Thanks to Mr. John Horgan of the San Mateo Times for a heads up on "our tony burg":

OVER THE LAST few weeks, those who pay attention to such matters have been observing what amounts to a continuous political buffet in bountiful Burlingame. With nine candidates seeking to fill four seats on the town's governing council, there has been ample opportunity to break bread with the eager pols these days. Typically, a candidate will announce a kickoff event at a restaurant or cafe in the tony burg. Several of those venues have been rather upscale. These have been or will be pricey affairs to be sure.

One challenger, however, seems to have gone out of his way to make sure he is seen as a true man of the people. And that's in a good way. Russ Cohen has decided to avoid any hint of being part of the upper crust. No charges of elitism for him. He will conduct his campaign gala at a venerable sandwich emporium, Sam's, next month.

Sam's, which has been in operation in Burlingame since the Nixon Administration, has moved south from its longtime former address on California Drive to the intersection of Howard Avenue and California Drive. The joint's new digs are in what was once a small Greyhound bus depot. It's been re-modeled to accommodate diners who favor Sam's Italian specialties. Cohen's upcoming soiree will take advantage of Sam's blue-collar ambiance. He said the 2 p.m. Sept. 18 gathering is open to the public. "There will be special treatment for registered voters," he added. Does that include extra condiments if requested? "Certainly," he responded. Hey, more mustard for everyone, especially undecideds! As for amenities, you can forget about silverware or cloth napkins. It's disposable plastic eating implements and utilitarian paper all the way.

The last time Cohen ran for a council seat back in 2003, he barely lost. But he didn't avail himself of the electoral possibilities at Sam's. Whether Cohen's 2005 culinary ploy will secure him a spot on Burlingame's policy-making body on Nov. 8 remains to be seen. But it's an experiment that will be closely watched even by those of us who are registered Whigs.

– Written by Fiona