NEWSROOM

Evans Far Ahead in Votes for State Senate

Rebecca Huval | Napa Valley Register | November 2, 2010

Democrat Noreen Evans was leading in polls for state Senate in the 2nd District with 63 percent of early votes Tuesday.

Republican Lawrence R. Wiesner was behind Evans with 37 percent of votes.

She was excited about her lead, but not surprised.

“It’s nice to be ahead that far, particularly at a time when there’s been a backlash against incumbents,” Evans said of her 58.8 percent lead in Napa County. “It’s nice to know people recognize the work I’ve done and appreciate it, and are willing to give me another four years.”

At Napa’s Democratic Headquarters, members were excited about Evans’ lead.

“I can’t think of anyone who could represent us better,” said Joanne Gifford, president of Democrats of Napa Valley. “I’m particularly pleased about her position of off-shore drilling. She’s adamantly against it.”

A career politician, Evans, D-Santa Rosa, served in the State Assembly in the 7th district since 2004, and as the majority whip since March 2010. Before that, she worked as an attorney, and served eight years on the Santa Rosa City Council.

The Napa Valley Register’s editorial board endorsed Evans earlier this week for her support of environmental initiatives, and for supporting wine legislation, including bills to protect the authenticity of the word “California” on wine labels.

On the other hand, Wiesner was thrilled when he heard he had 41.2 percent of the early Napa County votes. His supporters cheered beside him.

“I’m tickled pink,” Wiesner said. His numbers were beating those of Republicans in other races, he said. “I think it’s fantastic: (Napa) is better than my home county.” In Sonoma County, he had 35.1 percent of the early votes.

Wiesner, of Santa Rosa, has worked as a certified public accountant in San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Recently, he served as the vice-chair of the Sonoma County Republican Central Committee.