ENDORSEMENTS PLAY KEY ROLE IN VOTING!

By Diane A. Lenning, Ed.M.

REVIEW ALL INFORMATION regarding Endorsements of candidates. Candidates listed on slates can be misleading. Slates are sometimes purchased by the candidate, or special interests groups of partisan leaning.

In the selection process of key endorsements for non-partisan positions, candidates are often asked questions regarding social and political issues not necessarily related to the purview of the specific office.

We also know for example, that a candidate of left-leaning views will often package one's image in a more centric view in order to gain votes from more moderate and conservative voters.

Watch for endorsement fliers not purchased by candidates. These political action groups survey the candidates and have record of the views of candidates.

Remember, people of one party can buy slots on slates of the other candidate's party, depending on who has the money to purchase the slate. This can often be misleading of the true positions of some candidates.

I am the ONLY REPUBLICAN on the ballot for the position of Coast Community College Board, District 3. I am the ONLY CANDIDATE ENDORSED by the Republican Party of Orange County because I am the candidate who supports and upholds the views of the Republican Party.

Because I am known and very active in the field of Education as the Republican Educators Caucus Chair, some have worked to undercut my influence by giving valued union funds or endorsement to candidates of other persuasions.

It is unfortunate that some teachers' unions have supported non-Republican candidates a disproportionate amount of the time in the state of California over many years. A few have even refused to interview Republican candidates.

There is recent movement toward more equitable endorsement and spending of union funds; however, it may take many years of hard work for a fair and equitable balance of endorsements and spending.

It is important to find out what issues are considered during the endorsement process.

A 2004 United States Senate MEDAL of FREEDOM AWARD Recipient, an honor I highly value, this award is the next best thing to an endorsement one can get from the Republicans of the United States. I have been honored by this award for my contributions to public policy in speaking, writing, and lobbying at the local, state, and national levels.

I value your support and would be greatly honored by your vote regardless of which party you belong. I am honored to be endorsed by valued community leaders, and would be honored by your vote as well. I am dedicated to the idea of working with individuals of various viewpoints in order to arrive at viable solutions representing all citizens of our communities.

I will always listen to all sides of the arguments and decide fairly on issues of great importance for the students of Coast Community College District.

Thank You! Your vote is important. Every vote counts!