Uptown Throwdown!

So now that the general election is upon us let's look at one of the more interesting local races to come around in a while outside of the City Attorney's race. I'm talking of course between the throwdown between Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn for District 3. The reason why this is interesting is that who ever wins might become the premier locally elected city Democrat. I mean after all it's possible that one of these guys might run for Mayor or State Assembly in a few years. But it also going to be very contentious as both candidates have very similar positions on choice, marriage equality, equal rights and essentially share the same progressive values. Looking at the money side, if one checks the San Diego City Clerk's office you'll see that as of 5/17/08 Whitburn raised $114,730.66 and Gloria raised $61,788.00 and during that same fundraising period from 3/18/08 to May 17th Stephen raised $8,000 more than Todd. While impressive, $73,000 of that roughly $114,000 were loans so in essence they've raised the same money. Also, both have an impressive list of endorsements. Stephen has Rep. Bob Filner and Donna Frye. While Todd has Rep. Susan Davis (his boss), Francine Busby and the rest of the Democrats on the council with the exception of Toni Atkins and Scott Peters. So like all races that have candidates with similar positions, it's all about perception and minutia.

Todd has been presenting himself as public safety choice that understands the problems of crime since he himself lives in City Heights, a low income neighborhood that has yet to be revitalized like Hillcrest and many sections of North Park. He has been presenting himself as someone who understands that the needs of the city can't just be met by the city alone but with building partnerships with community stake holders like local business and community groups to continue the revitalization of D3 and push it to the El Cajon Blvd corridor and City Heights while maintaining the atmosphere of those neighborhoods.

Steven has been presenting himself as the real Democratic choice and wants to be the voice of the district and ensure that special interests do not run the table. He styles himself as a continuation of the activist model City Councilperson like Donna Frye. Someone whose door is always open to his community and won't be bullied into making compromises that may negatively impact the district.

Now personally, I think both are compelling and are great candidates and I don't envy those that have to choose between these great candidates. But, like many intra party fights. Sometimes they get ugly quick.

Stephen supporters keep talking about how Todd isn't progressive and is in the pocket of developers. While Todd supporters feel that Stephen is condoning some of the questionable statements made by his hardcore supporters and isn't ready for prime time.

Also the November election is a totally different animal than the primary as first-time voters and voters that only vote in Presidential elections come out. These voters might receive a mailer with Stephen and Donna (by the way, during each of her runs for Mayor, her strongest support was in D3) and vote his way. Or Todd might try the Obama act. Trying to bring together DTS's and moderate Republicans to his coalition, painting himself as someone who will listen to them and take their concerns to account.

So my thoughts? Like I said both are great and would be a wonderful addition to the Council. But looking at the landscape of the new City Council and we are going to need a counterweight to incoming D5 Councilperson Carl DeMaio. This guy is smart, ambitious and brazen. I mean one day he's taking orders from the powers that be and then the next he's hugging Donna Frye talking about how he's all about reform. This guy is already laying the groundwork to take on Kevin Faulconer for the Mayorship and we are going to need some that can keep this guy in check and match him toe for toe. I personally think that if look through that prism, Todd is that guy to keep tabs on DeMaio and would be the perfect counterweight to check him.

But then again those are my two cents.

Penny for your thoughts?

SAVE THE DATE: Peak Oil Film & Discussion

Peak Oil Film & Discussion
Tuesday, July 29th

Featuring: Award-winning film Energy Crossroads (2007)

Special Guest: Debbie Cook
Huntington Beach Mayor and Candidate for Congress

Film begins at 7:00pm / Discussion follows at 8:00pm

Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont St. (in Hillcrest Trader Joe's shopping center)

Think Gas at $4.50 is Expensive?
Most oil industry geologists and analysts predict that within a few years, world oil production will reach a peak and then begin an irreversible decline, as huge decades-old oil fields are depleted. This is likely to significantly increase the price of everything produced from or transported using oil, including gasoline, plastic, chemicals, and food. Join Progressive San Diego and Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook for a movie and discussion about peak oil, its impacts on our sprawling region, and what San Diego can do to mitigate its effects.

