Field Backs Hartmann in 3rd District Race

Bob Field, a former supervisorial candidate, announced last week he is supporting Joan Hartmann in the race to represent Santa Barbara County’s 3rd District. Hartmann, a former Environmental Protection Agency attorney and professor backed by the Democratic Party, faces Bruce Porter, a retired U.S. Army Corp of Engineers officer supported by Republicans, in the November election.

Though Field is a Republican — albeit a disgruntled one — his key county issue is preserving the Santa Ynez Valley’s rural character. He said Hartmann is the “only one who serves this goal.”

Field’s endorsement is hardly a surprise: He donated $1,000 to Hartmann just months before deciding to jump in the race. Asked at the time about his flip-flop, Field admitted he entered the race to try to prevent Porter from winning in the June primary election.

Field joins former right-wing candidate Karen Jones in supporting Hartmann. Jay Freeman — another former candidate and a progressive Isla Vista activist now running for its proposed Community Services District — has not endorsed in the 3rd District race.