One of the most anticipated races in the county this year (if not the most) is for San Diego County Sheriff, due to the "open seat" status resulting from the early departure of Sheriff Bill Kolender and the subsequent appointment of Bill Gore to the position by the Board of Supervisors.
At this point the race is being defined by the money trail, through December 31 of last year, focusing on the all important cash-on-hand category:
Jim Duffy, former Sheriff Department lieutenant and former chief of staff to Supervisor Ron Roberts
-Raised (July-Dec 2009): $34,225
-Cash on Hand: $47,421
-Debt: 0
Bill Gore, appointed San Diego County Sheriff
-Raised (July-Dec 2009): $103,488
-Cash on Hand: $111,981
-Debt: $35,886 (no personal loans)
Jay La Suer, former Department Undersheriff and retired 77th District Assemblyman
-Raised (July-Dec 2009): $30,363
-Cash on Hand: $10,337
-Debt: 0
Bruce Ruff, retired Sheriff Department sergeant and three-time prior Sheriff candidate
-Raised (July-Dec 2009): $5,300
-Cash on Hand: $942
-Debt: $8,000 (all personal loans)
The debt is shown to extrapolate the real uncommitted cash comparison. Subtract unpaid bills and the direct available money match-up for the big three is Gore: $76,095, Duffy: $47,421, and La Suer: $10,337.
The surprise here, if there is one, is not just the relatively small warchests for each of the candidates, but also the little overall activity over the last six-month period.
Keep in mind that Gore’s backing by outgoing Sheriff Bill Kolender, DA Bonnie Dumanis, three of the County Supervisors, and other segments of the "establishment" means he will likely continue to raise funds. On the other hand, Duffy, whether he raises the bucks himself or not, is bound to have significant independent expenditure support from the Deputy Sheriffs Association and other labor interests.
The wild card here is La Suer. Whether he will be viewed as the conservative choice — with endorsements such as Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio — is largely dependent on the ability to get his message to the voters. As always, it comes down to money. To keep Duffy and Gore from both making it through the June primary, La Suer will definitely need to kick up the fundraising, as he won’t be able to rely on any significant independent expenditure support.
Although the Sheriff’s candidates are attending dozens of forums, the most recent was Friday night. East County units of the conservative California Republican Assembly held a candidate forum, leading up to a later possible CRA endorsement in the race. CRA Unit President Sylvia Sullivan provided her take on the evening to the FlashReport…
To be considered for endorsement each candidate had been mailed a questionnaire to be filled out and returned before the meeting night. CRA is committed to the importance of knowing a candidate’s core values and principles. The questionnaire also acts as a tool for accountability.
Ruff explained his refusal to answer his questionnaire except for one gun questions as, “…the law enforcement member is not legally entitled to let their personal opinion about laws impact the enforcement of laws.” This was a new approach for Ruff, since he has answered our questionnaires in the past. The questions are designed to reveal the fundamental principles that guide the candidate. It would seem that he could reveal in writing his views and still enforce the law.
Duffy was questioned about his support for hate crimes legislation and the adoption of children by same-sex couples. His explanation was he had added that his “oath is to support the law.” It became confusing, contradictory when he responded that he opposed abortion on demand and taxpayer funded abortions. Yet they, too, are the current law.
Duffy was asked in light of the illegal activity that takes place at the Gay Pride Parade, if he would be marching in it. He said that he had already marched in the parade when he became a candidate. He would continue to do so as Sheriff.
Bruce Ruff said he would not march in the Gay Pride Parade.
Both Duffy and Ruff expressed their support for the second amendment. They both disagreed with the methods of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Bill Gore and Jay La Suer were unable to attend due to prior commitments.
The questionnaire scores were as follows: Bill Gore – 0 percent (none turned in), Bruce Ruff – 4 percent, Jim Duffy – 81 percent, and Jay La Suer – 100 percent. (The scale is represented by 100 being most reflective of CRA’s position.)
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Watch the Gore campaign try to convince the voters that Duffy’s DSA and union support means he will be beholden to labor interests. Watch Duffy and/or the DSA charge that the County Supervisor-appointment of a Sheriff is no way for the voters to have their say. Watch La Suer hope that a high profile establishment vs. labor battle between Gore and Duffy, combined with his conservative support, will be enough to knock one of them off and see him through to November.
Have a great week!
February 28th, 2010 at 12:00 am
The County Republican Party Executive Committee is interviewing all 4 candidates on Monday, March 1st.