Why doesn't it surprise me that local GOP candidates have to resort to outright lies when they list their endorsements? Pat Waite, GOP candidate for San Jose District 8 is no exception. In his list of endorsements, at the very top is this little gem:

Endorsements

(Titles and affiliations of each individual are provided for identification purposes only)

"Pat Waite is a retired vice president of Seagate Technology with a strong background in finance. He'd love to tackle the city's budget deficit, and he has solid experience on boards, such as Catholic Charities. He's a good candidate."
- SJ Mercury News, May 23, 2008.

And what is even worse is that the Mercury's verbiage about Waite CONTINUED after "He's a good candidate, but unlikely to be a bridge builder on the council." So Waite does not just make a claim of the Mercury endorsement, he twists their words and implies that there is nothing more after candidate.

The truth is that the Mercury endorsed Rose Herrera:

Rose Herrera stands out. An Air Force veteran, businesswoman and longtime school and community volunteer, she has a common-sense approach to city challenges. With support from a wide political spectrum, she could build coalitions and bridge political divides, a talent this council needs. We recommend her for the Evergreen area in the June 3 primary.

When someone runs for office and claims they have ethics, it helps if one's actions support those claims. Clearly in Waite's case that is all they are - claims - because his actions demonstrate to the voters of District 8 that he is dishonest. If Waite can't run an honest campaign he does not deserve to be elected to office.

Oh, and removing the offense AFTER it is pointed out isn't honest either, it is what you might call "getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar." (and we have the screen shot of the offense saved). Oh, and even worse would be the claim that Waite had no idea the endorsement was listed. How is someone who can't even monitor the claims of their own website qualified to serve as a councilperson?

Shame on Waite for his dishonesty, and the voters of District 8 deserve far better then someone who has to resort to lies in order to appear to have support they don't have.

Of course, the local GOP has to resort to lies and dishonesty given how only one of their candidates in the June primary even made it into the November runoff. Worse for Republicans, their District 2 candidate failed to make the runoff when Democrat Jackie Adams won second place. Adams had withdrawn from the race in March, and has thrown her full support behind District 2 front runner Ash Kalra.

If you know someone in District 8 make sure you tell them about Waite's dishonest and deceitful actions.

Oh, and one would hope that the Mercury News would call Waite out on his dishonesty.