Oakland mayoral candidate got a hella big boost this week, picking up the endorsement of her former boss, Gov. Jerry Brown.
Brown’s appearance at an event with Schaaf in his hometown Monday was a stinging blow to the incumbent, Jean Quan, who is locked in a tough reelection battle this fall.
Brown praised Schaaf as a "down-to-earth person" with "a lot of common sense" – high praise from a governor who doesn’t seem to have a lot of patience for other pols.
“I know Libby,” Brown said “I think she can do a good job."
Schaaf may want to be wary of Brown’s endorsement, however. The governor has only endorsed in limited political races since retaking office in 2011, with very limited success. Just ask former Rep. Howard Berman and LA City Attorney Carmen Trutanich about the value of a Brown endorsement. Brown also did not endorse his former campaign manager, Steve Glazer, when Glazer ran for state assembly this year.
Brown, who is seeking his fourth and final term as governor this year, would be 80-years-old when he leaves office, but has suggested that this run may not be his last. The former Oakland mayor has suggested that, just as he did with the governor’s office, he might return to his hometown to once again seek the city’s top spot if the job is open when he leaves office.
Schaaf and Quan have pulled out all the stops in this race, including dueling viral YouTube videos. Schaaf got some attention for incorporating local slang into her political spot, saying it’s “hella time for change” in Oakland.