HERNANDEZ GAINS FILNER’S SUPPORT FOR 77TH DISTRICT

SAN DIEGO – May 4, 2012 - State Assembly Candidate Ruben (RJ) Hernandez is gaining momentum with backing from well known Democratic Congressman and San Diego Mayoral Candidate Bob Filner.

Filner was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992 after teaching at San Diego State University and serving City Council. Hernandez admires Filner’s dedication to the nation’s armed services as the Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“It is an honor that one of the people I look up to the most stands with us as we fight to turn district 77 turns blue,” says Hernandez. “I look forward to working with Congressman Filner when he is elected Mayor to create jobs, improve fire safety and make San Diego a world-class city again.”

Increasingly Hispanic and moderate, District 77 is at the core of key population shifts, voting for Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama in 2008.  The businessman is showing he can compete with rivals for North County, as a representative with plans for creating and retaining new high-paying jobs and education reform that reduces pink slips and expands students’ skills.

Hernandez is pleased to have Congressman Filner headline a Cinco De Mayo event this Saturday, May 5th from 5-7 PM in Sabre Springs. For more information, call Lori Kern-Greenberg (619) 838-6766.

Find out more about District 77 and RJ Hernandez at http://www.rjhernandez.org.

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Single-Payer Healthcare Champion Endorses Saldaña for Congress

Single-Payer Healthcare Champion Endorses Saldaña for Congress

“So long as Republicans continue hold fast to policies that are destroying America's middle class, we need to send a powerful Progressive voice like Lori’s to Washington."

SANTA MONICA – Former State Senator Sheila Kuehl, a champion for single-payer healthcare coverage in California, has endorsed Lori Saldaña’s run for Congress.

Kuehl and Saldaña were colleagues in the Legislature during California’s vigorous healthcare debate in 2006-2007, a debate pre-dating federal battle by several years. Both lawmakers saw the need to revise the healthcare system allow access to the largest number of uninsured Californians through a public option.

“Lori was an early and vocal supporter of my "Medicare For All” single-payer healthcare legislation, Kuehl said.

Medicare For All is considered a model for any efforts to provide a public option at the federal level. Saldaña is also endorsed Mark Leno who has continued Kuehl's efforts on single -payer in California.

“I've endorsed Lori Saldana because in the state legislature she amassed an impressive record of important accomplishments, including legislation on energy efficiency, consumer protection and sensible gun control measures,” Kuehl said.

“So long as Republicans continue hold fast to policies that are destroying America's middle class, we need to send a powerful Progressive voice like Lori’s to Washington.”

Kuehl’s support adds to Saldaña’s growing list of endorsements by leading elected officials that includes Congresswoman and Former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, State Treasurer John Chiang, State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, State Senator Mark Leno. Saldaña other endorsements include former City Councilmember Donna Fry, the American Federation of Teachers and the Point Loma, Black Mountain, and La Jolla Democratic clubs.

Saldaña said she was honored by Kuehl’s endorsement.

“Sheila Kuehl is one of California’s most important Progressive leaders,” she said. “Her support means a great deal to me.”

Kuehl, who was the first openly-gay person elected to the Legislature, noted that Saldaña had been active in Sacramento and in her district as an advocate for the rights of LGBT Californians.
“Lori was one of the Legislature’s most reliable allies for equality,” she said.

Saldaña is running in the newly-drawn 52nd Congressional District that includes La Jolla, Poway, Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Point Loma and Coronado.

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Stephanie Cutter: Get the facts on Mitt Romney, Big Oil, and the Koch Brothers

From OFA:

Why I am Running for Third District County Supervisor by Dave Roberts

I am a candidate for San Diego County Supervisor because I am concerned that San Diego County is headed in the wrong direction and we need to change course in order to protect the hard working taxpayers of the County.

It's time for a positive, bipartisan problem solver to be elected to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. I don't care who gets the credit - I just want the problems solved.  That's what it will take to improve our region.

It is also time to stop the "business as usual" and political deal making and get to work.

