The Political Insider of the Desert Sun was surprised to find Steve Clute with us at Manuel Perez’s victory party last week. We weren’t. When Manuel Perez announced his candidacy for the 80th AD, Steve Clute was there. Steve Clute was part of our kickoff, and his endorsement quote headed the original website: “Manuel has the heart, corazon, to truly represent the people of this district.” Clute left me a classy message before the campaign, and called me afterwards to thank me again for my work on behalf of Manuel. He made that call to everyone heavily involved in the campaign.
As we head into the general election, it’s appropriate to take a moment to appreciate what a mensch Steve Clute’s been throughout this campaign.
Crossposted to dKos: http://www.dailykos.com/story/…
After he fell off the public radar screen, the Sizzler restaurant in Coachella was one of the last places we (the Political Insider) expected to have a Steve Clute sighting. Yet at Tuesday’s victory party for Manuel Perez, that’s exactly where we found the one-time Democratic nominee for the 80th who had lost the 2006 election to incumbent Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia.
“It’s great to be here with Manuel Perez, his family and everybody who worked so hard to congratulate them on a fantastic campaign,” Clute said.
Clute backed a winner, as Perez pulled out a primary election victory over three opponents. He’ll face Republican Gary Jeandron in the November general election for the 80th Assembly. Garcia, a Cathedral City Republican, can’t run again because of term limits.
“I think Manuel is someone who knows the district,” Clute said. “He’s well-educated and committed to the people who live here.”
Like Manuel Perez in 2008, Steve Clute had vigorous support from the education community during his 2006 race:
Allen Tarzwell, teacher, quoted in the California Progess Report back in 06:
Teachers are supporting Steve Clute for Assembly. Clute, a navy veteran who has served in the legislature before, is a moderate Democrat with common sense approaches to problems. He’s someone who supports education and other causes that are near and dear to teachers, like children’s health care. He’s right on the issues and he’s got the experience to get the job done.
It seems much longer than a year ago that Steve Clute first stood with Manuel, the longshot candidate, grassroots champion of working families, teachers, students, women, and healthcare providers:
From the campaign kickoff press release:
Educator and Health Proponent Manuel Perez and former Assemblyman Steve Clute to share their vision of the future of the California State Assembly, 80th District
– Press Conference –
Cathedral City, CA – April, 18, 2007
– Healthcare Proponent and Educator Manuel Perez to announce his bid to be the next 80th District Assemblyman, 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2007, in front of the Cathedral City City Hall.Joining him on the campaign kick-off and three-stop tour of the 80th District is former Assemblyman Steve Clute, community leaders and friends of the Manuel Perez for the California State Assembly, 80th District Campaign.
Cathedral City, CA
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Where: Cathedral City Civic Center, in front of City Hall
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral CityCoachella, CA
When: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday
Where: Eleanor Shadowen Senior Center
1540 7th Street, Downtown CoachellaEl Centro, CA
When: 2 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Antonio’s Restaurant
215 N. Imperial Avenue, El CentroManuel Perez brings to this critical time the key attributes of leadership which have become all too rare: a warm heart; a cool head; a fair mind; fresh ideas; a belief in people; and an unwavering desire to attend to the needs of others. Best of all, he brings an unbroken record of real achievements.
Now Manuel Perez heads into the general election, ready to take the 80th AD back for the Democrats, one more progressive for the 2/3 majority. The crucial 2/3/ majority is all the more feasible now, and in a large part thanks to Steve Clute, who spoke up early and stands with Manuel all the way.
Thank you, Steve Clute.