Will the Wendy Factor Play a Role in the CD2 Runoff?

by Paul Hatfield

Some people are claiming that Chris Essel’s campaign is in trouble. They point to perceived errors in judgment: appearing at an event sponsored by a Turkish-American organization allegedly associated with deniers of the Armenian Genocide, not having a booth at the immensely popular Sherman Oaks Fair and making appearances with former CD2 rival Frank Sheftel, who was affiliated with a medical marijuana cooperative (for the record, it was licensed and responsibly operated).

Personally, Chris does not strike me as a denier of the Armenian Genocide, but as a candidate she must be sensitive to the character of groups offering support to her campaign. Not taking full advantage of an event attracting eighty-thousand people in the midst of a campaign is also highly questionable. Frank Sheftel is a legitimate businessman, but his involvement in the controversial medical marijuana business could detract as many voters as it attracts.

Essel’s inability to secure endorsements from other top contenders from the primary also points to trouble. Mary Benson’s and Tamar Galatzan’s recent statements of support for Paul Krekorian exacerbated the situation.

If the voting pool for the December 8^th runoff is essentially the same as the one for the primary, Essel’s vessel has struck an iceberg and is taking on water rapidly. Just like the Titanic, she is heading for the bottom of the ocean.

But wait.

Unlike the Titanic, which went down before help could arrive, there is rescue ship on the horizon –the SS Wendy Greuel.

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