The Race for District 2 is the Most Important in 2018

The stakes in this election are huge. A blue seat in District 2 would potentially give Democrats a veto-proof majority on the city council, clearing the way for a more progressive San Diego. We know it and so do Republicans. The GOP won’t give up without a fight – and they’ll fight with big money. That’s how Lorie Zapf won in District 2 in 2014, with nearly $900,000 dollars in political contributions. Where did that money come from? Let’s start with Council member Zapf’s campaign, which raised $568,191.60. Not too shabby for a city council race. But it wasn’t just direct contributions that put Councilmember Zapf over the top. She had some outside help as well.

The Super PAC “Coalition of Coastal Communities for Lorie Zapf” raised $188,611.38. The PAC was neither “Coastal” (no zip codes registered by the donors were close to a beach) nor represented “Communities” (unless the scientific term for a group of Super PACs bundling their donations together is a “community”), but it was able to support Lorie Zapf’s reelection efforts through a steady stream of mailers.

Meanwhile the succinctly named “Neighbors United for a Better City Government Supporting Lorie Zapf for Council 2014 sponsored by the Lincoln Club of San Diego County” PAC raised $138,800 to re-elect Councilmember Zapf. This Super PAC did have individual donors giving to it, including a few that could plausibly live in District 2 based on their zip code, but once again this was a way for special interests to funnel untraceable money into getting their preferred candidate re-elected.

This should make you mad. I know it made me mad. It’s time to elect people who aren’t in the pocket of special interests & shady super PACs.

I hope you consider donating to my campaign, helping to ensure the people of District 2, not the biggest political donors, are represented at City Hall.