Politics 101
Bredefeld Puts Patterson on Blast. Is He Dropping Clues About 2024?
Garry Bredefeld says he is evaluating his electoral plans for 2024.
But, he seems to have found a target — Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno.
David Taub
Politics 101
Last week on KMJ radio, Patterson — who is termed out of the Legislature in 2024 — said he is considering running for Fresno County supervisor in 2024.
Related Story: Patterson Reveal Could Spell Epic Conservative Battle for Fresno Supervisor
Bredefeld, who is termed out in 2024 as a Fresno city councilman, bashed Patterson repeatedly during a Friday appearance on Power Talk radio. Among his comments:
— On Patterson announcing his 2024 intention: “This is a guy who has not been sworn in yet and he’s already looking for his next government check. And I find that pretty offensive.”
— On Patterson using the phrase “I’m coming home”: “The man lives up in a party boat in Sacramento and he comes home every week, but he’s, quote, coming home. I mean, this is a political phrase that he came up with, thinks it works.” Bredefeld said the phrase is something Vietnam veterans used when they came home from service. “It offended me for the veterans who struggled with coming home and not being received well.”
— On Patterson supporting Measure E, the proposed Fresno County sales tax for Fresno State that did not pass: “Instead of his doing his job to bring state money to the state university, he went and advocated for a tax that failed.”
— On Patterson’s appearance at a city news conference about PG&E: “This shouldn’t even have been an issue, because if he was doing his job in the Assembly, PG&E would be much better under control. There wouldn’t be a moratorium in the city of Fresno on its housing development, but he’s not doing his job.”
Bredefeld criticized Patterson regarding his pandemic response.
“He was nowhere to be found except on his party boat collecting a government check or state check. While people in my district, in his district, were losing their checks,” Bredefeld said.
Politics 101 is awaiting a response from Patterson.
Bredefeld did not indicate what office he may be considering. His top options would be Assembly, succeeding Patterson; or supervisor, where the two may run against each other.
