Tuesday, June 21, 2005 | Bad timing. Many constituents received a fund-raising letter from Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham a few days after the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Cunningham sold his Del Mar house to a defense contractor for what might have been $700,000 more than what it was worth. In the letter, Cunningham criticizes House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The letter says, “Though Congresswoman Pelosi and I are both from California, we are worlds apart politically. She seems to think the rest of the country is as liberal as the Bay Area. You and I both know that’s not the case … and that’s why I need your help today.” The letter asks for a donation of $25, $35, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more.
And all of this despite … Nancy Cunningham, the Congressman’s wife, was recently hired to be director of the independent K-8 Rhoades School in Encinitas. She replaces Luanne Kittle, who moves up to become head of school. Kittle is the wife of Robert Kittle, editorial page editor for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
– BARBARA BRY, Voice Editor in Chief