I can’t think of public sector job I would enjoy less than being a member of the Board of Equalization. But for some reason we keep getting candidates for the job that precludes members from earning outside income.
Assemblyman (and former State Senator) Ray Haynes announced today that he has the support of two key Riverside officials Supervisors John Tavaglione and Marion Ashley. Its not a surprise but demonstrates that someone is paying attention to this sleepy position. Haynes is running against Michelle Steel (wife of California Republican Party Immediate Past Chairman Shawn Steel) a successful businesswoman and key Bush fund raiser.
Both candidates recently announced money raised/in the bank, Steel had the advantage. Both say they have lots of slates lines up–which is a big part of BOE campaigns since they cover such a massive number of voters (there are only 4 regions statewide).
Haynes has the advantage of having been in elective office for more than a decade representing a piece of the BOE district and being a prolific published opinion writer/contributor to newspapers in the region. Steel has sizable personal wealth and ability to raise $s seemingly with ease.
That battle pits rivals Shawn Steel and Senator Jim Brulte (ret.) against each other–Brulte for a time was considered the front-runner for the seat before he backed out in favor of Haynes.
In a twist, several months ago it was announced that businesswoman Steel was joining the BOE staff of incumbent/termed-out BOE Board Member Claude Parrish, ostensibly to gain a coveted BOE-like ballot title. But in a political world where voters don’t even know what the job is, I am not sure that is the best election strategy.