Debbie Cook is the Mayor of Huntington Beach, California; is an attorney and environmental activist; and is currently running for U.S. Congress in California's 46th district. She serves on the boards of directors of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas (ASPO-USA) and the Post Carbon Institute, and has spoken internationally about what local governments can do in response to the imminent peak in world oil production.

http://www.debbiecookforcongress.com/

Eyes on the Prize.

The Prize, of course, is the 50th Congressional District. Nick Leibham, the Democratic nominee, has been aggressive in his quest to unseat Brian Bilbray. Bilbray, as you recall, won in a close election fight against Francine Busby in 2006 after the resignation of Randy "Duke" Cunningham. Yet thanks to the soft economy and general sour mood of the electorate against Republicans. Leibham has been chipping away at Bilbray, raising money and his profile. So much so that the D trip has jumped in with radio ads targeting 13 Congressional Districts including the 50th reminding voters about his support of big oil. So, have a listen and give your thoughts.

Jan Goldsmith at the San Diego Democratic Club

Last week it was reported in this blog that Mike Aguirre got the Dem Club nod but it did not mention that Jan was also there to plead for a no endorsement. Thanks to an old bylaw, Jan, a former Republican Leader in the State Assembly, could address the largely progressive and most effective Democratic party club in the county. Now to say this was weird is to understate it. I mean here's a guy who spent his entire political career trying to dismantle everything the Dem Club supports and is founded upon. He been on the record against marriage equality. He's endorsed by the San Diego Minutemen, who aren't exactly agents of tolerance with people of color. So this guy , that has questionable supporters at best, is talking to the Dem Club. A club that has carried the banner of inclusion and tolerance since its founding. What's next? Shrub joins The Climate Project and begins to crusade against Climate Change.

Your thoughts?

John & Cindy McCain failed to their property taxes for 4 years

According to Newsweek:

San Diego County officials, it turns out, have been sending out tax notices on the La Jolla property, an oceanfront condo, for four years without receiving a response. County records show the bills, which were mailed to a Phoenix address associated with Mrs. McCain's trust, were returned by the post office. According to a McCain campaign aide, who requested anonymity when discussing a private matter, an elderly aunt of Mrs. McCain's lives in the condo, and the bank that manages the trust has not been receiving tax bills on the property. Shortly after NEWSWEEK inquired about the matter, the McCain aide e-mailed a receipt dated Friday, June 27, confirming payment by the trust to San Diego County in the amount of $6,744.42. County officials say the trust still owes an additional $1,742 for this year, an amount that is overdue and will go into default July 1. Told of the outstanding $1,742, the aide said: "The trust has paid all bills shown owing as of today and will pay all other bills due." [Link]

Now, I know when you're an heiress to a beer fortune and you have properties all over the country, sometimes it is hard to keep track of all those different property tax bills that you receive. And I can see how sometimes you might forget paying one of them for 4 years or so.

UPDATE:

Is anyone surprised that there has been no mention of La Jolla property issue in the local media. I cannot help to believe that if the issue was about a Democratic presidential candidate, the UT would be all over the issue.

Lieberman Must Go!

I cannot believe that just 8 years ago this guy was the Democrats VP nominee.

Mike Aguirre wins SDDC Endorsement

In what turned out to be a rather long and contentious meeting tonight, the San Diego Democratic Club endorsed incumbent Mike Aguirre for City Attorney. The meeting went on for over two hours, and during the discussion period became heated as some members of the club accused each other of making personal attacks upon each other. In the end, there were enough votes for Aguirre to secure the club's endorsement.

Now with the SDDC endorsement, Mike Aguirre will seek the Democratic Central Committee endorsement scheduled for July 8th. An endorsement he has failed twice before to secure.

