The local county Republican Party will be endorsing Mayor Jerry Sanders’ reelection bid in next year’s mayor’s race, according to a press statement the party released last night.
“Mayor Sanders is finally getting San Diego back on track, and the Republican Party of San Diego County supports his efforts,” party chairman Tony Krvaric stated.
The endorsement comes a full year before the June 2008 contest and before Sanders or any potential challengers have publicly announced that they will be running. Party endorsements have become increasingly valuable in recent elections, as the parties are allowed to spend an unlimited amount of money advertising their anointed contenders to voters who are registered members of the party.
Sanders, who has told supporters privately that he will run, has filed a formal notice with the city clerk to begin fundraising. But he has yet to publicly launch a reelection campaign.
Sanders was endorsed by the county Republicans in 2005 during the runoff election versus Councilwoman Donna Frye, although the party backed businessman Steve Francis in the primary election months earlier. Francis has given hints that he may run against Sanders again in 2008.