The growing influence of special-interest campaign contributions in local politics and the media's failure to report on his opponent's mudslinging were key factors in the loss of his 3rd District seat, San Bernardino County Supervisor Dennis Hansberger said.

Although the upset victory of San Bernardino City Councilman Neil Derry on June 3 surprised many, the longtime supervisor said he knew he was in for a fight early in the campaign.

Derry was helped by the "very deep pockets of a few sources," Hansberger said. "I know money makes a huge difference, whether it should or not."
 
Large contributions from third-party groups funded a series of mailers attacking Hansberger.

Final expenditures have yet to be reported, but the latest filings show two law enforcement unions, representing the county's public attorneys and sheriff's deputies, contributed more than $300,000 to Derry's campaign.

The Hansberger camp spent more than $770,000 on the election, according to the latest reports, and Derry estimated his campaign spent about $800,000.

Speaking from his office at the San Bernardino County Government Center, Hansberger was relaxed as he reflected on what likely was the final election campaign of his 20-year career.

He said the influence of third-party groups has grown in San Bernardino County.

"Whether they support me or someone else, I think it's an unfortunate situation," he said.

Derry's supporters distorted the truth in campaign literature, a tactic that went unchallenged by local news outlets, Hansberger said.

One flier showed a group of newspaper clippings from coverage of the ongoing investigation of the county assessor's office, now headed by former supervisor Bill Postmus. The investigation does not involve Hansberger, he said.

Other fliers highlighted controversies that did center around Hansberger, including his votes to fund a nonprofit agency when he was dating the executive director.

He said the two had no financial ties and he had made no effort to hide the relationship, he said at the time. Though he came under criticism, he ultimately was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Media Criticism

Hansberger tempered his criticism of media coverage with an acknowledgement of challenging economic times that have resulted in smaller staffs and stretched resources.

"In the past, the media would research campaign claims and make their own comment on them," he said.

"I think the media could have done a great service to the public but I didn't see that occurring."