Local Leaders Across Political Spectrum Endorse GOP Opponent of Republican Carl DeMaio

Saying he lacks ethics and integrity, local elected officials and community leaders gathered in Scripps Ranch Wednesday to offer an “anti-endorsement” of far-right Republican candidate and AM radio personality Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Council member and two-time congressional candidate.

The group endorsed DeMaio’s opponent for California’s 75th Assembly District, fellow Republican Andrew Hayes.

The speakers — who came from across the political spectrum — said that it isn’t a matter of politics but personal and political integrity, citing his history of decisions as a one-term San Diego City Council member and dishonest campaign practices. 

“We are Democrats, we are Republicans, and we don’t always agree, but we all care about San Diego and we’re here because we believe in the importance of truth and integrity in campaigns and in the people we elect to office,” said Democratic Congressman Scott Peters.

The speakers cited a pattern of unethical behavior while in power, including an attempt to slash funding for veterans and to cut death benefits for the families of fallen police officers in 2010, when DeMaio cast the sole vote against a two-year labor contract between the city and the police union, which included survivor benefits.

That showed a “dangerous lack of regard for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day,” said Sgt. Jared Wilson, president of the San Diego Police Officer’s Association.

“Let’s not forget, as a San Diego City Council member, DeMaio took the astonishing step of voting against death benefits for our fallen officers and firefighters,” said Wilson, who added that his first field training officer, Chris Wilson, was murdered in the line of duty in 2010 — as DeMaio was attacking death benefits for law enforcement.

DeMaio was “always looking out for what was best for him,” said Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, who has encountered DeMaio for years in local politics.

“We have had a front row seat to the type of damage that Carl DeMaio will bring and likes to bring to government.”

DeMaio has attacked his opponent as a “go-along, get-along Republican because that’s the type they want up in Sacramento.” But Hayes, president of the Lakeside Union School District Board of Trustees, has countered that he is “tired of people who just complain loudly and don’t deliver anything.”

“My job is to make government work for you, not to just scream loudly,” Hayes said at a debate with DeMaio in January. “Just complain is not what I want to do.”