Philly Boy Has Bad Money Sense

With the June election behind us lets look towards the November Election. Since the media is not talking about it, then I guess someone should at least remind people about the why Phil "Philly Boy" Thalheimer can't win in November.

We don't have to go back very far, just remember the infamous San Diego Union-Tribune story, besides the other ones listed below. Much of these are from his own words and why residents of District 1 should NOT vote for him:

1) Early on he invested all his money on margin, sold short and lost it all, plus another $30,000
- He said, "I didn't realize you could lose more than you had"

2) His first job as an orderly was tough for him, because he had a hard time relating to youth and
after two years his boss told him he was not empathetic and should find another job

3) He worked for the controversial San Diego Data Processing Center

4) He left his job with the City of San Diego over people skills
- He said, “I never liked working for other people,”
- Also quoted as saying,, “As much time as I spent in local government, I never felt like I fit.”
- Now Philly Boy wants to come back to city government

5) He lucked out with being able to run the Flight Training International, even despite himself.
- Even with in his own words he called his business plan, "flawed"

6) In his previous candidate statement he says, "Phil Thalheimer will use business skills to clean
up the financial mess," he said, "refused to accept one dime of developer money," and "I have not and will not take one penny of developer/lobbyist campaign contributions."
- Is his business sense something we can afford?
- Now that he found wealth as developer he is okay with their money.
- Looking through his reports, I now see plenty of developer & lobbyist money.

7) Flip flops on the Regents bridge

8) He spent over $1,000,000 of his own personal money on his last losing city council campaign.
- It seems he really didn't learn from his other past investment losses.

Sadly, the Voice of San Diego reported Philly Boy's company, Flight Training International is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. People will be watching the results of the investigations.

Buffoon-in-Chief at it Again!

Via TPM:

Ben Hueso Happened

Disclosure: I work for the Courage Campaign which has worked on the Blackwater issue, but these opinions are my own.

Earlier this week, I asked What the Hell happened in San Diego in the June 3 election. I explored a particularly underwhelming electoral performance and noted that there was a massive failure of leadership from the city's elected Democrats (active and retired). Councilmember Donna Frye supported GOP mayoral challenger Steve Francis and Council President Scott Peters ran against the Democratic incumbent City Attorney Mike Aguirre. Incidentally, both Francis and Peters failed to make it to the November runoff.

Then yesterday it happened again. Councilmember Ben Hueso, who in May was rallying to Block Blackwater in his council district, announced his endorsement of Republican city attorney candidate Jan Goldsmith. This is particularly notable because Goldsmith's opponent is incumbent Mike Aguirre. Aguirre has been a champion for the city in the fight to force Blackwater's permits into public hearing at a time when a number of other city leaders have...attended a rally and then thrown up their hands.

If Jan Goldsmith as City Attorney would go to bat over Blackwater or any other number of issues that might be uncomfortable for the Mayor or inconvenient for the City Council, I would be absolutely flabbergasted. The campaign, like every other challenge to Aguirre this year, has been centered around a promise to sit down and shut up. The last thing this city needs is another elected official who doesn't have the necessary combination of power and motivation to force important issues.

As the UT newsblog notes, Hueso and Aguirre have never exactly been close. And Aguirre has taken a lot of flack throughout his term as City Attorney for his rabid pursuit of Mayor Jerry Sanders for all manner of scandal- real or imagined. But as Councilmember Hueso well knows because he's at the meetings, the City Council hasn't exactly put on a clinic when it comes to keeping mayoral power checked by the legislative branch. Fighting the good fight has consistently taken a back seat over the past two and a half years to misguided "pragmatism" that largely allowed Mayor Sanders to get anything he wanted.

So what we're left with is Ben Hueso surveying this scene- Mayor Sanders re-elected to a second term with what CW will term a convincing mandate (it's not, the turnout was too low to carry a mandate) and a City Council that will likely go from a narrow Democratic advantage to an even split, further neutering a body that had given itself over to the inevitability of the Strong Mayor government- and deciding that the best thing for the city is that the single dissonant voice of any weight in the city government should be replaced by, as the UT put it,

Hueso said the city attorney's political persuasion is less important to him than getting "the best legal advice."

