The U-T Endorsement

Published: Monday, June 2, 2008 4:28 PM PDT

E-MAIL STORY

Update: The Union-Tribune officially retracted its 2004 endorsement of City Attorney Mike Aguirre on Sunday but refused to take a stand on who should replace him because the race "is virtually certain to go to a runoff." The virtual certainty (isn't it either "certain" or not?) that the 2004 race would go to the runoff didn't stop the U-T from endorsing one of the three candidates for city attorney then.

The U-T editorial board suffers from the same malady that many politicians do: Its members are collectively afraid of looking weak. So they don't account for their changes of heart. They routinely refuse to explain themselves when they realize they are wrong. And here, they don't admit the obvious: They can't decide who should replace Aguirre. In the editorial, the U-T criticizes all but Judge Jan Goldsmith. Obviously, a significant portion of the editorial board wants to support Goldsmith. Another wants to support Council President Scott Peters or Councilman Brian Maienschein.

They could just explain this but rather they retreat to the explanation that it's "virtually certain" the race will continue so they can step away. They're afraid to admit that they can't decide because that would look weak. If you want to have the influence that comes with endorsing candidates, you should have the courage that is needed to actually do it and face the consequences.

The next time they give a politician grief for balking at a tough decision or vote because of fear of the consequences, remind them of this.

But this indecision complex is not only infecting the U-T's editorial writers. It seems like many anti-Aguirreites have had trouble deciding who the preferred alternative is. I have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow.

Update: Another non-endorsement endorsement here. Seems like Donna Frye, for all her reputation as being straightforward, is trying to maintain some plausible deniability in the future. Why else would she "come right up to the edge" of endorsing Steve Francis but not actually do it?

-- SCOTT LEWIS

11 Comments so far on this story...

The UT took an "ABA" position (anyone but Aguirre) in its anti-endorsement of Aguirre. But the reason for that negative review of his time in office was far more restrained than it could have been, and reflects the sentiment of a great many San Diegans. Aguirre barely won the general election 4 years ago, and had the support of many powerful organizations. He's lost the support of the police, firefighters, etc., and I don't see what makes him more viable now as an incumbant - except free airtime with press conferences and a potentially fatally flawed opponent. He's smart not to spend now, as his making the runoff is a near certainty. But he's going to have a huge fight with whomever he faces in the General, and I seriously doubt he has enough equity left in his house to loan himself another half million to keep his office.

Posted by Rock On | reply to this comment
June 2, 2008 12:09 pm

Scott: To err is human, to deny it is San Diegan... Like duh...

Posted by Basic Civics | reply to this comment
June 2, 2008 12:59 pm

I don't think they "retracted" their 2004 endorsement. They said it was a mistake and they are not making it again. It's not flip flopping. The UT is not running for office. I still don't see the problem. For the record, I don't like the UT overall. But to say they "retracted" their 2004 endorsement does not make sense. They didn't retract anything.

Posted by Ann | reply to this comment
June 2, 2008 5:35 pm

U/T Editorial Editor's endorsements--who cares?

Posted by Steve K | reply to this comment
June 2, 2008 7:43 pm

Re: Donna Frye. . . Why else would she "come right up to the edge" of endorsing Steve Francis but not actually do it?" Looks to me like she's positioning herself for a June - November write-in campaign.

Posted by B_Holden | reply to this comment
June 2, 2008 9:05 pm

In 2004 the UT endorsed Leslie Devaney, an exemplary candidate for CA, immediately following the primary election which brought it to a runoff between her and Aguirre. Then, at the midnight hour, the UT shifted that endorsement to Aguirre who went on to win by less than 1%, much to the detriment of the SD taxpayers. The editorial board claims to have been directed by David Copley to change that endorsement just prior to the general election. So, we are down to: It matters not what is ethical or intelligent, it only matters on which side your bread is buttered. After that turncoat move, who would care about any endorsement the UT would make anyway? And, overheard recently: Aguirre is out of town and Billy Bob Henry is silent. Coincidence?? Think about it.

Posted by JJ | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 6:02 am

Scott, I think you missed the point. By not endoring any of the other candidates, the U-T was making a powerful statement that anyone but Aguirre is acceptable. If Aguirre gets under 30% today then he's done in November, no matter who he runs against.

Posted by Scott M | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 8:36 am

The best way to use the UT endorsements is to study them carefully, bring them with you to the polls, and then vote the exact opposite. Remember today, Vote NO on C. Eric Bidwell for Mayor (he needs the encouragement to run again in the future), Lightner in 1, Whitburn in 3, George in 5, and Emerald in 7. We need new ideas and fresh faces to Change San Diego.

Posted by Fred Williams | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 11:42 am

I'm not silent, the Voice just keeps refusing to post up my posts and I am tired of typing replies only to never see them published on the site.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 10:36 pm

Hmmm. Incumbant Aguirre got less than 30% of the vote, and came in second place in the primary. Sure, he's made it to the general election, but he's not getting there in a very strong position. Not surprised about Peters. Too much baggage. But most of the people who voted for the bottom three candidates voted for a change in the current city attorney leadership. That does not bode well for Aguirre. I wonder if he can feign sanity long enough to have a shot at keeping his job in November.

Posted by Rock On | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 3:49 pm

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