Winners and Losers Already In Palm Springs Election

As we get closer to the election in Palm Springs and its finale on Tuesday, it is clear that there have been winners and losers in this election cycle. No matter what the outcome, here are a few at least in my mind.

Loser Ginny Foat

No matter the outcome on Tuesday, she has done a huge amount of damage to her standing. If elected, the huge cash infusion of Harold Matzner coupled with some hyper-sensitive behavior has put off many and will cast a pall on her governance To be fair, her and her supporters expected more of a coronation than a race. The FBI raid on downtown Palm Springs changed all that and her camp was slow to respond.

Loser Rob Moon

The path was clear to run as aspirational campaign and in the beginning, that is what he did. However it squandered many an opportunity to not get silly. Moon had the moral high ground when Ms. Foats's campaign planted those phony Measure J Commission letters in the paper. He promptly gave it back with planted letters denouncing Ms. Foat for not attending a forum on short notice. Also if true, his supporters dressing as federal agents for Halloween was just stupid.

Winner JR Roberts

Has managed to run his own campaign and appear above the fray in Palm Springs. Now really running hard, he has done well. His association with the modernists in Palm Springs, while beneficial in the short term may have to change if he gets on the council. Some of the preservationists have been involved in futile and divisive feuds with the Agua Caliente tribe.

Loser Paul Lewin

Paul Lewin has been caught u[ in a whirlwind basically not of his making. He has not been able to shake the stigma of the corruption probe in Palm Springs. Many, including myself have predicted a bright future for him. He may survive and if he does, he can recover but this should serve as a wake-up call for the future. A big one.

Winner Geoff Kors

Yes he took a lot of money from Harold Matzner but other than that he has run a flawless if sometimes over the top campaign. (Endorsements from state political types.) He is indebted to no one and is a guaranteed winner with a bright future.

 Loser Harold Matzner

The philanthropist and head of the Palm Springs Film Festival has made huge cash donations to Ginny Foat and even appears on a billboard with her. One must ask why? And that question has not been answered yet.

Winner Desert Sun News

Great reporting on the election. And a great Op Ed piece by Greg Burton slapping down conspiracy theories floated by Foat supporters.

Loser Desert Sun Editorial Board

Their failure to address the huge donations made by Mr. Matzner does not speak well for them. They have a duty to express an opinion yea or nay on such a totally unprecedented occurrence. To not do so in a timely manner smacks of an unbecoming reticence

.Loser PSPOA

The Palm Springs Police Union has invested 35k in this election. As usual with this crowd, there has been some chicanery. Their endorsement signs create the impression the police department is endorsing the candidates, not the union.

Winner Social Media

Despite the usual whining and self-righteous amongst us, social media has exploded in this election and has help drive it and answer questions. If you bear in mind there are no filters on social media other than the self-imposed, it can be fun. Many of those favoring the status quo may not like it but oh well. And by the way, will al the "victims" of the "mean' election grow up. Elections in a resort city are about money and power and this one is no exception.

Winner  LGBT Community

Many candidates expressing a variety of opinions. It shows a bit of true diversity when this occurs.

Loser LGBT Community

There also appears to be a rise in the 1%'s in the gay community here who are not connected to the day to day life of the city. Also many are trying to bring San Francisco or West Hollywood to Palm Springs. Palm Springs is neither. It is a city in Riverside County represented by the Republican Leader of the State Assembly!! I interviewed one prominent gay candidate for office who did not know Palm Springs has about a 1000 Filipino-Americans who live off of Ramon Road!! Get out of the bubble.

Tomorrow election predictions

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com