Sending a strong message to the lesser known and/or lesser qualified GOP candidates mulling the race, the San Diego County Republican Party last night unanimously endorsed former Assemblyman and currently-on-leave Judge Jan Goldsmith for San Diego City Attorney. The momentum has built against incumbent Mike Aguirre, whose mouth-shooting and media-grabbing can’t-help-himself tactics have turned what was once a potential easy re-election into one of the races to watch next year. Goldsmith brings high credibility to the race. Aguirre, who called for a complete evacuation of San Diego during the October wildfires, is now on the end of an effort — complete with bumper stickers — to "Evacuate Aguirre."
The Party press:
The Republican Party of San Diego County unanimously voted to endorse Judge Jan Goldsmith for San Diego City Attorney on Monday night.
"Judge Goldsmith is exactly the kind of City Attorney that San Diego needs. Someone with a well-earned reputation for independence and integrity. His experience, competence and thoughtful demeanor are critical attributes important to our city in these complex and difficult times," said Republican Party Chairman Tony Krvaric.
"A significant majority of San Diegans now recognize the need for a new, competent City Attorney. While Judge Goldsmith is a Republican, there is no Republican or Democrat way to run that office, and we invite San Diegans, regardless of political affiliation, to get behind Judge Jan Goldsmith – someone who has always been willing to do the hard work necessary to bring those of differing views together to address tough, important issues. The taxpayers of San Diego deserve nothing less."
Judge Goldsmith is on an unpaid leave of absence from the Bench. He was a three term state legislator whose district included the northern communities of San Diego before he was appointed to the Superior Court in 1998. He also served as Mayor of Poway and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at three San Diego law schools.