If the Democratic Party in San Diego is ever going to be able to capitalize on the tremendous infrastructure building being done at the precinct and street-corner level, leading Democrats need to stop undercutting both their party and basic points of fundamental governance at every opportunity.

What happened in San Diego? Ben Hueso and destructive politics like this happened.

Cross posted at Calitics

Sometime it is hard to tell the two apart

Oh, McCain

Response to the VoSD piece on the SDCDP

From Caltics:

David Washburn's slap at the San Diego County Democratic Party in the Voice of San Diego does readers a disservice, to say the least. I'll cite just a few examples where more serious analysis would have helped.

Consider this year's mayoral race, in which a Republican challenger spent $4.5 million to promote himself as a kind of progressive independent. He couldn't even force a runoff against the incumbent.

As the "Voice" has reported in the past, incumbent mayors in the City of San Diego are virtually never unseated. So who is really "openly wondering why established Dems didn't jump in" - other than a writer trying to justify a story?

The glib comparison to a special election for Congress in Mississippi doesn't shed much light on the political reality in San Diego.

The passing reference to Republican "financial support from the downtown business establishment" understates the huge fundraising disadvantage that our community-minded candidates often face. The fact is that Democrats remain competitive and are building momentum in those races, despite being outspent by 2-to-1 or 10-to-1 or more.

San Diego isn't the only area where the kind of low turnout seen on June 3 strongly favored our opponents. But our City Council candidate placed first in District 1, where Republicans still lead in party registration. In District 7 our candidate virtually tied to force a runoff for a seat that has always been dismissed as out of reach for Democrats.

This November, when turnout will be more than double what we saw in the Primary, Democrats will enjoy a very different playing field. We're also looking forward to demonstrating the actual infrastructure we're building, from data management and professional staffing to a robust training program for our growing army of volunteers. Unfortunately, this story is long on quotes from armchair analysts and short on facts that might show a more balanced view.

Take the instance where Washburn writes: "Another piece of conventional wisdom holds that the local GOP does a better job targeting absentee voters." Had he checked, he would have found that the early voting rate among Democrats countywide in June was actually slightly higher than for Republicans.

Campaigns are indeed primarily candidate-driven. But by any measure, the County Democratic Party is vastly further developed than it was even four years ago. We have undertaken a long-term program that will bear fruit over multiple electoral cycles, helping Democratic candidates at every level.

This year's separate Presidential Primary was one of many factors skewing the June results. But in February, the majority of the vote here went to Democrats, even in some of the county's most conservative districts.

While some aspects of our plan may take longer than others to materialize, it would be a mistake to ignore the signs of a real "new era in San Diego politics" that a more thoughtful study of the underlying trends would suggest.

By November, Democrats may actually have a countywide plurality thanks to our unprecedented voter registration program and our inspirational Presidential candidate. When we translate those numbers into local victories, I hope the Voice will take the time to set the record straight.

Jess Durfee,
Chair
San Diego County Democratic Party

Voice of San Diego piece on the SDCDP

Yesterday the VoSD ran a piece by David Washburn called “Where are the Democrats?”

Points, IMHO:

• The SDCDP is working on capitalizing on the growth of Democrats, but they have coming from just about nothing three years ago whereas the Republicans have been in motion in San Diego for decades.

• Blaming the party for bad candidates is a straw man argument. Until the SDCDP is in a position to groom and foster candidates, these candidates will be self-selected. John Kern’s comments nail this issue .

• Crediting local Republican leaders for their victories is another straw man argument. The local Republicans have benefited in spite of their party organization. With the Lincoln Club and other IE’s, the candidates just need the label and little else from the party. Duane Dichiara’s comment about the Republicans just getting lucky is solid.

• Chairman Durfee’s comments were right on about the criticism being ill-informed and unfair.

