbell support candidates Jackson, Blanton
By Nathan R. Huff
In politics, it usually pays to have as many friends as possible. But for outgoing District 24 Assemblyman Jim Cunneen, friendships can also complicate matters.
Cunneen has decided to give co-endorsements to rival Republican primary candidates Suzanne Jackson, a Monte Sereno City Council member, and Steve Blanton, a Los Gatos Town Council member. This is the second co-endorsement Blanton and Jackson have received; Congressman Tom Campbell has also offered his support to both candidates.
Blanton and Jackson have worked extensively with Cunneen in past campaigns, and the assemblyman said he has longstanding personal relationships with both candidates. Blanton and Jackson also have supported each other in past council elections.
"I think both would be outstanding representatives for our community," Cunneen said. "Both bring their own strengths to the race." He described Blanton and Jackson as holding the same "moderate Republican" views as he does.
Steve Blanton
Press releases from the Jackson and Blanton camps made no mention of the "co" part of the co-endorsement. Jackson's release does mention that Cunneen was proud to make her the "first candidate I have offered to endorse ... ."
Jackson told The Los Gatos weekly Times that she was not surprised by the co-endorsement. "He knows us both," she said. "When you get two candidates on the same page philosophically, what are you going to do?"
Vice-mayor Blanton, who has received county Supervisor Don Gage's endorsement, was unavailable for comment. In a press release, which stated that Blanton is "quickly becoming the choice of Silicon Valley Republicans," Blanton said he was "honored" by Cunneen's endorsement.
"Someone who's been involved in politics as long as Jim Cunneen is going to make a lot of friends. It's a difficult situation," said Tab Berg, spokesperson for Steve Blanton.
The 24th District seat for which Jackson and Blanton are vying encompasses southwestern sections of Silicon Valley, including Cupertino, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Santa Teresa, Almaden Valley and parts of south San Jose. The area has a history of electing moderate Republicans.
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