Chronicle columnist Chip Johnson asserts today that if Oakland City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan jumps into the mayor’s race she will “siphon” votes that would otherwise go to Councilwoman Jean Quan. Johnson’s claim is not surprising since he is a longtime strong supporter of ex-state Senator Don Perata. His assertion also may be true for some progressives who would prefer Kaplan to Quan. But there’s also ample evidence that Kaplan will siphon votes from Johnson’s favored candidate in the race.
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