Assemblyman Sandre Swanson confirmed Tuesday that he’ll challenge incumbent Loni Hancock for her newly drawn state Senate seat next year, setting up a term-limit-fueled, Democrat-on-Democrat grudge match that’s sure to divide many East Bay allies.

Sandre Swanson will challenge Loni Hancock for State Senate http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19540356

Yay!!??

I don’t know. I don’t know enough about him or the incumbent.

A friend suggested that I get to know Swanson and chronicle my learnings on this here blog. I signed up on Facebook, put myself on the Swanson email list and learned that he was co- sponsoring a food drive at Everett and Jones that was held last week. Food drive, free bbq..I was soo down!

BBQ and Elbow rubs.

Swanson/Lee/Carson Christmas Party, 2011 <— View Photos here

I couldn't get there at 5 when it started, but when I did arrive (at 6) E&J was already packed full of people I did not know. Luckily I brought a friend, and my handy dandy camera to take pictures and pretend like I had a purpose.

I didn't learn very much though. The speeches I heard contained a lot of "Thank You for.." and "Look who's here!.." and "Great job everyone!" and "Remember when..?" none of which I took notes on because I was too busy partaking of bbq beef and cornbread muffins while trying to look pretty. I did make note that Sandre Swanson was there, along with Keith Carson (co-sponsor), Desley Brooks and a rep for Rebecca Kaplan. Barbara Lee (another co-sponsor) was not present because she still had some voting to do down in DC. Something to do with payroll taxes. 😉

Thanks to Pamela Drake for chatting with me as well. So, I knew two people. 🙂

All in all, the event was a great mixer for those that have worked with Carson, Swanson and Lee for a long time. It also helped collect food for the local food bank. Several bins were filled with food. I brought beans, peas and corn. Keepin' it healthy!

Were you there? Was there other stuff to learn? Share!

Some Learning..

District 9 ( download District 9 Map.pdf) includes parts of Contra Costa County (Hercules, Richmond, El Cerrito) and Alameda County (Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda and San Leandro).

Loni Hancock has served as the representative since 2008. I remember voting for her..I don’t remember why. (bad Tonya, bad!) Her website says that she is a strong advocate for criminal justice, government reform, education and environment. She recently stood by the California Faculty Association during the strike at CSU East Bay and was (is she still?) a supporter of the Occupy movement and supported the General Strike on Nov. 2nd.

Sandre’ Swanson has been the State Assembly District 16 (Emeryville, Oakland, Peidmont and Alameda) Rep since 2006. Serving the public for the past 30 years, Swanson’s legislative work is pretty transparent. His website, Facebook and newsletter lists legislative wins through the year for 2011, and also for 2006 and 2007. Those include: new child labor laws, strengthening laws human trafficking, small business tax credits, and justice for low wage workers in 2011. His bio says he also has a deep commitment towards access to health care. What happened in 2008-2010? Dunno. Not on the website. Get on it Swanson Communications team!!

So who should we vote for in June? We shall see. As I learn I will share.

What do you know? Got an inside scoop that should be public? Share!