A second round of mailers attacking Mayoral candidate Gary Soiseth have been sent out by Modesto-based North Valley Labor Federation in support of his opponent Mike Brem right before poll voters cast ballots this Tuesday.
The mailer, which was highly controversial when sent out initially, garnered much attention locally.
The mailer in Brem’s support has a professional photo of him next to a personal photo of Soiseth and broadly compares the qualifications of the two candidates with clear favoritism toward Brem.
Just as with the first batch, Soiseth took to social media to respond to the attack addressing the concerns raised in the mailer.
“For a second time this very misleading mailer from the supporters of my opponent hit mailboxes yesterday,” said Soiseth on his Facebook page.
TurlockCityNews.com reached out to Brem’s campaign to address the second batch of mailers, but he had little to say.
"As with the first mailer, I have nothing to do with third party mailings,” said Brem. “Since day one, we have kept our commitment to run a clean and fair campaign.”
Brem did not comment on whether or not he had knowledge of the second batch of mailers, but his opponent said he was disappointed that Brem did not contact his supporters.
"I'm disappointed that this negative and inaccurate mailer was sent out for the second time on behalf of my opponent,” said Soiseth. “Mike could've asked his supporters not to send this out, but he didn't.”
Brem has previously taken to Facebook to respond to the first mailer, stating that he doesn’t engage in "negativity," a word he seemed to use describing the mailer sent in his support. However, he did not comment when asked to clarify this stance or why the mailers were sent, despite seeming contradictory to his statement.
Additionally, Brem did not comment on whether he believes the mailer is delivering false information.
North Valley Labor Federation filed a 496 Independent Expenditure Report for a total contribution of $4,138 on Oct. 15 for mailers in support of Brem.
When asked whether he was in communication with NVLF since the initial mailers had been sent out, Brem did not comment. He also did not comment on whether he was proud of his support by the NVLF and what it means to his campaign.
Soiseth, however, has continued to state to the public that he has intentions to run a “positive, issues-based campaign.”
“Again, whether you received one in your mailbox or not, I wanted to take the time to clarify a few quick facts. With Election Day less than 5 days away, I am proud of the positive, issues-based campaign that we have stayed loyal to,” Soiseth said on his Facebook page.
Soiseth further clarified to TurlockCityNews.com regarding the second batch of mailers.
“I'm proud of the positive, issues-based campaign that I have run and I will not change this strategy. I'm hoping to prove that negative campaigning does not work in Turlock and that a 100% positive campaign can lead to a win on Tuesday.”
“The mailer in Brem’s support has a professional photo of him next to a personal photo of Soiseth and broadly compares the qualifications of the two candidates with clear favoritism toward Brem.”
Well, duh. Isn’t that what campaign pieces are about, no matter who the candidate is?
Why is Brem always putting down Soiseth and attaching himself to the road tax?
The Modesto Bee and Turlock Chamber of Commerce both said they endorsed Brem because he supported Measure B. So nothing about Brem can stand on its own?
Has Soiseth done any campaigning how Brem is not as good as he is? If not, he has my vote only because he’s only telling us what has done and what he can do. He still looks like the winner to me but that will make it clear for everyone.
I want the truth.
Brem is the only candidate to send out mailers mentioning why his opponent is not good. That tells you something. If any candidate has to put down someone else than they have nothing good to promote about theirself.
Modesto union democratic scams is the only support Brem has now? This looks like the only donor he could get was himself and his business and the only volunteers he has is his family and a union political special interest group from Modesto.
I saw on this site that Soiseth will get a 70/30 win over Brem. I think that is counting Brem’s modesto special interest who can’t vote in the TURLOCK Mayor race.
Now Modesto Democrats are coming into Turlock attacking the leading Mayoral candidate? Really?? This is getting ridiculous.
I agree with the other comments that nobody else is sending mailers mentioning other candidates. Everyone is focusing on just themselves except this Brem guy. If Modesto likes you so much then move there and take your dirty politics with you!!!
We got it bitter old man, Gary Soiseth is a young, working class, farmer, who went away to college, couldn’t argue in public about protesting bocce ball like you because he was in afghanistan during a war. He was only born in Turlock but then went away to work in the diverse world we live in and he was helping people.
Brem clearly has more expertise debating and protesting bocce ball at his rich friends’ park and stopping dog parks in east Turlock because of too much noise.
Vote Brem because he can argue about dog parks and bocce ball the best.
What is not true??
Is Gary supported by the police & fire unions… Isnt he a Republican?? What did he promise??
An honest article would be nice and the facts!
As a citizen of Turlock I am tired of the one sided dirty politics and mud slinging supported by Michael Brem and his group directed at Gary Soiseth. If this campaign is an indication of Michael Brem’s leadership style then he lacks the ability to be honest and ethical without credibility. I applaude Gary Soiseth for rising above Michael Brem’s negative attack of untruths and running his campaign with dignity, honesty and integrity!
Gary is running on super pac money and doesn’t even live in Turlock, he rents an apartment for the loop hole of having a local Turlock address.
Wake up
I am sick and tired of the back room deals and dirty politics.
Gary Soiseth will be a breath of fresh air.
negative candidates like mike brem, matthew jacob and michael eggman are all losing and it’s no surpise why
Is that concerning to anyone else?
Gary’s service in Afhganistan sealed the deal for me. Polls show he’s the winner, why does Brem even bother anymore?