The Editor's Back Fence

Senator Loni Hancock (Berkeley) has announced in an email blast to her mailing list that she will not face any opposition in her quest for re-election to the California State Senate. 

She sent this letter on Monday night to supporters and others: 

"Last week was a whirlwind, but first let me say - Thank You!  

"With your help we were successful at the Democratic Caucus pre-endorsement meeting with over 85% of the delegates voting to endorse me. I'm moved that my fellow Democrats want to see me continue to take on the big issues – ending the death penalty and putting money back into classrooms, tackling California’s foreclosure crisis, closing tax loopholes for mega-corporations and creating jobs by improving our local infrastructure. 

"Furthermore, Assemblymember Sandre Swanson has decided that he will not be running against me for State Senate. I look forward to working with him and our entire Democratic team to tackle the challenges that we face – raising revenues to break the cycle of cuts to our schools and social safety net, electing 27 Democrats to the State Senate and, of course, ensuring that our President returns for another four years! 

"Your steadfast support has made this possible. I can't tell you how deeply I appreciate your help. 

"Thank you, thank you, 

"Loni" 

"NOTHING TO SEE HERE: Termed-out Oakland Assemblyman Sandre Swanson dropped his bid against state Sen. Loni Hancock, of Berkeley, averting a nasty primary fight between the two popular politicians.  

"He even endorsed her. 

"Swanson told my colleague Josh Richman that his decision on Tuesday had nothing whatsoever to do with Hancock's overwhelming win a couple of days earlier at the Democratic Party's pre-endorsement conference. 

"OK. Sure."