Duane Baughman, you're our big winner! The political consultant is getting $15,000 to resolve the lawsuit that Supervisor (and newly-announced candidate for assessor/recorder, courtesy of the Sentinel) Gerardo Sandoval filed against him for those anonymous flyers sent out in the 2004 supervisors' race. Sandoval also, through gritted teeth, issued the following statement:

I regret pursuing this matter against Democratic political consultant Duane Baughman in the courts, and for any personal and professional trouble this may have caused him. We have settled the matter, and I consider it closed.

You can practically see Sandoval kicking the ground as he says it! Baughman, in response, magnanimously responded:

This settlement is proof that this was never about money. It was always about vindication in a public arena. Supervisor Sandoval has expressed his sincere regret to me personally about this entire matter. I consider the matter now closed, and I am happy to get back to the business of electing Democrats around the country.

A wiser reader than we are tipped us off to the words that are bolded in the quotes. Wasn't Baughman supposed to be the big Republican (gasp!) consultant? No no no! He's a gun for hire! Baughman's worked for both NYC Mayor Bloomberg the donkey with the mostest, Howard Dean! Sandoval should've offered a discount for each time he said the word "Democrat."

Baughman's actually only getting about 20% of the fees he was awarded, and Sandoval confessed to the Chron that his fundraising appeal only raised about $1000. "I don't have any assets. I don't have any money to speak of in the bank. I don't own any stock. The only thing I have is my house, and like most San Franciscans, I barely bought my house." Mr. Sandoval, maybe it's time to start looking into IRA plans!

We can't tell from the article if this resolves the entire case or if Sandoval's still on the hook for the attorneys' fees from the other defendant, the "No on F" committee. Does anyone know?

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