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• Xiong 'leaning toward' congressional run

  Xiong 'leaning toward' congressional run

  Fresno City Council Member Blong Xiong said Friday he is "leaning toward" a congressional run in the newly created 21st District.

  Last month, Xiong said he was being encouraged to seek the seat, which covers rural parts of western Fresno County, all of Kings and parts of Tulare and Kern counties.

  At that time, Xiong said he was "looking at the information." Friday, he said he's been collecting endorsements and gauging how much money he could raise if he decided to get into the race.

• Valley Political Notebook: Democrats court Xiong to run for Congress

  Valley Political Notebook: Democrats court Xiong to run for Congress

  Blong Xiong is being encouraged to run for Congress in the newly created 21st Congressional District.

• Listen to rail arguments

  Listen to rail arguments

  I cannot think of a public entity with less credibility than the California High-Speed Rail Authority. I was inches away from becoming a vocal opponent, despite the benefit such a line would have for our region. At a meeting on Thursday, I berated the new communications director for HSRA for being the front man in a confidence game.

  Then I stopped and listened to Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin. If you, like me, are heading to a "no" faster than the proposed train -- stop, wait for the mayor to lay out her case over the next couple of months. If you are already a "no," don't become an entrenched "no" (no, regardless of benefit). If you are a "yes," don't become an entrenched "yes" (yes, regardless of the cost). Wait for the mayor.

  There is no political upside to her being an advocate for it. She is in it because she believes it is the right thing for this region and our state. For her good work in this Valley, I think she has at least earned the right to be heard on this unpopular issue.

• Lee Brand to seek re-election to Fresno council seat

  Lee Brand to seek re-election to Fresno council seat

  Fresno City Council Member Lee Brand said this morning he will seek re-election to his District 6 seat.

  Brand's list of endorsements includes the names of five of the other six council members -- Oliver Baines, Andreas Borgeas, Clint Olivier, Sal Quintero and Larry Westerlund. Only Council Member Blong Xiong isn't on the list.

  Mayor Ashley Swearengin also isn't there.

• Valleycrats dying off as partisanship increases

  Valleycrats dying off as partisanship increases

  The Valleycrat is an endangered species. A storied Central Valley political hybrid, the moderate-to-conservative Valleycrat stressed regional loyalty first and foremost. Party labels were secondary. Bipartisan cooperation was commonplace, particularly on farm and water issues. Cross-party personal relationships were warm or at least respectful.