Barbara Lee almost never endorses East Bay candidates, but now she wants their support

New poll looks bad for BLee; Unincorporated area landlords to meet again with Miley; Report recommends county create sheriff's oversight board; Is Southwest Airlines about to leave Oakland?

Rep. Barbara Lee said she opposes the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.

ELECTION 2024

*179 days until the March Primary

U.S. SENATE

—BLEE SPEAKS TO ACDEMS—Most Alameda County Democrats are well aware that it’s verboten to speak ill of Rep. Barbara Lee. But that doesn’t mean they don’t privately grumble about some of her actions. Specifically, Lee’s long aversion for endorsing local candidates.

—Lee simply doesn’t do it, although, she made a notable exception in 2021 by endorsing Mia Bonta in the 18th Assembly District special election.

—In the past few days, there’s been some chatter about Lee’s “no endorsement” policy as she seeks the support of central committee members in advance of the state party’s endorsement later this year.

—A central committee member gave voice to this sentiment, perhaps, unwittingly, when at Wednesday’s Alameda County Democratic Central Committee meeting they asked Lee about whether she is endorsing any black women running for office this year?

—Lee appeared to stumble around the question, saying, “I’m not endorsing now at all because I’m running for the senate and I’m building my coalition.”

—“Right now, it’s important that voters have a chance to vote for who they think is going to be their best representative,” Lee said.

—“I don’t think I need to get in and endorse anyone right now, especially because I’m running for the senate and I don’t want to tip the balance in California on any of these elections.”

—PRICE RECALL—Although Barbara Lee is not offering her endorsement, she did register opposition to the recall effort against Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.

—“I do not support this recall that is taking place,” Lee said on Wednesday night. Last month, Alameda County Democrats passed a resolution opposing the recall and urged residents not to sign the forthcoming recall petition.

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• Lee adds pair of Bernie Sanders presidential campaign alums

• ACDems endorse Oakland USD special election candidate, plus first look at the candidates

• COUNTY NEWS

• ACDems issued a number of condemnations

• Civilian oversight of sheriff’s office is likely coming

• Unincorporated area landlords to meet supervisors, but without tenants advocates

• CITY NEWS: Is Southwest about to depart from Oakland?