For a bit of a breather from the fire, I thought some of you might be interested in this. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis responded this weekend via e-mail to my posts on Friday.
I’ll just give her the forum for a minute:
As you point out, in our press release, it said I would “no longer personally endorse political candidates, except in unusual circumstances.” To that end, I have turned down dozens of requests for endorsement since I made that pledge.
What would constitute “unusual circumstances?” The current state of affairs in the City Attorney’s Office certainly qualifies. I will never shy away, nor have I promised to shy away, from races where the District Attorney’s Office is impacted. As you know, the two offices should work together cooperatively on many issues, from prosecutions to providing services needed by domestic violence victims.
I also made it clear at the press conference and again later at a media lunch, both of which the Voice of San Diego was invited to, that I would endorse in races that directly effect the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement and public safety. I specifically mentioned races for Sheriff, Judges, Attorney General and City Attorney in which I felt I had a duty to weigh in on. The reason for the policy is because the District Attorney investigates candidates and it might raise the appearance of a bias in the investigation. I will refer any investigations related to any candidate I endorse to the Attorney General’s Office.