Renewed focus on Sheng Thao is not helping Barbara Lee

Controversy involving interim mayor's chief of staff leads to her dismissal

☕️MORNING BUZZ

—Barbara Lee’s campaign really doesn’t want people talking about the alleged corruption of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. It’s an unwelcome development with just over a week before Election Day.

Documents released by the city of Oakland last week related to the FBI probe into allegations against Thao, and others, revealed her chief of staff jotted down notes that included a reference to fighting off the recall against Thao by using Black people as “tokens.”

Over the weekend, the issue smoldered on social media and extensive chatter all around Alameda County’s political world.

Leigh Hanson, who served as Thao’s chief of staff, and continued on to serve under current Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins, said the notes reflected comments made by Thao at a March 2024 planning meeting for fighting off what was then an impending recall campaign.

On Sunday, Jenkins dismissed Hanson from her position, telling the San Francisco Chronicle that she no longer works for the city of Oakland.

None of this helps Lee after opponents have appeared to be successful in tying her to Thao’s failed administration. The connection was relatively easy after Lee made an ill-advised statement in opposition of the Thao recall in early October.

At the time, there was no indication that Thao had a chance to avoid being recalled from office.

—More inside:

• Libby Schaaf’s utility to Barbara Lee becomes evident in a Taylor stronghold

• Taylor receives big newspaper endorsement. It’s a reminder to be nice to editors and reporters.

• Oakland city employees were supposed to return to in-person work today, but that isn’t happening.

• San Leandro sets a timeline for approving district-based elections in time for 2026.

• Termed out state Superintendent Tony Thurmond needs a little extra cash; An East Bay official is thinking about running to replace him. Who might seek their state office?

• Campaign finance data for last weekend.

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