The Shasta County Board of Supervisors has issued a statement concerning a suit against the county by failed District 2 Supervisor Candidate Laura Hobbs, who alleges that her loss was as a result of intentional misdeeds. Judge Stephen Baker made a tentative ruling for dismissal a couple of weeks ago, saying the allegations are vague and unsubstantiated. A hearing is set for Tuesday to allow one more chance for Hobbs’ lawyer to show that the case has relevance. Allen Long won 50.13% of the vote, meaning he avoided a runoff by getting more than half the ballots cast. Hobbs came in second in the four-way race with just over 19%. Hobbs initially called for a recount and the process was about to begin when she called it off, apparently because of the substantial cost. Last week the board met in closed session and drafted a statement supported by Supervisors Jones, Crye and Kelstrom and opposed by Rickert and Garmin. It says an error was made by the Registrar of Voters in not using the Secretary of State’s randomized alphabet, which apparently placed Long’s name above Hobbs name on the ballot. The 3 person board majority believes this gave Long enough of an advantage to decide the race. The statement acknowledges that it’s the courts, not the board, who may decide if any action will be taken.
-Steve Gibson