PHOTOS: Women-Powered Endorsement for Simitian

Gathering at the Mountain View Adobe Building, Joe Simitian kicked off his campaign for the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Sunday afternoon, by honoring four women who preceded him in the Fifth District seat.

Supervisor Liz Kniss, Gerry Steinberg, Dianne McKenna and Becky Morgan were all on had to be recognized. 

All four former county supervisors also came to lend support to state Sen. Simitan, who tipped his hat to their leadership in Santa Clara Valley. Indeed, some served during a time when women were not numerous in political office, observed Mary Hughes, who heads The 2012 Project, which is trying to encourage more women to run for political office with the opportunity created by redistricting. Hughes is married to Simitian.

Mountain View City Council member Margaret Abe-Koga gave the welcoming remarks. Mike Kasperzak was in attendence, as was 19th District Assembly member Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo).

Simitian is running for the District Five seat, which he previously held from 1997 to 2000, before joining the State Assembly from 2000 to 2004, and the State Senate from 2004 to 2012. He has also previously served as the Mayor of Palo Alto and president of the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Trustees.