Mayor Jerry Sanders’ reelection campaign today announced the endorsements of District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff Bill Kolender. (Because they so often endorse together, we at voiceofsandiego.org generally refer to them as “Dumander” during election season.)
The endorsements offer the mayor the support of the two top elected law enforcement officials in the region. They both endorsed Sanders in 2005, as well.
Dumanis, you might remember, vowed not to endorse in political races upon the forming of her Public Integrity Unit, which focused on prosecuting public officials. Dumanis offered a caveat though: She would endorse in unusual situations.
This is from her prepared remarks from that announcement last year:
However, public integrity work is difficult enough without the possibility of having our motives questioned or impaired by politics. So let me be clear: I will not allow this office to be used as a pawn during political campaigns or allow the incorrect perception that we are anything other than completely objective.
Since then, she’s endorsed two different candidates for city attorney and, now, a candidate for mayor.
The endorsement in the city attorney’s race caused her just last week to decline a call to investigate City Attorney Mike Aguirre.
No word yet on what the usual circumstance is that led her to endorse Sanders.
In a statement released this morning, Dumanis and Kolender called Sanders, a former police chief, the best candidate to protect public safety.
From the release:
“As Mayor during one of the toughest periods San Diego has ever experienced, Jerry has proven his skill in leading this City,” said Dumanis. “We asked a lot of Jerry when we elected him Mayor — to reform city hall, restore the city’s credit rating, and fix the city’s long-neglected infrastructure. Jerry has made impressive progress on every front in the short time he has been in the Mayor’s Office.”
And here’s what Kolender had to say:
“In law enforcement, we need partners we can count on,” said Sheriff Kolender. “During last year’s wildfires, you saw how important that partnership can be in protecting our citizens. Jerry Sanders understands public safety and he knows that many of our public safety challenges can only be solved through cooperation. He doesn’t let turf wars or political agendas get in the way of working together with other agencies. He’s been instrumental in securing federal Homeland Security funding for our region.”