Has the San Bernardino County Public Attorney's Association endorsed Supervisor Dennis Hansberger for re-election?

In the grand scheme of what is expected to be a feisty campaign, the question of whether the union representing deputy district attorneys and deputy public defenders did or didn't probably isn't a major topic.

But for Neil Derry, the San Bernardino councilman who is challenging Hansberger in the June 3 election, Hansberger saying on his Web site that the union has endorsed him shows a lack of credibility.

"Everyone I have talked to has told me they have not endorsed in this race," Derry said. "Mr. Hansberger knows that I would very much like their endorsement. He put this on his Web site as a clear attempt to intimidate me to get me out of the race."

Two of the union members who sit on its Political Action Committee say they are unaware of any endorsements. But both men, Jim Secord and Jason Anderson, said Grover Merritt, president of the union, should be consulted on the matter.

Merritt initially declined comment and has since not returned repeated calls for comment.

Hansberger said that as far as he knows, the union did endorse him.

"I asked for their endorsement, their president signed a letter on our form for endorsements and included a check to the campaign," Hansberger said. "I take that as an endorsement. If that's not an endorsement, then it's up to them to say so."

The letter, which

included a $2,500 contribution to Hansberger, is a form used to donate to the supervisor's campaign. It provides five boxes that can be checked, including "use my name in your material." None of the boxes are marked.

Derry announced he has been endorsed by the Howard Jarvis TaxpayersAssociation, a group that champions Proposition 13 and other taxpayers' rights.

Normally, Derry said, the organization doesn't get involved in county races. But the group is opposing Hansberger because of his previous takes on Proposition 13.

Hansberger still has a major lead in endorsements with his Web site showing he is backed by scores of local leaders and organizations.

To date, Derry's main support has come from the San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association - a union that in recent years particularly has become politically influential via six-digit campaign contributions.

george.watson@sbsun.com

(909) 386-3884