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Published on 02/01/1999 All articles from this issue

Sher reelection spurs dilemma among local Democrats

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Town Crier Staff Report

Senator Byron Sher, 70, has announced he will seek reelection to the 11th state Senate district when his current term expires in the year 2000. The former two-time Palo Alto mayor has held the seat since winning it in a 1996 special election.

Sher said his decision was based on his desire to continue legislative initiatives, particularly in the environmental and education fields. During the current session, Sher said he would concentrate on completing the Headwaters Forest acquisition, address traffic congestion and expedite transportation projects in the Bay Area.

It is expected Sher will receive competition from 21st district Assemblyman Ted Lempert, 37, who will be forced out of the Assembly in 2000 by term limits. Lempert said he is considering running for Sher's senate seat.

Both men have been dialing up likely supporters. While Sher presented the media with four full pages of endorsements from county and city officials, Lempert is telling people he might run and to hold off on any endorsements.

"It's very, very early," Lempert said last week. "I would like to continue the work I'm doing. I can't do it in the Assembly, so I am looking at the state Senate." Lempert's main issues are education and high technology.

"We were surprised to hear Byron would run," said Art Lynch, a spokesman with the Peninsula Democratic Coalition. Lynch said that Sher's reputation and financial backing would make it an uphill battle for Lempert should the assemblyman decide to challenge Sher.