In an unexpected move, the Young Democrats of Clark County endorsed Marc Boldt, an independent, over Democrat Mike Dalesandro in the race for Clark County chair. The group announced its support for the former Republican on Wednesday.
“Our focus was on finding candidates who are really going to represent the young people of Clark County, as well as the future of Clark County,” said Melissa Boles, secretary for the organization.
The group sent surveys to all candidates in nonpartisan races — including the Vancouver City Council and the Port of Vancouver commissioner races — and to all independents and Democrats in the Clark County council races. The organization then interviewed all candidates who responded to the surveys.
“The discussion we had with our body is that Marc really was the person we felt could unite the county,” Boles said.
Boldt said he was thrilled to receive the organization’s endorsement.
“I think it makes me more of a well-rounded candidate, I hope,” Boldt said. “I hope people will see I listen to people young and old, people from the left to the right.
Dalesandro said while it’s unfortunate that the group didn’t endorse him, “it is what it is.”
“I would have loved to have had their support, but I’m a little surprised the direction they went,” Dalesandro said of the decision. “But I respect it.”
The announcement comes a little more than a week after the Clark County Democrats, the official local arm of the party, announced its support for Dalesandro. The young Democrats group and the Clark County Democrats are not affiliated with each other.
“It is our mission to get Democrats in office,” said Deanna Pauli-Hammond, chair of the Clark County Democrats.
Boldt, a former Republican county commissioner, and Dalesandro, a Battle Ground city councilor, are running for the seat against all three Clark County councilors: Republicans Tom Mielke, Jeanne Stewart and David Madore.
Kaitlin Gillespie: 360-735-4517; kaitlin.gillespie@columbian.com; twitter.com/newsladykatie
