news story / By Andrew Goff

Meet the Marin-onites

… and the others who’d like to become your next congressman in California’s newly minted 2nd District

(Jan. 19, 2012)  Southern Humboldt residents prepared to receive a max dosage of Congressional candidates on Sunday as they gathered for a 10-person, three-hour slog of a debate at the Mateel Community Center.

Who wants a button? The pre-debate meet-and-greet served up a when-worlds-collide spectacle. Well-groomed candidates rubbed elbows with the less appearance-concerned among their potential SoHum constituents. Indoors, a string quartet trudged earnestly through Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik while cheese and wine were served. Occasionally, when the entrance door opened, ganja smoke and the sound of motorcycle engines wafted in. Hopeful candidates set up modest tables replete with campaign literature and swag. Likewise, local activists advertised right back at them with “Save Richardson Grove” and “No Nukes” signs.

Sunday’s 2nd district Congressional candidates debate PHOTO BY ANDREW GOFF

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Impressively, the event — organized by Maiden Humboldt and broadcast on KMUD radio — was able to attract every known candidate to little Redway. And even unknowns! Presumed candidate and Mendocino County resident Brooke Clarke — whose name had not appeared on any advance promotional material — heard about the debate a week or so ago and decided to make the drive up and plead his case to be able to participate in person.

“I asked if I could be a part of it,” Clarke said. “Eventually, they said ‘sure.’”

In addition to Clarke, filling out the stage were candidates Assemblyman Jared Huffman, activist/writer Norman Solomon, Marin County Supervisor Susan Adams, business woman Stacey Lawson, Garberville activist Andy Caffrey, business owner John Lewallen, medicinal marijuana advocate Dr. William Courtney, Petaluma city councilwoman Tiffany Renée and, finally, investment advisor Dan Roberts — the lone Republican in the bunch.

Did we mention it was a slog? With 10 candidates on the stage and everyone afforded equal time to answer every question, time crawled.

Moderator Ed Denson asked, “Do you support the Supreme Court’s decision that corporations are people?” They all answered “no,” but, you know, longer.

Denson: “Do you support the labeling of genetically modified organisms in food products?” They all essentially answered “yes.” See above.

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