Friday, May 04, 2007 Editorial: 2 things for Bing to remember
IT'S too early for Mayor Evelio Leonardia to brag about his No. 1 standing in various local surveys. Being an incumbent, it is but natural that Leonardia must enjoy the lead in surveys (not to mention those paid or self-commissioned surveys).
The incumbent mayor, however, should remember two things - political history and machinery. He should remember that in 1998 elections, he, being an incumbent that time, was also leading in all surveys against his rival Oscar "Oca" Verdeflor.
But at the end of the canvassing, people were shocked that Verdeflor emerged as run-away winner. In 2001, the then incumbent Verdeflor was also toppled by his challenger, Joy Valdez.
And in 2004, the incumbent Valdez was also No.1 in all surveys but after canvassing, Leonardia won. Meaning, surveys always favor the incumbent but in the end, the challenger prevails.
As to the political machinery, Leonardia should also remember that in 2004, one factor that made him win was the machinery of Rep. Monico Puentevella.
And even if he deny this, it was obviously the Monico factor that helped him win the mayoralty race against Valdez.
Now that he's at odds with Puentevella due to personal, political and business reasons, Leonardia should watch out, the solon might have series of moves against him.
Because it is clear that Puentevella is doing everything to topple Leonardia on May 14.
