MIDDLETOWN – Less than two weeks after the field of candidates for the District 1 supervisorial seat became official, the race is heating up with a number of key endorsements, including one from the outgoing supervisor.

Supervisor Ed Robey announced last summer that he would not seek reelection. His term expires at the end of the year, after 12 years on the board.

Appearing on the June 3 primary ballot will be a large field of candidates seeking to succeed Robey. Supervisorial hopefuls include James Comstock, Don Dornbush, Susanne La Faver, Scott Fergusson, Joey Luiz and Robert MacIntyre.

While it's still relatively early in the race, candidates are busy lining up endorsements and establishing Web sites.

At his Web site, www.fergussonforsupervisor.com, Fergusson offers a lengthy list of local businesses and individuals who are giving his candidacy their support. His site also offers a video introduction and more information about the supervisorial hopeful.

Robert MacIntyre's site, http://macintyreforsupervisor.com/, so far offers no specific endorsements, but lists his qualifications and views on issues. Luiz's new site, at http://joeyluiz.com, is still largely under construction.

Perhaps the key endorsement so far was given over the weekend.

At a Saturday campaign kickoff event at Ployez Winery in Lower Lake, Robey announced that he was endorsing La Faver as his successor.

“Susanne has the know-how and the energy to protect our quality of life while promoting our local economy,” said Robey. "I've watched her working on various community projects for years, and I know she is motivated by the highest principles of public service.

La Faver also has landed endorsements from Supervisor Denise Rushing, and Clearlake City Council members Joyce Overton and Judy Thein, according to her Web site, www.susanneforsupervisor.com.

Still to be announced are major endorsements in the District 5 race, pitting incumbent Rob Brown against challenger Robert Stark. District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington is running for reelection unopposed.

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