Watkins Saves Best for Last?
Posted by: Barry Jantz | 05/31/2008 10:00 AM
Bob Watkins looks like he's making a last-minute play for the 52nd Congressional seat, whether via his own campaign or -- unbeknownst to him -- by means of independent expenditures. I saw the independent TV ad yesterday, which is mentioned in the U-T this morning. A well done piece.
As well, yesterday the campaign shot a press release out that Mayor Jerry Sanders had endorsed Watkins (see below).
Considering the Watkins campaign appeared to be relatively quiet until a few days ago, well into the absentee season, it's clear that all of this is TLTL to catch Duncan D. Hunter. But, interesting to watch, especially whether Watkins or Santee's Brian Jones finishes second.
Lastly, I would be remiss if not mentioning what others would be sure to point out. The Sanders endorsement may be the most significant of a series of Watkins big name supporters, but as has been the trend, a slew of which are not East County folks.
The press release:
San Diego's Mayor Jerry Sanders Endorses Bob Watkins for CongressBob Watkins, Republican candidate for open 52nd Congressional seat, has gained the
endorsement of San Diego's Mayor Jerry Sanders."Bob's extensive business experience and outstanding civic leadership have been instrumental in building the San Diego region's sustainable, diverse economy," said Sanders. "His work with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has helped to bring business, commerce and revenue to San Diego."
Since being elected as Mayor in 2005, Sanders has been effective in getting San Diego back on track. He has worked tirelessly to restore the city's fiscal responsibility, streamline operations, and improve governmental efficiency and transparency.
Mayor Sanders added his name to the long list of local leaders who have endorsed Bob
including, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox, County Supervisor Ron Roberts, Assemblywoman Shirley Horton, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Kolender, former State Senator Bill Morrow, among many others.
"Concerned Citizen" you generally make comments then fail to follow up when asked questions. It doesnt disturb you...
If Bob is such a successful businessman, why doesn't he fund his own race instead of letting someone else do it. Sad that some "stranger" believes in Bob more than Bob does.
REST OF COMMENT DELETED BY BARRY JANTZ
you're right, mayor sanders doesn't live in East County. discount that endorsement completely, he's probably never even been east of the 125 in his life. it doesn't matter that part of the city of SD overlaps the 52nd district - if he's not east county, he doesn't matter.
...
wait. (?)
I have deleted what was the balance of the "What about Bob?" comment myself, as being personal, offensive and rude, not to mention potentially libelous. You have been warned. Next time I will ask Mighty Thor to ban you. Censorship you say? Free speech does not extend to everything. It's my post for you to comment on, not yours. So, sue me.
1) Why repeat something you "heard" about Bob's personal life? I would be truly disappointed in Bob if it was the case that "What about Bob" suggests, but unless you know this for a fact then please don't spread rumors like that. I find it very immature and pointless...something a Democrat would do.
2) So just because Bob doesn't fully fund his own campaign in a Steve Franciscan way, means he's not committed? That makes no sense.
3) Most important, it makes no sense for anyone to vote for Duncan D. over Watkins or Jones. I'm grateful for his service in the military but he has not accomplished one thing in business or government. It's really sad if he can win an election just because of his name. I have nothing against Duncan I think he's a very nice guy but that's the only thing I can say about him. It's just not time for him to be a congressman. A few years down the road maybe but not now.
Great job on the campaign, Bob. Thanks for all your contributions to the district & region; we need more guys like you. Politics should not be a career as many have made it and as many are trying to do currently. Running for elected office should come after having had success in broad range of professional, business, and leadership positions.
Why would Sanders want to make an enemy of the guy who is going to be the Congressmen in the 52nd for the next 30 years?
that must be a trick question east county gop, cuz my first response is, cuz he's an idiot. but that's just a guess. maybe you have a better response in mind.
Last I checked, Sanders thinks very highly of Mike Lumpkin. So as far as our next Congressman in the 52nd goes, you have nothing to worry about.
must give matt a chill up his spine as such an stanch endorser of the mayors. bet it's "off with his head" as soon as primary is over.
For longer than I have been around Bob Watkins has been a loyal and active Republican. Further, I can't say that I know him well but the few times we met I found him a good guy. I think the race is pretty much over, and I think that piling on Bob in any way is poor taste considering his history in our Party.
This being the case, I dont think he fits east county as well as he would fit virtually any seat in the City of San Diego. I think he would be a valuable GOP candidate for any council district or any of the county seats that open, and I hope he would consider this option at some point.
The UT story didn’t tell the entire story about who is really behind the ads promoting Bob Watkins for Congress.
Thousands of dollars are being spent to support Bob Watkins in the 52nd district primary by William Robert Bradley, aka “bobwatkinsforcongressbybillbradley.com”
Could this be the same William Robert Bradley who was sentenced to six months in custody by a federal judge for his role as a former owner of Metabolife?
Check out these sources if you want more information about William Robert Bradley, his involvement in the Metabolife scandal and support for Bob Watkins:
http://www.usdoj.gov/tax/usaopress/2005/txdv05cas51005_1.pdf
http://www.fec.gov
http://www.quackwatch.org/14Legal/blevins.html
http://www.ss.ca.gov
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/09/23/news/sandiego/15_99_989_22_06.txt
Maybe it is Bill Bradley that had a mean sky hook for the knicks and ran against Al Gore for President in 2000. For more information about this Bill Bradley (and possible source of independent expenditure) take a gander at the following:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bradley
http://www.billbradley.com/
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/refarticle.aspx?refid=761573614
Go Bob!
I voted for Duncan Hunter Sr. since 1995 and now I'm going to vote for Bob Walkins and the reason is earmarks, if Jr. does not change his position on earmarks I will hold my nose and vote for a "DINO" over a corrupt republican anyday and Duncan Hunter Jr. is maintaining the false idea that earmarks are "good". Earmarks might be the stake that drives Mike Lumpkin into the big house on the hill. Duncan Hunter Jr. is listening to paid "Yes Men" of his dad instead of listening to voters in his district.
It's amazing that someone like Dug would vote for someone who's entire campaign is being funded by a guilty felon who killed people with his product Metabolife, and won't vote for someone who reserves the right to protect our soldiers by using emergency funding for things such as body armor and armor plating for vehicles.
Sad, very sad.
Does anyone know why William Bradley funded an I.E. for Watkins? I have a feeling it is not because he supports Watkins as much as it is he must be angry at Hunter Sr. for voting for something that ultimately made his Metabolife illegal.
Anyone know the scoop?
Who will get the most votes as a ratio of their resources, including i.e.'s etc. in the 52nd?