Specifically, if elected the Third District County Supervisor, I will make certain our county government does the following:

·         Works to protect and enhance the quality of life of all county residents
·         Fosters an economic environment that spurs job growth
·         Demands fiscal responsibility, spending less than we have
·         Insists upon full disclosure, transparency, public accountability
·         Stops the six-figure county pensions with a cap; and,
·         Delivers the best, most efficient services to the public

These are promises I will make and the commitments I will keep.

Being a county supervisor isn't about catchy one-liners and 'sound bites' you often hear. It is about working to provide the best service possible to the public just as county government is supposed to do.

It is about saving taxpayer dollars, balancing the county budget and setting aside a reserve for a rainy day.

This means cutting red tape and streamlining services.

It means getting the pension system under control and capping pensions because six-figure retirements are not affordable.

I support a ban on gifts to supervisors from individuals or organizations that receive county funding. This should have happened years ago and when I am elected it will happen.

We need an ethics hotline so the public and employees can turn in the bad apples who take advantage of the system and skirt the law.

My priorities are simple and straight-forward: preserve our environment; greatly improve county fire protection; fully fund our Sheriff and District Attorney; expand our parks; and, improve our libraries.

I will fight for policies that invest in infrastructure and create jobs.

I am running for this office because I am concerned about the direction of county government and the effects those policies coming out of downtown might have on the citizens of the Third District. I would be honored to have your vote.

Like you, I want to see government at all levels operate with more accountability. I want our elected officials to work together. I am tired of the political posturing and bickering that keeps government from getting things done.

I have worked most of my career cutting waste and improving efficiency. As a successful businessman I helped to build a Fortune 500 company. I understand what it takes to create jobs in high-tech, biotech and the renewable-energy sectors. As Deputy Mayor of the City of Solana Beach, I've worked to balance the budget every year, saving taxpayers money without eliminating vital services.

For more information, please visit my campaign website at www.DaveRobertsforSupervisor.com.

Statement from Speaker John Pérez: We Need Scott Peters in D.C.

Statement from Speaker John Pérez: We Need Scott Peters in D.C.

San Diego, CA -- In a statement regarding the race for the 52nd Congressional District, California Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) had this to say:

“As Speaker of the Assembly, I know how important coalitions are to getting things done. Scott Peters knows how to build consensus to create real progress. That's why he would be successful in Congress—Scott Peters doesn't throw bombs, he finds solutions. We need more of that in Washington.”

Pérez served with Lori Saldaña in the California State Assembly in 2009 and 2010; he presided over her as Speaker in 2010. Pérez appointed Scott Peters as an alternate to the California Coastal Commission in 2011.

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Scott Peters for Congress Campaign Hits the Airwaves This Weekend!

Scott Peters for Congress Campaign Hits the Airwaves This Weekend!

San Diego, CA – In the next two days, the Scott Peters for Congress campaign will begin telling the voters directly about Scott’s record of fighting for the middle class, solving problems, creating jobs and getting things done via broadcast television.  The Peters campaign began an aggressive direct-mail campaign last week, and this weekend it will become the first in the race for the 52nd Congressional District to air television commercials. The campaign has had an aggressive grassroots voter contact effort underway for the past several months.

The professionally produced 30-second ad highlights Scott’s background, growing up the son of a minister and civil rights advocate, tells of Scott’s record to protect and create thousands of good jobs for San Diegans.

“The middle class is taking it on the chin, and Washington is not helping,” says Peters in the spot. “It’s time to rebuild our middle class.”

Click here to view the ad which will air on several local television stations within the next two days.

For more information about Scott Peters for Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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MoveOn.org Political Action Endorses Lori Saldaña for Congress

MoveOn.org Political Action Endorses Lori Saldaña for Congress

Citing Saldaña’s record of standing up for the 99%, MoveOn members commit to aggressive effort online and on the ground to propel her to victory

In a year when Americans are looking to elect leaders who will work to rebuild the middle class, MoveOn’s members in California’s 52nd congressional district voted overwhelmingly to endorse Lori Saldaña for her years of community organizing and her proven track record in the California State Assembly. When asked why they were picking Saldaña, MoveOn’s members consistently cited her integrity, her grassroots support, and her credentials as the only true progressive in the race.

MoveOn has more than 23,000 members in the 52nd congressional district, and of those who participated in the endorsement vote, an overwhelming 71% voted to endorse Saldaña.

