Challenger cites his endorsements in Sacramento County supervisor race

Although Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters has raised more than 20 times as much money for her campaign as challenger Warren Harding, he's not intimidated by her fundraising edge or incumbent status.

Instead, Harding – a longtime Arden area park district commissioner – said he's scoring key endorsements and will run a viable campaign.

The two are competing in the June 3 primary in the nonpartisan race to represent the 3rd District, which includes Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Foothill Farms, Campus Commons, College Greens, east Sacramento, River Park and Sierra Oaks.

Harding, a Democrat, pointed to endorsements by former Supervisor Illa Collin, Save the American River Association President Warren Truitt and the Sacramento Central Labor Council.

Harding said that his experience as a former county employee and on a park board have prepared him for the job.

Harding, 63, has served on the Arden Manor Recreation and Park District's board for nearly 30 years.

By most objective measures of campaign strength, Peters has a clear advantage:

• She has $149,383 in her campaign coffers compared to Harding's $6,622.

• Harding said his Web site is days away, while Peters' – www.joinsusan.com – is professionally produced.

• As the incumbent, Peters enjoys a name recognition advantage.

And it remains to be seen whether the challenger having the same name as the nation's 29th president is advantageous. President Warren Harding is viewed by some scholars as being one of the country's least successful presidents.

Peters, a former developer, has earned high marks from the local business community.

She has been known to personally drive potential investors through her district, has worked to fix and beautify roadways to help improve the business climate, and kept a sharp eye on the county budget.

Peters, a Republican, is endorsed by numerous local elected officials including state Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks; Sheriff John McGinness; District Attorney Jan Scully; and Supervisor Jimmie Yee, among them.

McGinness said she's been a good partner.

"She recognizes that public safety is an important piece to improving the business climate," McGinness said.

While fewer in number, Harding's endorsements could help affirm his legitimacy to voters.

"Warren Harding will give much more than lip service to protection of the American River Parkway," as a yet to be published flier for Harding quotes Collin as saying.

Truitt said preservation of the parkway was his motive for endorsing Harding.

"I just think that we just need a fresh approach," said Truitt, who noted he was speaking for himself, not the association, which doesn't make political endorsements. "I would like to see more attention paid to the parkway."

The Save the American River Association, led by Truitt, fought the county over a local contractor's plans to build two homes closer to the parkway bluff than standard rules allow. The board ultimately voted 4-1 to allow the homes to be built 35 feet from the bluff.

Peters defended her votes on parkway issues, saying she helped to protect its budget during lean years, voted for the ban on drinking in the parkway on holiday weekends and supports an assessment for nearby property owners to increase parkway funding.

"I think my record speaks pretty well on that," Peters said.

Bill Camp, president of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, said his organization unanimously voted to endorse Harding, but Camp said he couldn't say how much financial or logistical backing labor council units would offer.

"We see him as a person we want to get elected," said Camp, "We know Warren. We like Warren."

Peters did not seek the union's endorsement. She hasn't been embraced by labor.

Peters was in the three-person majority that voted in 2007 to phase out post-employment medical benefits for county retirees, benefits the group had for many years.

Peters said she respects county workers, but had to move to protect the county budget.

"I do believe I have been fair," Peters said.

"The county never promised a medical subsidy. It was a long-standing practice, but never a guarantee."

About the writer:

• Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.