Pete Stark Attacks Castro Valley Realtor

There he goes again?

Democratic Congressman Pete Stark sent out a campaign mailer this week attacking "shady" developers who back his opponent in the 15th Congressional District, fellow Democrat and Dublin city councilman Eric Swalwell.

Sparks began to fly when Castro Valley realtor Otto Catrina found himself named in the mailer -- and called his lawyer to demand that Stark "correct the false statements" according to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Catrina, a leading member of the California Board of Realtors, told the Chronicle: "I've never developed anything in my life." 

Stark had to back down in the spring after Swalwell threatened legal action against some campaign attacks hurled by the incumbent.

The race has drawn national attention in part because the California primary process has been changed: in this election the two highest vote getters in the primary, Stark and Swalwell, are competing in the general election even though both identify as Democrats.

If Stark thinks ill of Catrina, the feeling is mutual.

When President Obama endorsed Stark before the June primary, Catrina left a comment on Patch: "What a joke. The President needs to do his homework ... Stark is useless and yes, 'Tired'. Swalwell has my vote!"

Have you followed the race? Which candidate has your support?

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