The Democratic Party central committee just broke from a long evening of endorsement chatter and, in a sign of just how hairy the Aguirre v. Peters battle is for the party, announced that it won’t be taking a primary position in the city attorney’s race.
The Republican Party, on the other hand, threw its support behind Judge Jan Goldsmith relatively early and stayed with him after Councilman Brian Maienschein jumped in the race. However, no Democrat in the primary will enjoy the clout or the financial support that comes with the party blessing.
The party would likely revisit an endorsement after the primary election.
In November, City Attorney Mike Aguirre was unable to secure the early endorsement usually afforded incumbents. Today, with Council President Scott Peters now in the race, neither politician could secure the endorsement. There is also a third Democrat in the race, attorney Amy Lepine.
The party also offered endorsements this evening to District 3 City Council candidate Stephen Whitburn, who is locked in a tough battle with two other prominent Democrats, Todd Gloria and John Hartley. In District 5, former Solana Beach Fire Chief George George received the party’s endorsement.
The party also endorsed Floyd Morrow for mayor. Morrow, who served on the City Council in the 60s and 70s, is the most prominent Democrat in the race.
John Lee Evans and Richard Barrera received the party’s backing for school board.