• Mr. Berg’s comments about District 3 was also right on but this goes beyond the SDCDP to the general body public who will support whomever they want regardless of the “official” position because the candidates are on the same page.

• As an observer of the SDCDP, Prof. Erie’s comments ring hollow. It has come a long way since 2006 but it has a lot of catching up to do.

• Lorena Gonzalez’s observation about being alone speaks to the infrastructure which is being assembled but wasn’t available when she ran.

Growth periods are not easy, but I agree that the SD Republicans are living on borrowed time.

SDCDP Chair Jess Durfee Elected to DNC

Congratulations to Jess Durfee, the chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, who was elected this morning to the Democratic National Committee. The election was part of the California Democratic Party's Executive Board meeting that took place in San Francisco this weekend. Jess, who has been the chair of the SDCDP since 2004, becomes one of 19 California members to the Democratic National Committee beginning in 2009. He also becomes the first DNC member to be elected from San Diego County.

UPDATE:

Over at the California Progress Report, Bill Cavala has a piece about Jess Durfee's election to the DNC this morning. [Link]

Did you miss Progressive San Diego's "Election Reflection?"

If so, check out the video and pictures of Progressive San Diego's post election event below.

Video of the Event: Click Here (provided by Pat Flannery's Blog of San Diego)

Photos of the Event: Click Here

Hosted by: Eric Isaacson and Rachel Jensen at the offices of Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP

Moderated by: Eric Wolff - Reporter, SD CityBeat

Panelists: Andrew Donohue - Executive Editor, Voice of San Diego
Donna Frye - San Diego City Councilmember
Lorena Gonzalez - Secretary-Treasurer & CEO, SD-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Lani Lutar - President & CEO, San Diego Taxpayers Association

Stay Tuned for Upcoming Events, Election Information and Issues at www.ProgressiveSD.org

"Election Reflection" Panel Discussion

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
6:00-8:00pm (5:00pm Reception)

The Balboa Room Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP,
655 West Broadway, Suite 1900 San Diego, CA 92101

Expert Analysis of June 3rd Election
You are invited to join local San Diego leaders, activists and journalists as Progressive San Diego hosts a forum to discuss the successes, missteps, and future implications of the June 2008 primary election.

Moderator: Eric Wolff -- Reporter, San Diego CityBeat

Panelists:

• Andrew Donohue -- Executive Editor, Voice of San Diego
• Donna Frye -- San Diego City Councilmember
• Lorena Gonzalez -- Secretary-Treasurer & CEO, SD-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO
• Lani Lutar -- President & CEO, San Diego County Taxpayers Association

Reserve your seat today!
Individual Tickets: $20

Host Committee:
Eric Isaacson, Rachel Jensen & Eve Schuh

RSVP to Tommie Watson at Tommie.Watson@ProgressiveSD.org

www.ProgressiveSD.org

Joint Reform?

No, it's not about marijuana.

DeMaio is using Frye to advance his own agenda and Frye is willing to be used because she sees him as a fellow outsider and she needs friends.

Frye is an activist, not a politician, and activists don’t like nuance. You’re with them or against them. Don't ever question their devotion. Because of the time they’ve put in and the amount of heart behind their issues only they know what’s best.

And the rookie mistake that activists make when they become elected officials is how easy they believe their own PR. How could it be otherwise? Your staff has proved they will support you no matter what. Your supporters look like they’d follow you off a cliff. How can you do wrong?

As such, she will always be an outsider fighting the system, even though she is a part of the same system. Her supporters identify with her “outsider shaking up the system” image and believe her when she says that no one else would dare fight corruption at City Hall except her. And outsiders don’t compromise. In fact, they see solutions where no one else does because they aren’t tainted by the status quo mindset.

The problem is that, as a legislator, she needs to govern and not just say no. It is always easier to be righteous than responsible which is why she hasn’t bothered to support and work to get reforms and progressive legislation through the city council. It’s easier to hold a press conference stating that the powers that be can’t be trusted instead of trying to do something about them.

