How to lose votes and irritate people.

I don't pay that much attention to local politics, but over the past few months it's been hard to ignore. Early in October, I got a call from Pat Kernighan's campaign asking for my support. The person on the line gave me a rundown of the many civic improvements Kernighan lobbied hard for, and I listened attentively and said I would support her.

"Pat also supports Don Perata for mayor..." the caller said.

"Oooh, you just lost a vote." I told her.

Back in September, before the phone call, there was a leaflet on my door in my apartment building, an unusual occurrence since we have a gate. One of my neighbors, Jennifer Pae, was running for office and wanted to talk to folks about what their many concerns are. I didn't get back to her, lazy sod that I am, but I did file the name away.

She's running against Pat Kernighan. If you feel as strongly as I do that Don Perata is the wrong choice for Oakland, and you have a vote in District 2, please vote for Jennifer Pae.