MoveOn member Mary Lou L. in San Diego supports Saldaña because she's "a strong advocate for equality, immigrants rights, and women." Kimberley B. says, "Lori is grassroots all the way, with door to door campaigning and support from all the Democratic clubs in San Diego County.  She was a state legislator for 6 years and has always been about standing up for the people, no matter what's at stake."

On the other hand, many MoveOn members wrote of their concerns about Saldaña’s primary opponent, Scott Peters. Kayla W., from San Diego, ruled out Peters because he "has openly stated that he supports cutting vital social programs such as Social Security and Medicare."

Saldaña said of the endorsement, “I am grateful to have the support of MoveOn's tens of thousands of members throughout San Diego who have expressed their faith in my progressive, grassroots campaign. This campaign is about more than an election in November. It's about people working together to take back government for the middle class and supporting those who aspire to join the middle class. MoveOn's endorsement will be a tremendous help in getting me to Washington and I look forward to working with MoveOn's members in the months ahead.”

As part of their support for the Saldaña campaign, MoveOn’s thousands of members in the district will help provide the grassroots support—including volunteer boots on the ground – that she will need to win.

MoveOn.org Political Action is a political action committee powered by more than 7 million Americans from every state and every congressional district. Since its founding in 1998, MoveOn has raisedmore than $29 million in small-donor contributions and MoveOn members have volunteered tens of millions of hours for progressive candidates. MoveOn members believe in the power of grassroots action to make our country a more progressive place and elect candidates who will fight to put the American Dream back within reach for all Americans.

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National Organization for Women Endorses Lori Saldaña for Congress

National Organization for Women Endorses Lori Saldaña for Congress

NOW President calls Saldaña ‘fiercely principled’

WASHINGTON D.C.  - The nation’s largest women’s advocacy organization, The National Organization for Women (NOW) has announced their endorsement of Lori Saldaña‘s run for Congress.

NOW President Terry O’Neill pointed to Saldaña’s unwavering record on women’s issues.

“In the California Legislature, Lori Saldana has been a champion for policies that advanced the issues NOW cares about, including economic justice, reproductive rights, and addressing the epidemic of violence against women,” O' Neill said.

“She is also fiercely principled in her stands,” she said. “We endorsed Lori because we know she will stand for women in Congress."

Saldaña is the Democratic frontrunner to unseat extremist Republican Brian Bilbray in California’s 52nd Congressional District.

NOW adds to the growing list of women’s organizations supporting Saldaña for Congress, including Emily’s List, Run Women Run, and the San Diego Democratic Women’s Club. The national NOW endorsement was made with the support of the local and state chapters.

Saldaña said she was thrilled by NOW’s endorsement.

"I am honored to have NOW's support, especially at such a crucial time for women,” Saldaña said “I look forward to working to elect more women for national office who will push back against the extremist anti-woman agenda in Washington.”

Throughout her tenure in the Legislature, Saldaña was recognized as a champion of women’s issues by organizations NARAL Pro-Choice California (100%), Planned Parenthood (100%) and California NOW (100%).

Saldaña was part of an historic leadership team in the California Assembly that included Karen Bass as the first African-American Speaker in the nation’s history, Saldaña as the Speaker pro Tem, and Assemblymember Noreen Evans as the Assembly Budget Chair.

Saldaña also served as the Chair of the bipartisan Legislative Women’s Caucus where she worked on issues related to the trauma faced by women female service members serving in combat situations.

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Who is Scott Sherman? (Part II)

The Republican Party's central committee might be sorry to hear, but Scott Sherman was not the first choice by C. April Boling, but after calling and meeting with other of her tax clients from her expansive rolodex she got to Scott. 

Scott needs some major help.  It seems he doesn't know about anything his own community, let alone the city.  Don't tell the residents you didn't know there was such a thing as the Allied Gardens Community Council.  So, instead of looking for a winning team, they go back in time to 4-years ago to use the same failed team of 2008; Duane Dichiara, John Pilch and Clinton Soffer.

