Claudia Peschiutta
GLENDALE -- The opinion of a group that isn't taking sides on the
Rogan-Schiff race is getting a lot of attention from both candidate's
campaigns.
The San Marino Police Officers' Assn. Wednesday evening withdrew its
endorsement of state Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale) for the 27th
Congressional District race after campaign officials for his opponent,
U.S. Rep. James Rogan (R-Glendale), questioned the group's support.
"With great respect for the work of U.S. Congressman James Rogan,
California State Senator Adam Schiff...the 2000 San Marino Police
Officers Association chooses to be neutral on all campaigns," said a
letter signed by Det. Sean Heckers, the organization's president.
So, why is the organization getting so much attention?
The association endorsed Schiff in a letter dated Dec. 15, but Rogan
campaign officials said they were told otherwise.
Jason Roe, campaign manager for Rogan, sent out a news release Tuesday
accusing Schiff of misleading voters by sending out mailers claiming the
endorsement of the group.
"San Marino POA has made it clear that they will remain neutral ...
and will be sending Schiff a letter asking him to remove any reference to
their organization from their campaign literature," the release read.
Roe said the move was prompted by a call from a supporter who claimed
the association had not endorsed Schiff. He said he spoke with San Marino
Sgt. Gene Street and verified the information.
"They were emphatic they did not endorse," Roe said.
Street said he did speak with Rogan campaign members this week but
would not comment on whether the conversations involved the endorsement.
Schiff called the Rogan campaign "inept."
"They don't do their homework very well," he said. "They're becoming
the gang that couldn't shoot straight."
Steve Gray-Barkan, a consultant for the Schiff campaign, characterized
the move as hasty.
"Why didn't they wait for a letter?" he asked. "We waited for a letter
to list it. Shouldn't they wait for a letter of confirmation before
making another ridiculous accusation?"
Heckers called the endorsement issue a "simple miscommunication." He
said Wednesday afternoon the association's leadership changed on Jan. 1
and that he was trying to find out more about the interests that led to
December letter.
"It's nothing against either candidate," he said.
