There's More To The O'Mahony Blockbuster Than Differences Over Bayfront Housing

Rosalie O'Mahony has proven to be the most astute politician in Burlingame. She consistently reads the mood and pulse of the Burlingame electorate better than anyone. So when O'Mahony decided to un-endorse Mike Coffey and Mary Janney, that was a clear signal that there is widespread disenchantment with the we're a team? politics of Coffey/Janney. What seemed cute and clever four years ago (the M&Ms), lost its charm now that the public has seen how it works in practice. For many Burlingame residents, the Coffey/Janney brand of team politics results in single-minded groupthink and block voting instead of independent judgment on tough issues. And O'Mahony, who has seen it up close and personal, said as much in her statement to the press. Look for this to become a key issue in the campaign.

O'Mahony's un-endorsement was a body blow to the Coffey/Janney reelection campaign precisely because their campaign relies so heavily on endorsements from other politicos. Most of these endorsements are in the good-old-boy tradition of you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours? as Quentin Kopp's endorsement made all too clear. But O'Mahony's endorsement was different and was the most sought-after endorsement. Not only did Coffey/Janney fail to get O'Mahoneys endorsement, they got positively un-endorsed by her. That sends a powerful message, and should give legs to the growing movement for a regime change in Burlingame.

– Written by Centinel