Whistle stops

Candidates on the statewide ballot don’t often come to Chico, which made Bernie Sanders’ 2016 rally at Chico State all the more remarkable. This cycle, three stumped in Chico: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Delaine Eastin, who spoke at the library ahead of June’s primary; Republican gubernatorial finalist John Cox, trying to score points against the gas tax at a gas station Sept. 29; and U.S. Senate challenger Kevin de León, who got personal with small groups at Chico State and a recent backyard fundraiser.

De León aims to unseat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, in office since 1992. A former president pro tem of the California Senate, from a district in Los Angeles, de León is terming out of office. He’s endorsed by the state Democratic Party and touts progressive policies such as single-payer health coverage and tuition-free public colleges.

“Every vote counts,” de León told the CN&R, “and I wanted to give folks in a rural county like Butte County the respect that they deserve.”