Jones’ supporters take issue with Ashby, saying ‘educators’ support claim is misleading

In the increasingly heated contest for California’s 8th State Senate District seat, an educator took issue with claims made in a mailer by one of the three Democratic candidates seeking the position.

In a statement issued today by email, the president of the Los Rios College Federation of Teacher Local 2279, Jason Newman, said Sacramento City Councilmember Angelique Ashby was misleading voters. Ashby, former Assemblymember and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, who Newmans’s group supports, and Rafa Garcia are competing in the June 7 primary.

At the center of Newman’s complaint was a recent mailer from Ashby’s campaign that said “local educators & firefighters support” her candidacy.

Newman’s statement said, “Angelique Ashby has sent voters two mailers falsely implying that she has the endorsement of organizations representing teachers. Her mailers proclaim she is supported by ‘local educators’ in an attempt to mislead voters.”

While Ashby lists California Professional Firefighters on the endorsement page of her campaign website, there are no education or educator associations listed. Ashby’s campaign could not be reached for comment.

“Dave Jones is the only candidate for State Senate who has earned the support of organizations representing teachers, including endorsements from the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers, California Faculty Association, and Faculty Association of Community Colleges,” Newman added.