The 2008 Dream Team does have a top tier fundraiser, but it seems Scott was not so great at raising money and his rolodex not so good too.  New fundraiser please.  Every other Republican raised over $100,000, they promised he would be in the six digits at filing time, but sadly Scott raised $55,000 with most spent on his consultants.  Good thing the Republican Party had an endorsement interview with only Scott and didn't invite the other Republican in the race, Rik Haupfeld.  Scott will need the party to help him, because he can't get the money himself.

Scott's public or private appearances don't go over very well.  He has to be educated at one meeting what is tax increment and the names of committees at the city council.  He doesn't understand the issues, can't talk clearly to a crowd of people and doesn't connect with the audience of people who are not partisan activists.  Scott even flopped trying to talk about how he is a community involved person too.  It turns out he hasn't done anything in his own community when asked about it.  Wait, he was a single father raising a daughter.  Heart goes out right?  It should. It is very hard to be a single parent and raising a child is not easy, even for a two parent household.  Give the guy a break.  Oh no, it turns out Scott has been remarried for 6 years and his child is in their mid 20's living out of the community.  Okay, Plan B, he says he taught martial arts to kids at the YMCA in Mission Valley, bingo it is in the NEW district.  We have a fall back community activity plan.  Bring in the talking points and no matter the question, really, never talk about anything but the pension ballot, managed competition, $2.2 billion unfunded benefit, running the city like a business and being a small business owner.  Oh, don't forget Scott is against taxes (or not) and favors something called zero budgeting.

Saldaña endorses Filner for Mayor

Saldaña endorses Filner for Mayor

SAN DIEGO -  Former State Assembly Pro Tem Lori Saldaña announced her support today for Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego, the only Democratic candidate in the Mayor’s race.

"After 20 years of Republican misrule at City  Hall, it's time for a change," Saldaña said. "Bob Filner offers the best chance for a break from the past."

"Bob and I have our differences, but this is not about personalities. It’s about what's best for the people of San Diego. Bob is a much better choice than any of the other candidates. Bob has a far better record on behalf of working people and protecting the environment; and he’s not bought and paid for by the downtown establishment that has run San Diego for a generation."

Saldaña is the Democratic frontrunner in the race for the newly drawn 52nd Congressional  District.

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Peters, Filner Urge Initiatives to Boost Port Business

Peters, Filner Urge Initiatives to Boost Port Business

 Peters Reiterates Call for Nat'l System of Ports as Part of 'Invest in America' Strategy

San Diego, CA – Unified Port of San Diego Commissioner Scott Peters and United States Congressman and Mayoral candidate Bob Filner held a press conference this morning to discuss initiatives designed to expand traffic at port and grow our local economy.

“Congress could invest in a plan that puts us on the path to a national system of ports, securing a more prosperous future for San Diego and our country,” stated Peters. “Right now, Congress could be looking for ways to link our ports and increase the efficiency of our infrastructure, streamline our supply chain, and make it more attractive for companies to invest in manufacturing and processing in our country. Increasing these investments will be my priority when I get to Congress.”

Peters first announced his initiative to link the nation’s ports to improve commerce as part of an Invest in America strategy he unveiled last month.

“As a member of the Board of Port Commissioners, I learned that one of the biggest challenges ports across America face is the lack of connections to highway and rail systems,” continued Peters. “America has stopped making those investments and it is hurting our ability to export American goods to international markets. We could put people to work right now and stimulate our economy by investing more to rebuild our roads, our bridges, our broadband, our power grid, and other public facilities. China is spending 9% of their Gross Domestic Product on infrastructure investment. Europe is investing 5%. And here in the richest country in the world, we are only investing 2.5%, and Congress is trying to cut that. That’s no way to increase our competitiveness in a global economy.”

Peters, who also served on the San Diego City Council, also discussed his support for smarter innovations designed to use our ports and border crossings more effectively and efficiently. “The Port of San Diego is a critical economic engine for our region; it supports more than 40,000 jobs and generates more than $3 billion in economic impact to our region,” said Peters.

“While we’ve been able to retain jobs here at the Port, we could be doing more. We need a more efficient method of transporting goods to market and raw materials to processing and manufacturing sites,” he said. “That’s something Congress could be working on right now to get our economy moving in the right direction.”

