What a difference a week can make in politics. But, for five-term incumbent Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, it's about to become a very long week.

This evening it became official. The Association representing Deputy District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and Child Support Attorneys, is not supporting Hansberger as was originally portrayed by the incumbent Supervisor a couple of weeks ago. On March 25th, Hansberger was forced to remove the Association's name from his campaign's website listing of endorsements after the union was erroneously named as a supporter.

Now, the San Bernardino County Public Attorneys Association has disclosed it has endorsed Hansberger's opponent, San Bernardino City Councilman Neil Derry.

The Attorneys have apparently agreed with the "It's time for a change" theme of the Derry campaign, and believe that after serving nearly twenty years on the Board of Supervisors with little accomplished, it's time for Hansberger to say goodbye.

The Public Attorneys, who have quietly amassed some $300,000 in PAC money, are rapidly becoming a major player in local politics. Sources close to the group are reporting the Association now views Derry as likely to prevail on June 3rd, and it would appear they are taking Hansberger out behind the proverbial woodshed with a paddle. It will be interesting to see how much dough is spent to support Derry, and against Hansberger.

A local political consultant privately commented late this evening on this development, saying this turn of fate for the Hansberger campaign is "Psychologically devastating" and "further exhibits vulnerability".  The consultant added, "This action by the Public Attorney's Association elevates them as a real player in county politics...If I were a county politician I would certainly take notice."