San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO), a Santee-based political action committee promoting Second Amendment rights, has announced its Voter Guide of endorsements of East County candidates for the November 3 general election.
Executive Director, SDCGO
SDCGO’s list of endorsed candidates includes Joel Anderson, a former State Assemblyman and State Senator, for the San Diego County Board of Supervisor District 2 open seat.
Other East County candidates endorsed by SDCGO include: John Minto, reelection as mayor, City of Santee; Dustin Trotter (District 4), Santee City Council; Phil Ortiz (District 4), Michelle Metschel (District 2), El Cajon City Council; Kristine Alessio, La Mesa City Council; Jim Miller (Area 5), Cajon Valley Union School District: Bartek Murawski (District 3), Jordan Gascon (District 4), Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District; James Sly (District 2), Padre Dam Water District.
Anderson, who lives in Alpine, is hoping to succeed Dianne Jacob, who has served for the past 28 years. Jacob, first elected as Supervisor in 1992, is termed out after six terms. The Second Supervisorial District, the largest of the county’s five districts, features more than 2,000 square miles and more than 50 communities and cities in the East County, including the unincorporated communities of Lakeside, Alpine, Ramona and Julian along with the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee and Poway, as well as the city of San Diego communities of Allied Gardens, College Area, Del Cerro, Grantville, Navajo, Rolando and San Carlos.
According to Michael Schwartz, executive director, SDCGO, candidates were interviewed in person and research was completed on their voting record relating to preserving the Second Amendment, as well as their public comments and character. Then, the SDCGO advisory board ratified each endorsement.
“It was a rigorous process that involved asking a lot of questions,” said Schwartz. “We interviewed the candidates, checked-out their claims, tracked down the facts, talked to constituents and then debated the choices. But, it is a privilege to offer these endorsements of would-be elected leaders. Electing the right leaders is the only way to make a difference and more effectively restore and preserve our Second Amendment rights.”
Schwartz said SDCGO’s list of endorsed candidates does not include every race in San Diego County.
“If someone’s name does not appear on our voter guide, then it is safe to assume we are not recommending a vote for them,” he said. “A lot of candidates were considered who did not earn our endorsement. If a voter cannot verify support for the Second Amendment between two candidates in a specific race, then we recommend leaving the ballot blank. Give only good candidates your support because together we will win.”
Schwartz said voters should refer to the websites of statewide and national Second Amendment organizations to review endorsements of candidates for state and federal public offices.
“It is crucial that voters elect solidly pro-gun candidates who will speak out and defend the fundamental right to self defense for law-abiding citizens, oppose an extremist gun-control agenda, and stand strong in support of the Second Amendment,” said Schwartz. “We take seriously these endorsements. We are proud to support local candidates who believe the purpose of the Second Amendment as an important and valuable individual right. We are committed to restoring and protecting our rights in California by getting volunteers involved in local level activism and outreach.”
SDCGO’s list of endorsements includes two candidates for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, along with candidates for mayor in two San Diego County cities and 19 candidates for seats on 11 local city councils, plus candidates for college district, school district and special district board seats.
Among other SDCGO endorsements of candidates in San Diego County for the November general election:
— Kristen Gaspar (District 3), reelection to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors;
— Rocky Chavez, mayor, City of Oceanside;
— Joe Leventhal (District 5), Noli Zosa (District 7), San Diego City Council;
— Tina Inscoe (District 2), Joe Garcia (District 3), Mike Morasco (District 4), Escondido City Council;
— Barry Leonard (District 2), Frank Fournier (District 4), Poway City Council;
— Ryan Keim (District 3), Peter Weiss (District 4), Oceanside City Council;
— Keith Blackburn (District 2), Carlsbad City Council;
— Amanda Rigby (District 3), Joe Green (District 2), Vista City Council;
— Mike Diaz (District 4), Henry Martinez (District 3), Chula Vista City Council;
— Will Nimmo (District 4), Imperial Beach City Council;
— Dane White (District 4), Escondido Union High School District;
— Leslie Schneider (Area 2), Michael Allman (Area 4), San Dieguito Union High School District;
— Famela Ramos (Seat 2), Chula Vista Elementary School District;
— William “Bud” McLeroy, Southwestern Community College District;
— Tamara Rodriguez (District 2, South Bay), San Diego County Board of Education;
— Lee De Meo, North County Fire Protection District in Fallbrook.
Founded in 2015, the San Diego County Gun Owners is a registered political action committee (FPPC ID #1379388) and advocacy organization focused on organizing the gun industry and community and protecting the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to bear arms. With a membership exceeding 2,000 individuals, the PAC provides news and information on new gun laws and Second Amendment advocacy. Its sponsored events include gun safety classes, small gun shows, sporting clay shoots, social gatherings and pistol, rifle and shotgun experiences taught by professional instructors. SDCGO features a diverse and inclusive membership with representatives the LGBT, Latino, African American, Asian and Pacific Islander communities. While every U.S. state has a Second Amendment PAC, along with several nationwide gun rights PACs, the SDCGO is believed to be the America’s first, strictly local, countywide Second Amendment advocacy organization. For more information, visit www.sandiegocountygunowners.com.