Peters was joined by Congressman Filner, who also supports expansion of the Port. Filner urged local officials to embrace a “clean good” movement.

For more information, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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DAVE ROBERTS SUPPORTS ARTS AND CULTURE TO BOLSTER SAN DIEGO REGION'S ECONOMY

DAVE ROBERTS SUPPORTS ARTS AND CULTURE TO BOLSTER SAN DIEGO REGION'S ECONOMY

San Diego - Third District Supervisor candidate Dave Roberts announced today that he will continue to strongly support arts and culture organizations in San Diego County and believes they are essential to the region's economic recovery and long-term vitality.

"Arts and culture are truly a hidden economic engine and one that I will strongly support on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors," said Roberts.  "Our world class symphony, opera, museums and theatres have become an important part of our region's economy and I want to continue the incredible momentum that has been created in the last decade."

Roberts cited a study conducted by the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau that found "cultural tourists" have a significantly higher median household income than other San Diego overnight visitors and they tend to stay longer (3.8 days vs. 1.8 days) and spend more money ($561 vs. $235 per trip) than other visitors.  Almost 60 percent of these visitors use hotel accommodations, an economic stimulus that contributes more to the region's tax base.

"It will take leadership and experience to ensure that San Diego County maintains its AAA bond rating and financial footing," said Roberts.  "Thinking outside-the-box and supporting organizations that enhance San Diego's quality of life are an essential component of a sound economic plan for our region. I will continue my strong leadership in this area as I have in my home community of Solana Beach."

Roberts added that the San Diego region is home to 4,631 arts-related businesses both for profit and non-profit.  These businesses employ over 22,500 people ranking us 9th overall in the country in arts related jobs.  In fact, many CEOs looking to relocate their corporate headquarters prioritize cities with vibrant cultural and arts attractions, noted Roberts.

Dave Roberts is endorsed by a large group of bipartisan leaders, including retiring Third District Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, who crossed party lines to support Roberts' campaign.  Roberts helped build a Fortune 500 company in San Diego, is a two-term councilmember and Deputy Mayor of the City of Solana Beach.  For more information, visit his web site at www.DaveRobertsforSupervisor.com.

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Howard Dean to Host Fundraiser for Saldaña

Howard Dean to Host Fundraiser for Saldaña

SAN DIEGO – Presidential candidate and Former head of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Howard Dean, will be in San Diego in May to host fundraiser for Lori Saldaña.

Saldaña, who is running for the 52nd Congressional District, was named one of the “Dean Dozen” during her successful 2004 campaign for the California Assembly.

The Dean Dozen were a group of twelve progressive Democratic candidates endorsed by Dean’s group, “Democracy for America” that included Barack Obama in his successful bid for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.

Saldaña is the Democratic frontrunner is to unseat Republican Brian Bilbray in the newly-drawn 52nd District.

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Who is Scott Sherman? (Part I)

Over the following week we will explore the man named Scott Sherman, the person C. April Boling found to save us from fiscal downfall, Carl DeMaio needs so desperately as his "fiscal" vote at city council, and the man who is Croatian by blood, Swedish by birth and American by choice; the always rational Tony Krvaric Dream Team.  Psst, to help make make Scott's storyline work for this election they hired the same person who lost the 2008 election for district 7 election,Duane Dichiara.

So....How were we lucky to have Scott run for San Diego City Council?

Just a year ago, there was no record of Scott Sherman, but the few political contribution checks he gave out to Republican candidates, the insurance business where he is listed on the website as a Producer and a sport fishing website where they call him the Shermanator, and he makes off color jokes to sell his insurance policies.  Instead, he came alive to us from the client rolodex of Catherine April Boling, the treasurer for every Republican organization, candidate or front group of every Republican organization, to now run for San Diego City Council.  It helped that Carl DeMaio testified for Scott's fishing issue and as Scott reported in CityBEAT he “owed him one” and hosted a coffee where he donated to Carl for mayor.  Scott will tell you he didn't think he would be running for City Council just a year, but was asked by a good friend April!

There will be follow-up posts to explore Scott, the making of a city council candidate. They will talk about his position on taxes or when he doesn't think a tax is really a tax, local development, community involvement, understanding of city government and who is the cast behind the scenes. 

