Cabaldon hopes giving out Cats tickets will aid his Assembly run

Politicians are known for accepting gifts – but here's one who's giving them away.

Christopher Cabaldon, a candidate for Assembly, is handing out 500 River Cats tickets to people he hopes to represent.

Cabaldon said he is not buying votes, he's investing in good will, giving each family two game tickets worth a combined $22 in hopes they'll remember him on election day.

"There's not going to be any speeches," he said. "We just want folks to enjoy the game."

Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles, said there is no way to measure whether the giveaway is cost-effective.

"It's the first time I've heard of this being used," Stern said.

To comply with laws banning bribery of voters, Cabaldon's offer doesn't require recipients to support him, make donations or even cast ballots in the June 3 election.

But recipients had to apply online, give their name, address, phone number and e-mail address – information that helps in a get-out-the-vote drive.

Cabaldon said his 500 tickets to Saturday's game, featuring fireworks, were snapped up quickly after he sent invitations to thousands of 8th Assembly District Democrats.

In a campaign flier promoting his giveaway, Cabaldon, West Sacramento's mayor, reminded voters that he helped bring the baseball team to his city.

"Building Raley Field without putting taxpayers at risk is one of the best things I've ever done. … I don't think it makes me qualified to be your assemblyman, but I enjoy showing it off," he wrote.

Mariko Yamada, the other Democrat running for the Assembly seat in Yolo and Solano counties, said she plans to work while Cabaldon sits.

"I wish Mr. Cabaldon and his guests a happy time at the ballgame – and I'll be out walking precincts," said Yamada, a Yolo County supervisor.

Yamada declined to criticize the giveaway. But she questioned Cabaldon's boast of building Raley Field, saying, "I think there were a lot of partners in that effort."

Cabaldon likened his ticket giveaway to a Yamada meet-the-candidate event at which free hot dogs were served.

Stern said the ticket giveaway is legal under state law, which allows campaign funds to be spent for political, legislative or governmental purposes.

Dan Schnur, a GOP strategist, said the giveaway is a creative way to publicize Cabaldon's River Cats ties but it may not win many new votes. "It's unlikely that undecided voters will make up their minds based on a baseball ticket," he said.

Stern said the 500-ticket giveaway ultimately could backfire.

"It seems to me that the 501st person is going to be really upset," he said.

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• Call Jim Sanders, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5538.