Red County 2.0… The Red County network has upgraded, with a new format and new locations for the regional blog sites. Something dubbed 2.0. Ok, I’ll buy that. It also means a new URL for the local SD site. Take a look…when not posting there myself, it’s my second choice every day for the latest insider political news…after FR of course! You can check out Red County SD and its localized content here
Sheriff La Suer?… Is the former “number two” at the Sheriff’s Department eying the seat? Jay La Suer, also the immediate past 77th AD assemblyman and prior to that a 10-year member of the La Mesa City Council, is said to be doing just that. Once considered a possible contender for Duncan Hunter’s open congressional seat, La Suer has endorsed Hunter son Duncan D. for the spot. Short of waiting for an open senate seat from a termed-out Dennis Hollingsworth, the one-time undersheriff has few prospects if interested in another office.
Roger Hedgecock raised the idea of "top cop" La Suer on his radio program last week and, according to show producer Jimmy Valentine, Jay didn’t rule out the possibility:
Roger issues a challenge on the radio this week. Sez we need a new sheriff. It’s unlikely that Bill Kolender will run again so we’ll get a new sheriff but the boss thinks we need a new breed of sheriff. Enough of the old boy, pass the baton crap. A fresh face who will serve the community and not just the department insiders and buds. And a sheriff who will grant carry permits to well trained, law abiding citizens as the law allows.
After that comment Roger begins getting emails from listeners mostly agreeing. We get an email from former State Assemblyman Jay La Suer who comments on the 2nd amendment right and we write back that he ought to run for the job. Jay is a former lawman. He is a military vet. A great family man and a wonderful Grandpa. And he is a staunch constitutionalist. Jay responds that such a possibility might not be out of the question and so Roger is now actively recruiting Jay to be a candidate.
We know that Jay will work with federal officials on the border and on anti-terror efforts. He won’t build a fence around his bureaucracy and he won’t order a department helicopter not to drop water on a fire because it is suddenly sunset. Watch this space and prepare to roll up your sleeves again.
Politically Speaking…of Special Interests… The general lack of any real attention on politics by the local electronic media – other than City of SD – has long been the rue of poli-hacks. Sure, the occasional Arnold visit gets some attention as the extent of state on-goings, and no one ignores a presidential happening, but I’m talking about in-depth local, state and congressional coverage, and not just on talk radio. So, thanks to John Dadian for sending this along, but I’m not sure what to make of it…yet:
Politically Speaking
Saturdays At 6 P.M. on NBC 7/39
Welcome to Politically Speaking! Are you ready to be sworn in?
This isn’t "Politics For Dummies," but you won’t have to be a genius to get this subject. We’ll tell you why you should care about politics and government, why you should register to vote and you should cast your ballot. Because if you don’t care, you let them win.
Who is them? The special interests. The money chasers.
Politically Speaking is a weekly program about your elected officials and their campaign contributors — and what their agendas mean to your checkbook, your community and, true democracy.
From the White House, to the statehouse, to City Hall and County Center, NBC 7/39 Political Editor Gene Cubbison will have the inside scoop on local politics and government. It won’t be a food fight, but we’ll give you food for thought about politics and government and how they affect business, taxpayers and families. We’ll help you connect the dots and follow the money from the special interests to the politicians — and vice-versa.
It isn’t PBS or Meet the Press. We’ll give you something between Saturday Night Live and Hardball. It’s funny and funky, snappy and snarky — but above all, smart and sophisticated.
Watch Politically Speaking on Saturdays at 6 p.m.
OK, I’ll give it a shot (although I didn’t see the notice prior to last night’s first program). But, when I hear media folks using “special interests," "money chasers" and "true democracy" in such a context, I have to wonder if they have a broad or limited understanding of the definition of such terms or not. Please note that "true republic" was not mentioned.
Someone who wants a speed bump installed on their street is a special interest. I want a government that does the best for my family within limited, appropriate and constitutional parameters, as well as elected officials that will serve that purpose while recognizing their proper role. My family is special to me and I have an interest in their well-being. Count me as a special interest.
Have a special, interesting week!
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In the next couple of days, I’ll dig into the latest on the 52nd CD, otherwise known as the open Duncan Hunter seat.
January 13th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Barry:
You are right, Jay La Suer would be a GREAT San Diego County Sheriff!
In fact, Jay held the #2 job, County Undersheriff, when Jim Roache was
Sheriff in the 1990s. Jay spent a total 31 years “behind the Badge” His
military duty was in the 101st Airborne, the “Screaming Eagles”.
On another point, Channel 39’s Gene Cubbison is a San Diego journalist
who has earned the respect of many with his even-handed, fair minded
approach.
And Cubbison has integrity.
Back in the 1980s a local TV anchorman was arrested for child molesting. The
station kept that guy IN THE NEWSROOM pending his trial. Gene Cubbison
worked at the same station at the time, and QUIT a plum job in protest of the
Station‘s wrong-headed decision.
The other guy was convicted and imprisoned. And Channel 39 was smart enough
to hire away Gene Cubbison where he remains to this day.
Gene Cubbison risked his career on a point of honor. That commands some respect!
January 13th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Having Jay LaSuer as Sheriff would be a great event in San Diego. I cannot think of anyone more deserving or better qualified.
January 13th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Thanks, Jim. Great, nearly forgotten info on Gene Cubbison, although I’m sure he will never forget! I look forward to tuning in next week. Anyone who watched last nite, please drop me a line at barry@flashreport.org