Stay tune until next time...

San Diego Working Families Mobilize for May Day March & Rally, Pledge to Support Workers’ Fight Against The 1%

 San Diego Working Families Mobilize for May Day March & Rally, Pledge to Support Workers’ Fight Against The 1%

WHO:        Working class people throughout San Diego

WHAT:        May 1st day of action on International Worker’s Day

WHEN:        Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 at Noon

WHERE:        Downtown Civic Center, 3rd & “B” Street


SAN DIEGO – On May 1st, 2012, working families from throughout the county will rally in  San Diego’s Civic Center as part of a day of action against the 1% who for too long have impeded progress from the 99% across the country.

“Despite of the economic crisis , I keep fighting so that I can offer my children a dignified life, one filled with great opportunity and prosperity,” says María Felix, a janitor for 17 years.  “I am a proud janitor.  I clean after the 1%, and I will not allow building owners or their contractors threaten to stop our progress.  Together we will march; and together we will win the fight for a better life.”

Workers have felt the weight of economic policies do not benefit the majority. Working families deserve dignity and respect, policies that attack the quality of life of the majority and the two-party system that sides with the 1% of will be held accountable.

It’s time to recognize the tremendous contributions of working families, it’s time to stand with the majority.

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Congressman Bob Filner Endorses Scott Peters in CD52

Congressman Bob Filner Endorses Scott Peters in CD52

Current/Former Local Dem Electeds Overwhelmingly Back Peters

San Diego -- Today, Scott Peters, candidate for the new 52nd Congressional District, was honored to receive the endorsement of long-time House Democrat Bob Filner.

“Congressman Filner’s endorsement was a great surprise, and a tremendous honor,” said Peters. “Bob has been a forceful advocate for our region, for our veterans, for civil rights and for Democratic causes throughout his esteemed career in public service. I look forward to his guidance and taking up where he left off as a champion for working families when I get to Congress,” he said.

Filner’s endorsement is significant because Peters is running against entrenched Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray, who served in the House of Representatives with Filner for many years, and because Filner chose to endorse Peters over the other Democrat in the race who has also worked with Bob on issues of mutual concern over the years.

“There is definitely a trend in this race,” said Peters’ Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “Every current and former local Democratic legislator who has endorsed in this race at both the state and federal level, has endorsed Scott. These leaders know both Scott and Lori and back Scott because he has what it takes to get real results for working families. He gets it and gets it done,” she said.        

Other former and current state and federal legislators who have endorsed Peters are: former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk; former Senators Dede Alpert and Lucy Killea; former Assemblymembers Mary Salas and Howard Wayne; current Senator Christine Kehoe; Assemblymembers Toni Atkins, Marty Block and Ben Hueso.  Click here for a complete list of elected officials endorsing Peters.

For more information about Scott Peters for Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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Bob Filner Touts Port Expansion, Endorses Port Chairman Scott Peters

Bob Filner Touts Port Expansion, Endorses Port Chairman Scott Peters

San Diego, CA – U.S. Congressman and Mayoral candidate Bob Filner will be joined Tuesday by Port Commission Chairman Scott Peters to urge expansion of the Port into an economic engine for the region, bring jobs back to San Diego, and to urge local officials to embrace a “clean goods movement.” Filner will also be endorsing Peters’s candidacy in the 52nd Congressional District race.

Filner has made the expansion of the San Diego Unified Port the centerpiece of his economic revitalization plan for San Diego. “We can create thousands of good-paying middle class jobs by enhancing the Port’s regional and international stature, and do so in a way that is beneficial to the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Filner. Scott Peters, an environmental lawyer by training, and past President of the San Diego City Council has worked to increase the size and scope of the Port’s operations during his time as Chair of the Port Commission.

 

NORTH COUNTY DEMOCRAT STEPS UP ENDORSEMENTS IN FLETCHER’S TURF

NORTH COUNTY DEMOCRAT STEPS UP ENDORSEMENTS IN FLETCHER’S TURF

SAN DIEGO – April 29, 2012 ‐ State Assembly Candidate Ruben (RJ) Hernandez has been extending his moderate political platform across North County and inviting constituents to add their ideas to reform policies and “make this sate work.” The Poway, Black Mountain and Rancho Santa Fe Democratic Clubs signed on board with him since the state party endorsed Hernandez in February.

