Local Democrats Gather In Burlingame

San Mateo County Democrats gathered at in Burlingame Tuesday night for a who’s who of Democratic county and state candidates during the San Mateo County Democratic Party’s "Spotlight on the Candidates" event.

In a rapid-fire format, each candidate—for County Board of Supervisors, State Assembly and State Senate—took to the stage for a brief introduction. They rest of the two-hour event, also sponsored by the Hillsborough Democratic Club and San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine, was spent with candidates working the crowd and meeting potential voters.

“That allows a very casual way just to mingle, meet face to face, ask questions of the candidate,” said San Mateo Democratic Party Chair David Burruto. “This is really about personal contact.”

County Supervisor candidates Shelly Masur, Memo Morantes, Ernie Schmidt and Kirsten Keith; State Assembly candidates Kevin Mullin and Phil Tin; and State Senate candidate Sally Lieber attended the event.

Many candidates spoke to the same ideas of sharing core Democratic values and the importance of the upcoming election.

“This is a vital race,” said Supervisor candidate Kirsten Keith. “We all have to work together to find solutions.”

Many spoke of financial hardships bestowed upon the middle class, the need for jobs and funding for higher education.

Ollie Welch, a Burlingame resident, came to see Jerry Hill, who ended up being unable to attend. She said she found the event useful anyways.

“I think it’s definitely worthwhile,” she said.

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