Santa Clara City Clerk Rod Diridon Jr. was considered one of three serious candidates for Assembly District 22. His fundraising has lagged behind his opponents in the Democrat primary — Paul Fong and former Republican staffer Dominic Caserta.
He sent the message below to his supporters last week..
Many in the business community feel that Fong was not a good vote for business but that Diridon and Caserta were going to hand him the election. They are both young moderate candidates from Santa Clara.
Now the whole race has changed. Republican staffer Caserta is now in the running to win this seat. With Diridon in the race he would have been splitting a similar base.
Oh — did I mention that Caserta is running as a Democrat?
Dear Friends,
First, let me say how much I have appreciated all of your support and friendship during my campaign for the State Assembly. Our effort is in good stead, with major supporters, a large fundraising base still to be utilized, and polling numbers that show us in the lead.
With great forethought, and respecting your trust and support, it is important that I share with you now that I will no longer be a candidate for the State Assembly in 2008.
There are two compelling reasons that I have decided to make this very difficult decision. Let me share them with you.
An Opportunity for Better Government:
Last week I met with a number of highly respected leaders from the state and international City Clerk associations. This was a final step to discuss the creation of the California Ethics Project.
This exciting new program will utilize the best practices, learned from Santa Claras award-winning ethics programs and those of other cities, to create a flexible model for City Clerks to implement across California. I am honored to have been asked to create a statewide coalition and serve as the Chair of this new effort.
I have given significant thought as to whether I will do more good pioneering in this program, and raising the caliber of politics across California, or serving as a member of the State Assembly, and dealing with a much broader policy set. I have come to realize that, while any number of people can serve in the Assembly, I am uniquely suited to engage City Clerks, for the first time, in an effort like this.
A Dedication to Public Service:
As the Santa Clara City Clerk, I also serve as the Election Officer for all municipal elections. A few months ago, a coalition of community activists in Santa Clara utilized the referendum process to place an item on the February, 2008 primary ballot. Regardless if you support or oppose the referendum, this right is one of the most fundamental elements of the American political process.
It has also come to my attention, more recently, that a number of active members in the 49ers Stadium debate have expressed a strong determination to place that item on the ballot for the June, 2008 primary election. This is not guaranteed, and as a Clerk I have no opinion on the matter, but it is a distinct possibility.
When combined with the regular, November 2008 City Council elections, that would mean the daunting task of holding three election cycles, in 2008, instead of one. Implementing an election is one of the greatest technical challenges in the City Clerk profession. In a City Clerks Office that has seen the recent retirement of its three top staff people, these responsibilities are not something that I feel comfortable delegating yet.
I have often said that fair and impartial elections are the foundation of democracy, and their sound implementation is one of the promises I made to voters when elected as City Clerk. I also realize that respecting the trust placed in me as a candidate is important, and that there is a distinct possibility that I will not have the time to both meet my obligations as a Clerk, and give the focused effort necessary to properly run for the State Assembly.
Doing the Right Thing:
As you can see, I have had a lot to mull over. Ideologically, the California Ethics Project is a once in a lifetime opportunity to change politics and engage the public in our State. This is a truly exciting opportunity to do something groundbreaking.
Furthermore, as someone who has kept every campaign promise I have ever made, my fidelity to the proper implementation of my current office has to be weighed more heavily than my strong desire to serve in the State Legislature. To honor the trust that so many have placed in me as a candidate, it would not be right to seek your support without knowing I will be able to put my best foot forward for you.
Consequently, as I mentioned earlier, I will no longer be a candidate for the 22nd Assembly District in 2008.
In closing, please know that in continuing to honor your trust, I will return every campaign contribution made to me during the 2008 election cycle. It is my hope that you will find another, equally valuable, use for your community service dollars.
You will receive more information about the California Ethics Project in the months to come. I hope that it will engage you and your communities in "politics at its best" as it has engaged folks here in Santa Clara. Until then, please know that I count myself lucky to have so many good friends and supporters, and that I hope to see each of you sooner than later.
My very best to you and yours.
–Rod Diridon, Jr.