"We've been building a lot of momentum and have had a positive response in our meetings with community leaders, elected officials, educators, businesses and constituents,” Hernandez says, campaigning as a small businessman and educator. “The support is appreciated.”

Increasingly Hispanic and moderate, District 77 is at the core of key population shifts, voting for Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama in 2008. Hernandez aims his campaign at regional issues that will create jobs, reboot political energy and reform education. “I have seen politicians come and go but solid repeatable systems never stick,” he says. “I don't have any political baggage
weighing me down, and will listen aggressively to engage the obstacles we face as a community.”

Other key supporters include the Latino Legislative Caucus and the San Diego Young Democrats.

Hernandez is out to claim a region comprised of Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Kearny Mesa, and North and East Clairemont. Find out more about District 77 and RJ Hernandez at http://www.rjhernandez.org.

PSD Announces 2012 Primary Endorsements

PSD Announces 2012 Primary Endorsements

Progressive San Diego is pleased to announce the results of its endorsement process for candidates who sought our endorsement for the  June 5, 2012 Primary Election. Further endorsement decisions will be made as necessary for the General Election in November.

Congressional District 52: Scott Peters and Lori Saldaña. 
Lori Saldaña is a “progressive's progressive,” with an outstanding record of standing up for progressive values. PSD encourages her to continue  her efforts to improve consensus-building among progressives. Scott  Peters, whose voting record on local issues has not always earned him  the praise of progressives, is guided by deeply held progressive values  that will serve his constituency well on the issues he will have to confront  at the federal level. PSD urges him to remember that even the toughest  decisions he will have to make must be guided by what is in the best  interests of individuals and local communities.

Congressional District 53: Susan Davis.

State Assembly District 78: Toni Atkins.

State Assembly District 79: Sid Voorakkara, Pat Washington, and Shirley Weber.
It is rare that one race has so many good progressive candidates. While each of the three candidates has unique strengths, the residents of the 79th Assembly  District will be served well by whoever is elected to represent them in Sacramento.

San Diego City Mayor: Bob Filner.

San Diego City Council District 3: No Endorsement. 
Despite the fact that PSD endorsed Todd Gloria four years ago, he failed to  receive our endorsement this time. PSD is deeply concerned that Todd is not a  bona fide progressive. For instance, he strongly supports the expansion of the  Convention Center without any financial protections for taxpayers and without  any credible evidence of benefits for anyone other than downtown hoteliers. He  also actively campaigned against the creation of the Latino/Immigrant Empowerment District for the new council district delineated by  the San Diego Redistricting Commission. Unfortunately, there are many other  examples of anti-progressive actions. PSD hopes that Todd will take this  opportunity to demonstrate that his many departures from the priorities and  interests of the people who voted him into office are simply good-faith mistakes  by a first-term council member. PSD has invited him to a follow-up meeting with the endorsement panel in order to discuss what he can do to earn our  endorsement next time.

San Diego City Council District 7: Mat Kostrinsky.

San Diego City Council District 9: Marti Emerald.  
 Marti Emerald has cast good votes on the majority of progressive issues over the  past four years, and PSD is pleased to endorse her again. Her opponent, Mateo  Camarillo, has a long history of promoting positive change in the San Diego  community, but he did not demonstrate a stron g understanding of the leading progressive issues facing the City.

Progressives worked hard to ensure that the 9th Council Distrct, whose boundaries were set by the San Diego Redistricting Commission last year, would  be a “majority-minority district”--meaning that a majority of the eligible voters are  non-white. Given this effort, PSD is pleased that Marti has expressed a strong  willingness to encourage and mentor aspiring leaders in the new district who  reflect its tremendous diversity.

San Diego Unified School Board District A: John Lee Evans.
San Diego Unified School Board District D: Richard Barrera.
San Diego Unified School Board District E: Marne Foster.
San Diego Community College Board District B: Bernie Rhinerson.
Chula Vista City Council Seat 3: Pamela Bensoussan.
Chula Vista City Council Seat 4: Mary Salas.