Sen. Barack Obama has created a powerful wave of voter enthusiasm in Sacramento – one that both Mayor Heather Fargo and her rival, Kevin Johnson, hope to ride into office.
The candidates each say Obama's presidential candidacy could help them more than their opponent. Johnson was an early supporter of Obama, while Fargo backed Hillary Clinton. But Fargo is the officially endorsed candidate of the local Democratic Party, which will be promoting her candidacy along with Obama's.
After a dismal turnout for the June primary (the presidential portion of the primary was in February), turnout for the November election is expected to be overwhelming, said county elections spokesman Brad Buyse.
"We think this is going to be a very historic election in terms of voter turnout," Buyse said. "What's going to bring voters out this fall is the contest for president. ... People are extremely concerned with the economy and the rising price of food and gas."
So what does this mean for the Sacramento mayor's race? The city has historically voted Democrat, and Democrats are expected to turn out in droves for Obama.
Whichever candidate is linked to the Democratic presidential nominee potentially stands to benefit.
Johnson's claim to a spot on Obama's coattails stems from his early support of the presidential candidate. And Johnson, like Obama, is African American and a relative newcomer to politics.
"I endorsed Obama from Day 1," Johnson said. "There's no comparison. (Fargo) endorsed Hillary."
Obama won't be making an endorsement in the local mayor's race, but Johnson and his backers already have worked with the senator's organization.
Johnson, a former NBA star, has appeared as a surrogate speaker for Obama at events in California and Texas.
"He gets the troops fired up and ready to go," said Kim Mack regional field organizer for the Obama campaign.
This summer, interns working for the Johnson campaign have worked on door-to-door voter registration drives with Obama crews.
"I obviously am very grateful for all the work Kevin has done on the Obama campaign, and I do tend to lean towards Kevin because Mayor Fargo came out and supported Hillary Clinton," Mack said.
Mark Friedman, a local developer who has been raising money for both Johnson and Obama, said he thinks Johnson will tap into the same current of voter sentiment that propelled Obama to the forefront this year.
"The mood of the country is desiring change, and I think it's difficult for a 20-year incumbent to claim that she's an agent of change," Friedman said. "My opinion is the Obama voters will overwhelmingly support Kevin, because they're change voters."
Not so fast, says Fargo.
The mayor points out that she is the candidate officially endorsed by the Sacramento County Democratic Party.
"We've already had conversations with the Democratic Party about the ways we're going to coordinate with them," Fargo said.
Sam Catalano, executive director of the local Democratic Party, said party leaders voted overwhelmingly to back Fargo.
Fargo supports gay marriage, noted Catalano, while Johnson has said he believes marriage "is between a man and a woman." Johnson also has said he opposes abortion, but would uphold the law.
"On many levels, the members of the Central Committee feel she's the real Democrat," Catalano said of Fargo. "He's getting an enormous amount of his support from Republicans."
One example: On Aug. 11, Johnson's campaign plans a fundraiser at the home of Bob Naylor, the former chairman of the California Republican Party. Also in attendance will be two prominent Democrats: former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and current Assembly Speaker Karen Bass.
Catalano said the Democratic Party would be working to promote Fargo along with Obama. Contributions and volunteers are rolling in fast this year, he said. The party already has three offices, and is planning to open a fourth.
After Obama, Fargo is "the most important person on the ballot for us," Catalano said.
"The presidential candidates are always the hook; that's the sexy part," he continued. "We're going to use our support of Obama as an entree to phone calls and neighborhood visits. ... We have an obligation as the Democratic Party of Sacramento County to help with down-ticket candidates. That would include the mayor. We're going to be including our recommendation for Heather in most of the activities we'll be doing."
While both mayoral candidates clearly hope to benefit from the presidential race, one prominent local politician isn't sure it will make much difference in who wins City Hall's top job.
"It's probably easy to overrate" the role of the presidential election in the mayor's race, said state Sen. Darrell Steinberg, who backs Fargo.
"I think at the end of the day, people are going to vote for who they want to be mayor," Steinberg said.
Call The Bee's Mary Lynne Vellinga, (916) 321-1094.