The anti-Prop C campaign she spearheaded was convenient for DeMaio. Frye needs friends and he offered to help. The benefit is psychological for Frye and real for DeMaio. Frye can paint herself as the outsider willing to cross party lines and tutor this young radical into working with her on an agenda that she’s had six years to push.

Unless she never had one to begin with, which would explain these town halls.

For DeMaio, he can push his radical agenda by using Frye to whitewash the worst aspects of it (how bad can it be if Frye supports it?) and leverage her name to establish a base for mayor in 2012. Frye was burned by the Prop C and Francis losses and needs redemption. I guess she feels the enemy of my enemy is my friend. DeMaio is no Sanders supporter so let’s build a new Gang of Five and go to war with the mayor rather than actually doing something to improve the lives of the people.

Frye supporters have told me that she’s only using DeMaio to get elected President of the Council and then she’ll let him go, but he’s smarter than that.

It’s too early to tell if this “reform agenda” has any substance other than jawboning but it doesn’t look too promising from the get go. I just hope Donna wakes up soon.

Hon. Susan Davis Endorses Sen. Obama

From yesterday’s Capitol Alert:

"Democrats and all those who have chosen to participate in the Democratic primary have witnessed a sweeping, compelling and breathtakingly close contest among two exceptional leaders. As the representative of the 53rd Congressional District which saw slightly more than a 1 percent vote difference out of more than 100,000 votes cast (48.4% for Obama - 47.3% for Clinton), I experienced the difficulty of that choice. Both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama demonstrate the statesmanship, dedication and dynamism required to address the domestic and international challenges we face today.

"Given the closeness of the race, it was important that every voter be motivated to participate in this historic election. I am now happy to join the delegates from around the country in supporting Senator Obama to be our nominee and plan to work hard towards his election as President of the United States.

"I am confident that Senator Obama will be a legacy leader and move this country forward. With his ability to inspire, we will once again ask the difficult questions and uncover new ways of solving vexing and grave issues with strategic focus.

"I want to congratulate Senator Clinton on her campaign which can only be seen as one of the most singular displays of diligence in the pursuit of working on behalf of all people in our country. As a woman who has fought for the recognition of the role of women in leadership on every front, I am immensely proud of her and the impact she has had in defining the political, social, and economic landscape of our country.

"This contest has made us stronger. Millions of Americans are now inspired to engage in the debate on the future of our country."

Quick thoughts about that Election last night

With an accuracy rate of 33%, I’m having hats as post-hangover food. Before the working day begins, some musings:

AD 78
Block wins. IE’s from Sacramento hiring local consultants couldn’t get Sherard in. That’s what happens when you play both sides. Speaking of both sides, Arabo’s political future is in doubt but Arile lives to run another day

Mayor
I didn’t think Jerry was going to take it outright but a low turnout benefits incumbents.

City Attorney
It should have been Scott. Mike was in New Jersey last night. The Republicans locked up the absentees again. The local Democratic Party endorsement for this race should be interesting.

City Council 1
Go Sherri! Phil looked shocked last night in Golden Hall when the results came in. With a presidential election and Obama at the top of the ticket, we could hold onto this seat.

City Council 3
Speaking of interesting endorsement meetings, the San Diego Democratic Club will be the one watch. Todd looks good but Stephen proved he can run a ground game. Especially when Hartley doesn’t put up a fight that doesn’t involve mail.

City Council 5
DeMaio is one classy cat in declaring victory before the ballots have been counted. Vanity, thy name is Carl.

City Council 7
This should not have happened. Marti should have swept April into the dustbin of also-rans. I pray she shakes up her campaign because those that served her this time didn’t do a worthy job. She can do better and there are people willing to help Marti in. Just look outside the bubble because now is the time.

Finally
Labor splits the difference and the local Democratic Party has some stand-taking to do. The fall looks promising across the board. I’m off to get lots of coffee.